It is one of only three major tropical wilderness areas worldwide and is so remote it can only be reached by foot or boat and extends from spectacular mountain ridges to dazzling coral reefs.

For over a decade Karau Kuna and the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program have been working with village landowners to develop resource use plans that are now recognised in national policy. 

With his Whitley Award, Karau will create community plans to manage and carry out conservation actions in the YUS landscape.

Pressure from logging and mining companies is threatening the traditional culture and the project is working to help them to conserve their rich natural heritage for future generations and act as a beacon for other communities to emulate.

“Empowering local people, who understand what the problems are, and who have the local knowledge, determination and vested interest to find the solutions is the very best way to ensure long term protection for the natural world,” said Sir David Attenborough, a trustee of the Whitley Fund for Nature.