Author: Charlie

CHAPTER 32: Review of the Kokoda Initiative 2017-2020 review by Oxford Policy Management

On 12 March 2020 we received an email from Kate Michelly, Senior Program Manager. Australia Office for Oxford Policy Management (UK) ‘regarding a review of the Australian Government development program components of the Kokoda Initiative funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.’

Ms Michelly advised that ‘the Australian High Commission has engaged Oxford Policy Management (OPM) to conduct an independent review into the effectiveness and relevance of Australia’s support to the Kokoda Initiative Partnership’ and that ‘the major focus of the review is ‘learning to support improvement of delivery and provide recommendations for future options for further support of the Kokoda Initiative.’

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CHAPTER 27: Database Evaluation of the Kokoda Trekking Industry: 2003-2019

Official data, based on the number of Trek Permits issued by the Kokoda Track (Special Purpose) Authority (KTA), reveals that villagers across the Kokoda Trail have suffered a cumulative decline of K49.7 million in lost income opportunities since the DFAT-Kokoda Initiative assumed responsibility for its management in 2009.

A Kokoda Livelihoods Study by Pacific Islands Projects revealed the DFAT-Kokoda Initiative allocates just 1% of their budget to ‘income generating projects’ for villagers across the Trail.

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