Papua New Guinea holiday, The Kokoda Trail

Planet

Suppliers and Waste

Suppliers: All of our team in PNG are local PNG Nationals. Before we came to PNG over 10 years ago, many of our team had little regard for the environment, using it as they had for centuries as a servant to their own needs. Now that adventure travel relies on a pristine environment, they understand the importance of preserving the environment so that it continues to generate an income for future generations. Waste from the Track, both for trekkers and our local porter team, is taken off the Track and sent back to Port Moresby. Trees that were once used to engrave names on are now left untouched and local fauna once captured and eaten is left alone now.

Waste management along the Kokoda Track is the single most important factor in protecting the environment. Human bodily waste is confined to drop toilets. However we have installed 6 eco toilets at strategic locations along the 96km trail, that prevent human waste from seeping into the environment. All guest are informed of the need to dispose of their personal waste in a conscientious manner. Waste from food such as plastics, glass and aluminium are all taken away from the Track and disposed of in Port Moresby at the local refuge station.

People

We promise 'A Fair Deal' and 'Volunteering and Charity'

Fair Deal : All our local team are paid above the Kokoda Track Authority's recommended amount. Each team member is given a contract which outlines all their duties and conditions. This is signed both them and us and spans a 12 month period. Each year we also send 10 of our team to Australia for 2 weeks as a cultural exchange. This is positive because it really is giving them the fair deal that they deserve. They know what they are doing and are paid a good amount.

Volunteering and Charity : We have established a Health program along the Kokoda Track, bringing Doctors and Nurses to this remote part of PNG 4 times a year. These health care workers mentor local health teams, focusing on maternal, pediatric health as well as eye care and general health. In 2015 we are bring 3 physically deformed children to Australia to be operated on so that they can experience a full life back in PNG. This is great for the community and exactly why it is a promise to support the community in PNG.