Help with beekeeping and conservation of endemic flora & fauna in our natural habitat near Goroka, Papua New Guinea

Details

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  Description

  Hi fellow workawayers,
  
  my family (my wife and 4 kids) and I are running a project since 2013 in Goroka, located in the Eastern Highlands Province within Papua New Guinea. Goroka is the famous city which hosts the annual "Goroka Show" (normally around our Independence Day in September) - look it up on Google, you will be amazed.
  
  Our habitat is in beautiful mountains surrounded by warm and sometimes chilly temperatures (for us highlanders). Our project focuses on setting up a natural habitat of native species with natural flora and fauna, which serves educational purposes for visitors, students, families, tourists, and researchers. Our goal is to have the best natural habitat and we have started developing the land and planted more than 400 trees, flowers and herbs throughout the last 3 years already.
  
  We need a variety of help from environmental research, beekeeping, to establishing an online presence, as well as maintenance work throughout the property.
  
  Please read the outlined briefing carefully and thoughtfully consider your stay. If you are serious about coming, I will be happy to hear from you. We welcome everyone.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Besides learning about the flora and fauna of the Natural Habitat and the Eastern Highlands, you will have the chance to experience the rich PNG culture.
  
  My family will be happy to take good care of you and escort you to all the places you would like to see. We can arrange a variety of cultural experiences, such as:
  -the world -famous asaro Mudman
  -climb Mt. Wilhelm and other mountains in the area
  -see the bird of paradise & sleep in the jungle
  -visit nearby villages with traditional artifacts
  -explore Goroka (local rugby games, rivers, museum),...

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  Help

  We are always looking for creative, ambitious and like-minded people who can provide us with new ideas and help us reaching our goals with the natural habitat. However, the tasks we have are dependent on the season, as well as circumstances here. Hence, please read the briefing outlined below and let me know your skills and interests.
  
  1) BEEKEEPING & HONEY EXTRACTION
  My main job is being a beekeeper and empowering local communities to set up their own honey farms. Therefore, people who have or would like to gain experience in beekeeping, have the chance to help with a variety of tasks:
  -beekeeping and honey extraction
  -educating villagers on how to keep highland honey bees
  -building bee boxes
  -maintaining and looking after the property
  
  2) ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
  For botanical enthusiasts and biologists, there is always the possibility of helping with the signage of certain endemic flowers and trees, as well as the animals we are keeping in the habitat. By creating a catalogue of the entire flora and fauna you can make it easier for us and the visitors to understand and learn about our rich environment.
  
  3) CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING
  People with construction experience are very welcome to bring in new ideas in building natural style houses to keep the place as authentic as possible as well as help with fencing, setting up new infrastructure for tourists and designing the land (e.g. paths, electric lines) as well as help us plan (execute) structural water solutions (irrigation and drainage solutions, rainwater collection methods, septic tank cleaning).
  
  4) WEBSITE, PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
  -establishing social media channels
  -updating our website
  -taking care of email communication (English) with our guests/visitors
  -photography of culture/flora/fauna/beekeeping
  -document development for future visitors
  -new creative ideas
  
  5) GOROKA SHOW
  Around Goroka show, I want to get visitors close to Papuan traditions and culture as well, which is why I need help with the organization and preparation of exhibitions at my property.
  
  There are plenty of other things we would need help with, such as teaching English to our kids or showing us new recipes. You are welcome to suggest any other activities to make our place the best natural habitat in PNG.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  The workaway house is currently being rebuilt, as it was destroyed by a landslide last year. Remember, PNG life is simple, which is why also the workaway accommodation is basic. The temporary accommodation consists of:
  - kitchenette with electric or gas stove (no sink, no fridge)
  -beds and a table with chairs
  -outside flush toilet
  -outside shower (cold water)
  -outside running water
  
  You will be living close to my family, as well as 4 friendly dogs, surrounded by beautiful views, mountains and nature. Depending on the season, you can pick your own fruits and veggies, as avocados, cherry tomatoes, bananas, ginger, cabbage, pumpkins...
  
  The city and the market is not far away, so you can buy your own food, as well as necessities like detergent, shampoo or toilet paper. (Depending on what ingredients you want to buy, count approximately USD 30 for a week to compliment your own meals).

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  What else ...

  We know, Papua New Guinea doesn't have the best reputation but let me tell you, you won't forget this experience. Our area is safe and we will take good care of you as long as you are a considerate person :)
  
  The internet connection depends on the weather. It is sufficient to check emails or chat on WhatsApp. However, for a proper connection, you would need to go to the city.
  
  Please be aware that diseases such as Malaria, Typhoid or Tuberculosis do exist here. Inform yourself about the required vaccines. Some workawayers take a Malaria Prophylaxe throughout their stay.
  
  Expect the unexpected in PNG ;)

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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