The PNG National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) in partnership with the Oro Provincial Government, has launched a new Site Management Plan for the Kokoda Plateau Memorial Park. In order to better document each site and guarantee sustainable use while maintaining each site's distinct military legacy, archaeological potential, and environmental values, a series of site management plans, including the Kokoda Plateau Site Management Plan, is being prepared for important locations along the Kokoda Track. These plans cover hiking and other tourism infrastructure, military legacy management, archeological and environmental preservation and management, new interpretation (signage, etc.), and memorial. On Sunday, November 3rd, the Plan was introduced at Kokoda as part of a local celebration of Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Day (PNG) and Kokoda Day (Australia), which marks the 82nd anniversary of the reoccupation of Kokoda by Papuan and Australian forces during World War II. A Deed of Agreement was signed by: - NMAG Board of Trustees President Terence Moka, - Governor Gary Juffa representing the Oro provincial government, and - Member for Sohe Open Henry Amuli representing the local community Each party agreed to work together in close partnership with the local community to preserve the site and manage its heritage values. The signing ceremony was attended by Kokoda District officers, local PNGDF veterans, a representative of the Australian High Commission, an Australian tour group and large numbers of people from local community who provided a traditional welcome to the visiting dignitaries. NMAG Board of Trustees President Terence Moka as well as the other two signatories stressed the importance of protecting and developing Kokoda Track history and heritage. “The Kokoda Track is an important touchstone for our nation’s war history and heritage, closely shared with Australia, and an invaluable tourism asset which needs looking after.” “These management plans will ensure a strong partnership between the National Museum, the Provincial governments and local communities towards protecting and promoting this shared heritage for generations to come.” While other sites lie on customary land, with local community landowners the main partners for NMAG on heritage management, the Kokoda site lies on state land, making the provincial government the legal ‘landowner’. However, Governor Juffa acknowledged the traditional resource custodians who help look after the site. As part of the Site Management Plan, Governor Juffa announced plans for a new memorial at Kokoda commemorating the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), composed of Papua New Guineans who fought alongside Australian forces on the Kokoda Track and elsewhere. Beyond the PIB memorial, other highlights of the Kokoda Plan are: - New interpretive signage at the entrance to memorial complex, telling a concise the story of the place - its history and what’s there today. - Explore prospects for a ‘peace garden’ on the Plateau, including a hauswin-style sheltered reflection area. - Refurbishment of existing four memorials. - Maintenance and repair Kokoda Track Archway at the northern terminus of the Track. - Further historical and archaeological research on the undeveloped area north of memorials and Museum, and surrounding slopes. By strengthening the preservation, administration, and accessibility of the area's military and cultural legacy, the new Site Management Plans are a component of the NMAG's Kokoda Track Military legacy Management Plan, which aims to improve the hiking experience and benefit the community more broadly. The PNG National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) is a primary partner agency of the Kokoda Initiative (KI), along with the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA), Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA), Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA). The Australian government closely supports the Kokoda Initiative through the Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP).