Turning grief into purpose: Elton Kaitokai tackles environmental challenges at Crawford

Elton Mokegega Kaitokai’s story begins in the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea, where resilience and sustainable practices are woven into daily life. Growing up in a community shaped by natural disasters, limited government services, and rich cultural knowledge, Elton developed a deep passion for understanding how indigenous resource management systems can complement contemporary approaches to foster resilience and sustainable development. 

Today, Elton reflects on the personal and professional challenges that have brought him to completing a Master of Environmental Management and Development and looks ahead to the opportunities this achievement creates for making a lasting impact on his community and country. 

Hello Elton, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I am from the Trobriand Islands in Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. In remote Islands like this, communities have thrived through resilience, sustainable practices, and deep cultural knowledge despite limited resources and government services. Growing up in this environment, where natural disasters are common and traditional knowledge is vital, shaped my passion for understanding how indigenous resource management systems can complement contemporary approaches to foster resilience and sustainable development. This passion has guided both my academic and professional journey.  

My parents' work as teachers took us to remote areas across PNG before we returned home in 1990, further exposing me to the challenges rural communities face. After completing my secondary education in Milne Bay, I pursued a bachelor's degree and later an Honours degree in Anthropology at the University of PNG, graduating in 2006. My Honours research focused on traditional early warning systems in Milne Bay, exploring how local communities use indigenous knowledge to navigate environmental challenges.  

Since joining the Department of Environment and Conservation in 2009 (now Conservation and Environment Protection Authority), I have worked with remote, rural communities on conservation and protected areas. These experiences have deepened my commitment to bridging traditional and modern approaches to resource management. I view conservation not as an alternative to development but as a sustainable pathway toward achieving long-term development. Recognizing and embracing the wealth of environmental knowledge at the local level is essential to ensuring that conservation efforts align with community priorities and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development, without promoting conservation as development itself, which can raise unrealistic expectations.  

What motivates me most is helping rural communities not just as part of my job but as someone who intimately understands their struggles. People in these areas seek tangible development outcomes - roads, schools, health services, and income - and situating conservation within their context and values is critical. For me, the success of conservation lies in its ability to respect local voices, balance livelihoods with biodiversity protection, and support the communities that depend on their environments.  

My journey has been marked by resilience and perseverance through profound challenges. Just before completing my undergraduate studies, I lost my niece, who was very close to me. This was a difficult time, but I pushed through to graduate. In 2009, I began my career and was offered an opportunity to pursue a master’s program here in Australia. However, tragedy struck again - I lost my eldest brother that year, and I chose to put further studies on hold to focus on my family and later settled down in marriage.  

In 2017, I was accepted for a British scholarship, but my wife gave birth to our son just a week before I was due to leave. Leaving them behind was too difficult, so I stayed and continued working at CEPA. In 2021, I applied for the Australian Awards scholarship but lost my father during the process. After grieving and returning to work, I promised myself I would seize the next opportunity to study, no matter the circumstances.  

In 2022, I was accepted for the Australian Awards. Yet, even as I prepared to leave, I lost my paternal uncle, a key figure in my life. Despite the emotional burden, I fulfilled my promise to pursue this path. Leaving my six-year-old son and wife in 2023 was incredibly difficult, but after a year apart, they joined me in February 2024. Their presence has been my greatest source of strength.  

This journey has taught me that nothing is impossible with determination and faith. Every setback has shaped my resolve, and today I stand at  the Australian National University (ANU), pursuing knowledge to honour the sacrifices of my loved ones and achieve my goals.  

Why did you decide to study a Master of Environmental Management and Development at the Crawford School?  

I chose to study this course because it aligns with my passion for integrating environmental policy and natural resource management to address the challenges of sustainable development importantly at the rural level. The program offers the theoretical understanding and practical skills I need to tackle complex issues related to biodiversity conservation, resource development, and environmental sustainability.

It directly supports my professional goals of engaging more deeply with rural communities, conducting environmental and social impact assessments, and focusing on traditional ecological knowledge in resource management. I believe these skills are critical for achieving economic viability, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability in diverse contexts.  

