Define
the task
Background The Kokoda Track (track and trail are both used) in Papua New Guinea was the scene of a bloody, chaotic battle between Australian and Japanese troops in 1942 during World War II. The 96 kilometre track, from Kokoda to Owers Corner, passes through rugged, mountainous country with dense rainforest. During the battle, many Australian soldiers were dependent on local villagers who were affectionately known as ‘fuzzy wuzzy angels’.
In more recent times, the track has become the focus of controversy as Australian tourism to the area has increased rapidly raising environmental and safety concerns. For the local villagers, the Koiari and Orokaiva people, there are issues of track ownership and access to education and health services. There are also questions around mining and World Heritage listing.
Two scenarios
In teams, select one of the following scenarios.
Scenario 1: You will be acting as the editorial team for a major news outlet (print, radio or television) in Papua New Guinea. You will develop an opinion piece about future development of the Kokoda Track. You will investigate the opinions of local Papua New Guineans and the PNG government, and Australian tourists and government, to discuss economic, environment and cultural issues around tourism, mining and heritage listing. Your report will conclude with a recommendation about future development.
Scenario 2: You will be acting as a team of journalists at an Australian media outlet. You will report on the importance of the Kokoda Track to past, present and future generations of Australians. You will seek to understand the increased popularity of walking the Kokoda Track and make a recommendation about future development of the track which address economic, environmental and cultural issues for both Australians and Papua New Guineans.
Perspectives on the
Global Question Outline of team roles
Kokoda Track villagers
You are the Koiari and Orokaiva people on whose land the Kokoda Track is located. Your grandparents risked their lives to support Australian troops during World War II. They were known as the ‘fuzzy wuzzy angels’. Today your families are subsistence farmers with limited access to health and education. Australian trekkers walking the Kokoda Track have brought a new source of income. Some of you work as guides and porters while others provide food and accommodation. But the western culture of trekkers is challenging your local ways, their waste is polluting your land and water, and their numbers are eroding the track. A mining company may be offering you other ways to earn an income.
Papua New Guinea government
You are the Government of Papua New Guinea. The population of your country is geographically and culturally diverse with over 700 cultural groups, many living in remote areas. Providing quality health care, education and adequate transportation is expensive and difficult with very rough terrain and a limited road network. Your country gained independence from Australia in 1975 but retains strong links to Australia through aid, trade and investment. Australian tourists’ increasing interest in the Kokoda Track has led to an agreement with the Australian government for the management of the track and an application for World Heritage Listing.
Australian government
As the Australian government, you have many social, economic and political ties with Papua New Guinea. After granting the country independence in 1975, you still provide a large aid program and are Papua New Guinea’s largest source of imports and its largest export market. Australian investment in PNG is mainly in mining, particularly gold mining, and oil and gas.
Recent interest in tourism along the Kokoda Track has led to an agreement with the PNG government for the management of the track and an application for World Heritage Listing. You have provided funding for improved infrastructure for the safety of Australian tourists and access to improved health and education for villagers living along the track.
Australian tourist
You have carefully selected an ethical trekking company which supports the development of villages. You are interested in getting to know local villagers as well as learning about the history and environment of the area as you take up the challenge to walk this gruelling track.
Locate
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