Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges World Heritage Tentative Site Nomination, PNG
ASSESSING CULTURAL LANDSCAPES FOR THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST
Client: The Papua New Guinea Conservation and Environment Protection Authority
The Project
Extent Heritage was engaged to provide expert advice in relation to the potential World Heritage nomination of an area including the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges (KTOSR) in Papua New Guinea. The KTOSR is a large, complex area with multiple layers of both natural and cultural heritage values, including those relating to the area’s World War II history. Given the iconic nature of the study area and its importance to a range of stakeholders, our inputs had to be robust in the face of public and professional scrutiny, achieve appropriate heritage outcomes, and comply with the processes and expectations of the joint ‘Kokoda Initiative’ (between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia).
Value Unlocked
Extent Heritage designed a database of 'attributes' illustrating the potential Outstanding Universal Value of the KTOSR. The database formed a critical part of our report which presented practical recommendations to progress any future nomination. It is the first step in a process with enormous implications for the conservation and economic development of the region.