ANU stood out as my choice for its reputation as one of Australia’s leading institutions, consistently ranked among the top globally for its academic programs and impactful research.   

The Crawford School of Public Policy offers a unique interdisciplinary approach that bridges environment, development, and policy. The school’s emphasis on contextual understanding and applied solutions aligns perfectly with my professional and personal aspirations.   

Ultimately, this course has enhanced my ability to synthesize and communicate contemporary environmental and development policy issues more effectively. By completing this program, I believe I am better positioned to contribute meaningfully to my organization’s goals and build a career focused on sustainable resource development and biodiversity management, making a positive impact on Papua New Guinea’s environment and communities.  

What topic area are you most interested in and why?   

I am deeply interested in environmental management and governance, particularly within the context of a resource-rich yet developing nation like Papua New Guinea (PNG). In my experience as a public servant, I have observed how economic development often takes precedence over sound environmental management. The environment is frequently undervalued, seen as fragile and expendable when wealth, status, or security are prioritized.

While the government and people may express concern for the environment, it is largely viewed as a resource for human benefit, making it difficult to balance development and conservation. As a result, conservation efforts are often overshadowed by development, leading to environmental neglect and long-term risks.  

This challenge is particularly pronounced in remote rural areas where locals are rarely given the opportunity to make informed decisions due to the uneven distribution of development and resources. Recognizing these gaps has reinforced my commitment to addressing them through my academic and professional pursuits.

Throughout my studies, I have tailored my assignments to reflect these challenges, focusing on practical applications of the insights I have gained. By emphasizing conservation and sustainable practices, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue and practice of environmental governance in PNG.  

Specific areas include; impact assessment, resource conflicts, environmental policy, environmental communication and climate change as cross-cutting issues.  

How would you describe your experience at Crawford? 

My experience at Crawford has been incredibly enriching and transformative. The academic environment fosters critical thinking and encourages meaningful engagement with complex global and regional challenges. The classes are well-structured, blending theoretical insights with practical applications, which has been invaluable in helping me relate new insights and knowledge of real-world environmental governance issues to Papua New Guinea.  

The Department of Resources, Environment and Development at Crawford overall are exceptional - knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to student success. Their diverse expertise and willingness to provide mentorship have been instrumental in broadening my perspectives and enhancing my analytical skills. Collaborative projects and case studies have challenged me to apply what I’ve learned to practical scenarios, allowing me to grow both academically and professionally.

Allowing reflexivity was fundamental for me in allowing me to see beyond my comfort zone knowing it was not only the professionals who facilitated learning but equally important has been the peer community. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique insights and experiences that have enriched discussions and group work. The collaborative spirit within the cohort has created a supportive and inspiring environment where we not only learn from each other but also form lasting connections.  

Overall, my time at Crawford has deepened my understanding of environmental management and governance while equipping me with the tools and networks to support me contribute meaningfully to development and conservation challenges in my home country. It has been a truly rewarding experience that has exceeded my expectations.  

Did you participate in any of the research projects, or did you undertake an internship as part of your studies?  

Yes, I did a 12-unit research project course (EMDV8066). For me, this course (such courses) provides an avenue to dive deeper into a focused examination of a particular issue/topic from an academic perspective while seeing its implications to policy and real-world application. For this course, I looked at the impact of 'consent' on Conservation processes in PNG. 

As I have mentioned earlier, PNG is biologically diverse however resource development for economic growth is putting stress and as part of the world’s third largest remaining tropical forest, is attracting more international focus on how this is managed and protected area is now widely accepted as a key strategy to protecting nature. However, the majority of land still remains under customary ownership therefore any access or intervention to conserve or alter land use requires landowner consent. However, consent has impacted on project timelines and frames in PNG - people want tangible benefits in exchange.  

In 2024, Crawford was focused on “From local to global: a journey in public policy”. Can you share your thoughts on how your experiences in local policy issues have shaped your perspective on global policy challenges? How will this perspective guide your future endeavours in public policy? What do you think policymakers in Australia and the region should focus on?  

My experiences with local policy issues in PNG have profoundly shaped my understanding of global policy challenges. Seeing from that perspective, and while some of my courses in the program focused on Australia local policies, contextualising the key issues was vital for me.

