Tenkile Conservation Alliance LtdRegistered

During 20232024 the Tenkile Conservation Alliance was working on assisting rainforest communities of Papua New Guinea via the installation of solar lighting sources in each household. This project began in 2021 and was completed at the end of 2023. This project resulted in the installation of 8,005 solar households lights and 350 solar street lights into 146 rainforest communities situated at the southern foothills of the Torricelli Mountain Range, home to the critically endangered Tenkile Tree Kangaroo. This project provided livelihood benefits and poverty alleviation for more than 24,000 people. During the impact assessment, many people reported that they had more time to work on business initiatives as a result of the lighting availability and they were saving money on batteries for their torches. Health benefits were also reported as there was less need for people to burn dry bamboo torches as their primary lighting source so there was less inhalation of smoke within the household. This was particularly important impact for women and children. Children reported being able to do homework for the first time and read books as there was light available in the household at night. In May 2024, TCA received a new grant from the Rainforest Trust which enabled 43 new female rangers to become rokrok meri's. Their engagement results in providing better gender equity and engagement in community and conservation activities within the rainforest communities of Papua New Guinea. Their involvement provided further upgrades to the Protected Area Monitoring Application that has been developed by TCA. TCA Australia continues to provide TCA in Papua New Guinea with the technical, accounting, advocacy and management assistance to support all of their work in Papua New Guinea.