Newly-trained rangers ready to manage track

NINETEEN rangers are ready to strengthen the Kokoda Track management after completing five months of training.
Track Authority chief executive officer Julius Wargirai said the ranger capacity development project included basic training in conservation and ecosystem management skills.
“This is an important milestone to conserve and maintain the track, support the tourism and trekking industry, protect the natural environment and maintain sites of military significance,” he said.
Wargirai said the project was supported by the Australian government through the Kokoda initiative, part of the PNG-Australia partnership.
He said the training, for the first time, engaged four women as rangers to manage the track.
“The track is one of PNG’s most important tourism assets and when rangers train well, it creates a safe environment for both international and domestic trekkers,” Wargirai said.
Wargirai said a selected number of rangers would progress to an advanced curriculum to enable the authority to take on more responsibilities to protect the environment, tourism and heritage resources.
“This will see advanced graduate awarded with an internationally recognised certificate in conservation and ecosystems management.”
Australian High Commissioner Jonathan Philp congratulated the rangers for completing the training.
“The Kokoda Track is an important symbol of the enduring partnership between PNG and Australia, an important driver of people-to-people links,” he said.
“This ranger capacity training programme will strengthen what the KTA is doing to ensure the track is safe.”