Ecotourism

Milne Bay

Milne Bay is an up & coming eco tourism destination in PNG and is expected to become a model for the rest of the country. There are a number of lodges in the town and quite a few village guest houses coming up. Ecotourism is being developed in the villages focusing on the rainforest, trekking, birdwatching, bat caving, fishing, diving, snorkling, war sites, surfing and cultural sites of interest. The province has the richest marine biodiversity in the world, which is why so many divers come to Milne Bay. There are orchids, marsupials, birds of paradise, mountains, islands, rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs and skull caves as well as a fascinating local history based on missionaries, mercenaries and misfit fortune seekers.

Golden Rules of Ecotourism

The following golden rules for ecotourism have been provided by Conservation International.

As a traveler, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. Here are some rules of thumb to make this impact positive!

Keep these Golden Rules in mind when you travel:

• Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories, and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings, appropriate dress, eating behaviors, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip.

• Follow established guidelines. Ask your ecotour operator, guide and /or the local authorities what their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to minimize your impact in sensitive areas.

• Seek out and support locally-owned businesses. Support local businesses during your ecotravels to ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your tourist dollars