Plans set for Kokoda anniversary

MORE than 3,000 trekkers are expected to embark on the Kokoda Track this year as the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority promotes the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign with commemorative treks being run by many of the tour operators along the track.
Last week, the Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) held an event in Sydney, Australia, marking this special anniversary and the start of the trekking season. 
The evening highlighted the community developments that have occurred along the track due to the campaign legacy and the positive, special relationship between the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and the Australian Diggers.
Recent research estimates each year trekkers visiting the Kokoda area have contributed millions of dollars to improving the track. 
Creating a sustainable region and tourism product, this invaluable income will continue to benefit local communities, led by the Kokoda Initiative, a joint partnership between the PNG and Australian governments.
Reminding Australians of the special bond forged between the countries 70 years ago, Kokoda Track Authority chairman Ruben Maleva, encouraged people to trek Kokoda.
An estimated 30,000 Australians have returned to trek Kokoda since Australian soldiers left PNG.
“This has made a huge impact to the local communities aiding development with increased education and health services, creating jobs for porters, guides and guesthouse operators and other small businesses,” Maleva said.
On top of helping the community, many of the local people have built friendships and renewed bonds through tourism development, he added.
Kokoda Initiative is working with bodies such as the Department of Environment and Conservation, Kokoda Track Authority, AusAID Kokoda Development Programme and the PNGTPA to implement sustainable development programmes in the region.
Through the Kokoda Track Authority, more than 25% of the trekking fees that have been implemented on the track go back into the local community and contribute to improving the development of local communities along the track. 
Since 2009, revenue from these fees has seen over A$270,000 going back to the local communities, along with more than 1,000 locals gaining jobs thanks to tourism along the Track. 
A documentary titled One Journey, Many stories, produced by PNG film makers Yumi Piksa from the University of Goroka, was launched this week by the Kokoda Initiative.
This film shows the many people, including health workers, school teachers, rangers and community leaders who are all involved in the Kokoda Initiative and working to achieve the vision of sustainable development in the region.
The short film can be viewed at  http://www.youtube.com/user/DeptEnvironment/featured
Other key events to mark the 70th anniversary this year include a number of events for local communities to commemorate significant dates of the campaign.
An event at Sogeri where the Kokoda campaign started 70 years ago will kick off these events on July 29. 
There will also be events at Isurava village, Brigade Hill, Iorabaiwa village, Eora Creek and an event in
Kokoda on Nov 2 to celebrate Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day.
Air Niugini will also be creating unprecedented awareness for PNG and Kokoda as it travels to Sydney. 
The transformed Boeing 767s will become a Kokoda “flying billboard”, displaying on the side of the aircraft a map of the Owen Stanley Ranges, where the Kokoda campaign was fought.
This year’s anniversary not only gives Australians a chance to reflect on this important part of the two country’s shared history, but the PNGTPA hopes it will lead to more Australians being inspired to do the trek and in turn contribute to the communities along it.