Kunawa Getaway Beach Site is Growing Eco-Tourism through Marine Conservation in Milne Bay

Along the scenic East Cape Highway in Milne Bay Province, Kunawa Getaway Beach Site is emerging as a strong example of how community-led eco-tourism can balance livelihoods, culture, and marine conservation.

May 19, 2026

Ms. Margret Joel & Mr. Abel Wallace, both manage the Kunawa Getaway Beach Site.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Led by Abel Wallace and Margret Joel, Kunawa is a current grantee under UNDP’s Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis project through the Blue Grants – Blue Economy Enterprise Incubation Facility (BE-EIF). What began as a simple family picnic site has steadily evolved into a community-driven eco-tourism initiative with a clear long-term vision: to protect coastal ecosystems while creating sustainable income opportunities for local people.

“At the beginning, we started with just a picnic area for families and groups,” Abel explains. “But we saw the potential to develop it further into something that supports both tourism and our community.”

Today, Kunawa offers a relaxed beachfront setting where visitors gather for picnics, family outings, church events, and group activities. The site is gradually expanding its scope to include environmental experiences such as mangrove planting, conservation awareness sessions, and community engagement around sustainable marine resource use.

A key focus of the initiative is the planned establishment of a Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA), this LMMA will support community-driven rules that help protect coral reefs, mangroves, and marine biodiversity, while ensuring responsible harvesting practices.

Able & Margaret updating Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis project staff on the sites challenges and achievements.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

“The mangroves are very important for us,” Abel says. “If we don’t protect the shoreline and reefs now, we will have to go further out to fish in the future. This is about protecting our livelihood.”

Through this approach, Kunawa is linking environmental protection directly with community wellbeing, ensuring that marine resources are managed sustainably for future generations.

However, as interest in the site grows, so do infrastructure limitations. Currently, Kunawa operates with basic facilities such as open shelters, simple seating areas, and limited sanitation infrastructure. While these are suitable for day visits, they are not yet sufficient for overnight stays or larger tourist groups.

The lack of guest accommodation, proper sanitation facilities, and a secure perimeter fence has also limited the site’s ability to fully develop its eco-tourism potential.

With support from the Blue Economy Enterprise Incubation Facility (BE‑EIF), which provides technical assistance and blue grants, Kunawa is now addressing these gaps through targeted improvements. Planned developments include perimeter fencing to improve safety and site management, upgraded sanitation facilities, and the construction of guesthouse-style accommodation and a conference house to support longer stays and group events. they have also purchased a dinghy and snorkelling kits using the grant.

Kunawa Beach Site conference house, currently under construction.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Some of this infrastructure work is already underway. The fencing is completed, and a small mangrove nursery has been established on-site, with more than 100 seedlings grown and around 50 already planted along the shoreline. These mangroves are gradually strengthening coastal protection while restoring critical habitats for marine life.

Completed fencing for the site.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

“We are seeing progress with the mangroves,” Abel notes. “Some are growing well, and we will continue planting more to protect the coast.”

Established mangrove nursery.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Beyond infrastructure and conservation, Kunawa is deeply rooted in community participation. Local youth are engaged in site preparation, gardening, and resource gathering, while women are actively involved in cooking, hospitality services, and the production of traditional crafts such as mats and baskets. These activities provide small but meaningful income opportunities while preserving cultural knowledge.

“When visitors come, the women bring their crafts and sometimes sell them,” Abel shares. “The young people help with the work on the ground. Everyone is involved.”

The project also creates space for awareness and learning, where visitors and community members engage in discussions around marine protection, sustainable fishing practices, and the importance of mangroves in coastal resilience.

Despite challenges, Kunawa’s vision remains steady. Abel sees the next three to five years as a period of transformation, where the site transitions into a more formal eco-tourism operation with improved facilities, increased visitor numbers, and stronger community benefits.

“We hope to have proper facilities in place and operate more formally in the future,” he says. “We know it will bring more activity, but also more responsibility.”

One of the long-term priorities is strengthening shoreline protection, particularly in response to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Abel hopes that future support will enable the construction of more robust sea defence structures to safeguard the site and surrounding communities.

Kunawa Beach site location and shoreline.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Kunawa Getaway Beach Site is a clear example of how small, community-led initiatives can evolve into meaningful drivers of sustainable development. By linking eco-tourism, marine conservation, and local livelihoods, it demonstrates the practical potential of the Blue Economy in action.

Through continued support under initiatives like Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis, UNDP is helping communities like Kunawa turn local vision into lasting impact, building resilience, protecting ecosystems.