Rangers trained on using technology

The National National
Rangers learning to use technology to capture information during forensics training.

KOKODA Track Authority’s (KTA) partnership with Australia has exposed its rangers to internationally-recognised training in conservation and protection of military heritage, the authority’s acting chief executive says.
Julius Wargirai said KTA ranger capacity development project (RCDP) trained nine men and three women rangers, each from communities in the Kokoda region, in conservation and ecosystems management, according to internationally-certified standards.
It has also facilitated training for rangers from the Australian army’s unrecovered war casualties unit and the American Defence Missing-In-Action Accounting Agency.
These agencies delivered a short course in basic forensics to equip rangers with the knowledge and skills to document and report discoveries of human remains.
“This provides an excellent opportunity for KTA rangers and local community members to work together to learn how to protect the track, the environment and its heritage, and sustain trekking tourism for future generations,” Wargirai said.
Two reinforced footbridges have also been built in the Mt Koiari region by collaboration between the KTA rangers, landowners and communities and supported by ranger training specialists from Australia.