Working on environmental management and governance in a resource-rich but developing nation like PNG has taught me that local policies are deeply interconnected with global frameworks. For example, challenges like biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation require local implementation of international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, while also addressing the specific needs and contexts of local communities.  

This interplay has given me a unique perspective: local issues often reveal gaps or unintended consequences in global policies, particularly when those policies are developed without adequate understanding of local contexts. For instance, I’ve seen how conservation initiatives shaped by global targets sometimes overlook the livelihoods and values of rural communities, leading to resistance and reduced effectiveness. This has reinforced my belief that global policy must be informed by local realities, integrating bottom-up approaches that empower communities while addressing broader goals.  

This perspective will guide my future endeavours in public policy by ensuring that I advocate for inclusive, context-sensitive strategies. I aim to contribute to policies that bridge local needs with global priorities, particularly in areas like sustainable development and environmental governance. By incorporating local voices and experiences, I hope to create solutions that are both practical and equitable.  

For policymakers in Australia and the region, I believe the focus should be on fostering regional collaboration to address shared challenges, such as climate change, resource management, and sustainable development. This includes:  

• Strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island nations to support capacity building and resilience initiatives.  

• Promoting policies that align global frameworks with regional priorities, ensuring the inclusion of indigenous and local knowledge systems.  

• Prioritizing sustainability in economic development to balance immediate needs with long-term environmental stewardship.  

In summary, my local experiences have taught me the importance of linking the global to the local. This integrated perspective will not only shape my contributions to public policy but also ensure that solutions are inclusive, impactful, and sustainable for all stakeholders.  

What is the most memorable experience from your time at Crawford?  

While I have so many memorable moments whilst here, one that stands out is having to learn from the practical experiences of the course convenors especially their experiences across Asia Pacific on environmental management and governance issues through their research. Challenges are almost the same across these regions, but their contextual setting sets each other apart so for me this was a really good experience to learn how they were approached.

In terms of course, the most memorable one would be me taking a National Security course - National Security, the environment and climate. I never really thought of environmental issues at the local level do have national security implications. I will remember this course surely for providing a new lens into which I am able to see environmental issues as a public servant and as a Papua New Guinean.  

What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying this course at Crawford?  

To future students, especially those from the Asia and Pacific region, my advice is; approach this course with an open mind and a willingness to connect the dots across disciplines. This program is not just about mastering environmental management and governance - it’s about understanding the interconnectedness of science, social science, law, policy, and geography, and how these shape the world we live in.

It challenges us to critically reflect on our assumptions and re-evaluate how we approach complex issues, emphasizing the power of acting locally while thinking globally. The key is to ground your actions in the realities of your own context, ensuring they resonate with the people and places they aim to serve while knowing that as part of a nation state, we are also part of the global community at large.  

What’s next for you after graduation?  

After graduating from ANU, I plan to return to Papua New Guinea with a renewed ambition to contribute more meaningfully to conservation efforts. PNG’s strategic geographic location - as the gateway to Asia from the Pacific and vice versa - positions it uniquely in regional discussions including biodiversity and conservation discussions, with implications that extend to our southern neighbour, Australia.

Our rich biodiversity continues to attract significant international attention and funding, but I am particularly interested in initiatives that not only achieve conservation outcomes but also create tangible benefits for the rural and remote communities who are custodians of these environments.  

Beyond practical conservation work, I am eager to contribute to the growing body of literature on conservation approaches in PNG and the wider region. If opportunities arise, I hope to publish research that highlights PNG’s unique challenges and successes, bridging local and global conservation narratives. Networking across the Asia-Pacific region will also be a priority, as collaboration is essential to addressing shared environmental and development challenges effectively. 

Elton is grateful to the Australian Government for the Australia Awards scholarship and the Crawford School for the opportunity to study, thanking the course convenors for their dedication in inspiring students to navigate public life with integrity and purpose. 

His focus is on returning, reintegrating, and working toward meaningful change through consistent effort and commitment. While he cannot change the world alone, he believes in making a positive impact where it matters most. 

From all of us at Crawford, congratulations on your amazing achievement, Elton!