World Heritage - Kokoda Tourism Workshop

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Kokoda Tourism Workshop
In April I was invited to attend the Kokoda Initiative Tourism Stakeholder Workshop in Canberra. The workshop provided an opportunity for consultation and discussion between the Australian Government and some key stakeholders involved with the Kokoda Track and Tourism. This workshop was conducted in the context of developing a Kokoda initiative.
The workshop structure was as follows.
1) Update on developments to date with Kokoda Initiative
2) Presentation on Australia’s experience of complex management arrangements for protected areas.
3) Discussion on options and priorities for including in a sustainable development program for communities along the Track.
4) The workshop also focused on the broader aspects of development, community needs and management issues along Kokoda, rather than particular issues such as mining.

World Heritage Application
The Papuan New Guinea Government has also commenced the first stages of its application for World Heritage for the Owen Stanley Ranges. This application also includes the area along the Kokoda Track. The application has been done on the unique Bio-diversity of the area.

Tourism Industry Working Group Membership
Wayne Wetherall from Kokoda Spirit is working with a select group of operators, with the assistance of the Australian Government to develop a Code of Conduct for the Kokoda Track Tour Operators. This group will research existing Codes of Conducts, distribute information, collate ideas and information from the group, write a draft code and distribute to the group for consensus then distribute it to the wider Tourism group.