Conservation and development options for the Kokoda Track and surrounding regions

Abstract

The Agreement to protect the integrity of the Kokoda Track had been described as the flagship of the bilateral relationship between PNG and Australia. This study has highlighted that PNG and Australia have placed differing values on the KT and the surrounding areas. The shape and size of the area and the nature of the landscape values being sought to be protected as per the Agreement would be determined by a compromise. In addition, the scope of protection would also be determined by the relative sophistication of landowners from the KT communities as well as the size and complexity of the benefit-package being negotiated in exchange for the perceived mining threat. What is clear is that the protection being sought is for the KT corridor and the encompassing region, also being referred to as the broader Area of Interest, currently being determined for World Heritage nomination.This study addresses the notion that the Kokoda Initiative depicts an Integrated Conservation and Development Project in terms of its design and implementation. It will also address the issue of the difference between the KI versus a backdrop of other ICDPs being implemented previously in PNG. In addition it will also address the issue of which features of the KI make it more or less likely to be successful in achieving its ultimate goal of protecting the integrity of the KT as well as the broader AOI?This study analysed the different approaches pursued by the PNG and Australian governments to protect the KT and the broader AOI. It conducted an analysis of the different actors involved, including how these actor-relationships have played out in the context of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Information relevant to the study, already available in the public domain in the form of reports, journals, newspapers and web-based sources, including other relevant sources were followed up with interviews of a range of (pre-determined) subjects.This study highlights that protection was being sought for Australian values, over a physical space, within the sovereign state of PNG. Land use contestation by Australian interests and actors accompanied by their PNG counterparts and associates were played out within PNG's legal framework and government structure. Actors that were strongly aligned to political interests seemed to have enjoyed the upper hand in this contest. PNG is a signatory to a variety of multilateral environmental agreements and international conventions to protect its environment. On their own, these MEAs and conventions seemed to have played 'second-fiddle' to national economic interests. However, with the involvement of Australia, its political influence and Aid package, the PNG Government did demonstrate a rare and uncharacteristic vote for conservation and resource management ahead of economic interests. Despite some policy changes in PNG favouring the environment, the Kokoda story demonstrated that the PNG Government needed a backing from its Australian counterpart to choose in favour of the environment, ahead of economic interests.