Values of the Nakanai

The Nakanai Mountains is an area of outstanding natural beauty extending from 5 degrees to 6 degrees of southern geographical latitude and from 151 degrees to 153 degrees of eastern geographical longitude on the Island of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. To the north the mountain range is dominated by a group of spectacular volcanoes. To the east the Kol Mountains and to the west the Kapiura – Ania Divide which divides the Nakanai Mountains from the Whitemen Range .

The coastal regions are of exceptional natural beauty and exhibit raised coral reefs and terraces up to 200 meters above sea level with numerous pure white coral sand beaches fringed with palms. There are a number of ecologically important Mangrove swamp forests. Estuarine Crocodiles and Leather Back Turtles inhabit the coastal waters along with a vast variety of marine species. The pristine biologically important reefs lie close to shore with a huge diversity of coral forms and marine life.

The mountains range in altitude from sea level to 2185 meters and are predominantly covered by primary tropical rain forest of lowland and montane types. A vast range of both flora and fauna has been identified; many are endemic to New Britain and are found nowhere else on earth. This is only a small proportion of the estimated total and no doubt there will be thousands more species identified with further research. Many will be new to science with the distinct possibility of pharmaceutical value.

The geological history covers a period of 43 million years and the mountains exhibit rapid uplifting, some of the highest recorded. The majority of the mountain range is a karst landscape of limestone up to 1.5 kilometres in thickness, deposited over a period of 17 million years. The limestone regions contain numerous white water rivers situated in spectacular one kilometre deep gorges. Large rivers can be seen issuing from caves as beautiful waterfalls from high above river level. There are many massive sink holes with collapsed dolines up to 400 metres deep and 500 metres in diameter. At the base of the dolines some of the worlds largest underground rivers flow at over 20 tons of water a second flowing in caves of outstanding natural beauty and of immense proportions.

The caves are of international importance and are unique as they are considered to be among the most active river caves in the world. They also represent some of the most technically difficult caves in the world to explore. Muruk Cave is 17 kilometres long and 1178 metres deep, the deepest cave in the southern hemisphere and one of the most beautiful 1000 metre deep caves in the world. The entrance pitch of Nare is one of the most impressive known being 250 metres deep with a massive river flowing along the base into one of the largest river passages in the world. Minye Cave possesses one of the biggest pitch entrances known at 410 metres in depth. At the bottom, a 15 cubic metre a second river roars into a large cave.

Kavakuna is also a giant doline with its 392 metre deep entrance pitch. One side is not vertical so this cave is suitable for adventure eco-tourism. Bikbik Vuvu, Liklik Vuvu, Gamvo, Ka 2, Arcturus and Kururu also possess amazing underground sceneries. The Nakanai underground wealth is not yet fully explored so the potential for further important discoveries is huge. The area is an asset for future generations.

The opportunities for C.A.N tourist destinations (Culture, Adventure and Nature) are unparalleled with trekking, caving, diving and many cultural activities. The cultural significance of the indigenous clans is a vital and integral part of the Nakanai Mountains . Their traditions and beliefs are as important as the biodiversity and caves of this unique part of the world.