The Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA) base in Lumi is situated on the Sepik Highway approximately one kilometer from the airstrip. TCA has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Local Level Government to use this property which is about 5 hectares in area. TCA has used this ground since 2002.
To date TCA staff spend a lot of time in Lumi. All meetings and courses are conducted at TCA Base-Lumi for the 18 Tenkile villages.
Initially TCA staff just had a bush house with a pit toilet. TCA Base-Lumi now has tin roofing on the original bush house which collects water which is fed into two 1000 gallon tuffa tanks. A permanent building is joined to the bush house and consists of a large bedroom with a toilet and bathroom. A septic tank has been installed as well as a drainage pit. TCA has solar panels to power lights, laptops computers and to charge batteries. A small generator (1.6KVa) is used as a backup power source but also powers a chest freezer, desk top computer and other electrical appliances.
TCA has established rabbit and chicken enclosures within a bush house which also functions as a tool shed. Built in 2003 this bush house has had many renovations from changes in rabbit enclosures to construction of the chicken coup.
A large enclosure for tree kangaroos was built in 2004 and now houses four Finsch’s Tree Kangaroos, one Weimang (Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo), two White-striped Dorcopsis and a New Guinea Pademelon. TCA also has enclosures for its Spotted Cuscus, Ground Cuscus, Northern Cuscus, Striped Possum and Sugar Gliders.
In 2006 TCA built a guesthouse from bush materials to accommodate villagers who attend meetings, courses etc. One 1000 gallon tuffa tank has been installed next to the guesthouse as well as a pit toilet.
Recently TCA has had a fence built. This fence encloses TCA’s infrastructure thus providing security and privacy for TCA’s equipment and staff. As an extra security measure TCA has acquired two dogs.
In 2007 TCA will be building a Community Training Centre as well as making some renovations to existing infrastructure.
Presently TCA uses a satellite telephone for communication. TCA aims to improve its methods of communication when funding becomes available.

Lumi Research Station -