Going the Distance: How we reach remote rainforest communities

Going the Distance: How we reach remote rainforest communities

Our team in Papua New Guinea goes the distance. Literally.

They wade through rivers, dig trucks out of deep mud and trek for hours over mountains and through rainforest to reach the communities we support.

Because showing up matters. Going the distance matters.

The team crossing rivers carrying essential supplies to remote communities in the rainforest.
The team crossing rivers carrying essential supplies to remote communities in the rainforest.

The journey to remote communities

At dawn, the team will set off on a 100km journey from the Cool Earth office in Alotau, Papua New Guinea. Enjoying 30 minutes of smooth highway before they enter the rainforest.

After that, the road quickly turns to dirt and rock. They cross several large rivers with no bridges. When the rains come, they sometimes wait for hours for floodwaters to subside. Other times, our trucks sink into thick mud and everyone climbs out to dig them free. No one stays clean for long.

They wade through rivers carrying supplies, dig trucks out of mud and trek across mountains to stand alongside rainforest communities and help them say no to loggers.
The team digging the trucks out of deep, thick mud in the rainforest.

After three to four hours of driving, the road ends. From there, the team continue on foot on a three-hour walk through dense rainforest. Along the way, they cross the same river seven times. Mountains rise and fall beneath their boots.

Our partner community meet our team near the edge of the rainforest and help us carry the equipment. This is a journey people here make regularly just to reach the main road or neighbouring villages.

Life in remote communities

Daily life here is defined by effort and resilience. People earn an income selling nuts, herbs and garden produce, carrying 50kg bags on their backs for hours to reach the nearest market.

Before a new highway was developed, reaching these villages meant walking for seven to eight hours while carrying heavy supplies like water tanks and roofing iron.

Community members always helped, clearing bush tracks and sharing the load. The road now reaches closer, making travel a little easier but it is still a demanding journey for everyone involved.

The team carrying essential supplies to reach remote communities deep in the rainforest.
The team carrying essential supplies to reach remote communities deep in the rainforest.

On the ground

Once we arrive, the real work begins.

We deliver essential supplies. We run practical training sessions on climate change, logging and oil palm. We plan projects together, from biodiversity monitoring to improving community health. We listen, learn and respond to what’s needed most.

We stay for days or weeks at a time, sleeping in family homes, classrooms or tents. These visits are not one-offs. Logging companies never fully disappear, so our presence sends a powerful message: our partners are not standing alone.

The Cool Earth Papua New Guinea team outside our offices in Alotau.
The Cool Earth Papua New Guinea team outside our offices in Alotau.

Why we go the distance

Why go to such lengths? Because this is what real partnership looks like.

Standing alongside communities as they defend their rainforests and way of life. Showing up, again and again. Making every trip count.

We’re proud to have teams on the ground in Papua New Guinea, Peru and Cameroon, working directly with the people who actually protect the world’s greatest rainforest.

It’s a long, muddy and sometimes exhausting journey but every step matters. Our staff go above and beyond so communities can continue protecting their rainforests and tackling climate change at its roots.