Bright Futures : Meet Daniel — Bringing Solar Power to Rural Tourism in Madang

In the small coastal village of Riwo, west of Madang Town, where the blue sea meets the green hills, 23-year-old Daniel Wama is quietly sparking a revolution — one solar panel at a time. Daniel grew up fishing and farming alongside his family. Like many rural youth, he understood the daily challenges: no reliable electricity, no safe lighting at night, and limited ways for visitors to comfortably stay in the village. But where others saw problems, Daniel saw opportunity.

After attending a local workshop on renewable energy supported by a community development program, Daniel returned home with a bold idea — to install small solar systems to power tourism homestays in his village.

“If tourists come to see our beautiful ocean, our stories, our way of life — they need light to feel safe, to charge their phones, to experience our village in comfort," Daniel explains."Solar gives us that, without hurting our land or sea."

Starting with just one panel gifted by a family friend, Daniel set up solar lighting in his uncle’s home — a simple bamboo and timber house overlooking the reef. Word quickly spread. Soon, with a little crowdfunding and a small loan from a local savings group, Daniel helped install basic solar kits in three more homes, turning them into eco-friendly guesthouses.

Today, visitors to Riwo can stay in traditional village accommodations that offer clean solar lighting, USB charging ports, and even small fans — a rare and welcome luxury in remote settings. At night, warm light spills from the houses, blending with the sounds of waves and the laughter of families sharing their culture with guests.

Daniel’s solar project has not only improved village tourism — it has inspired other youth too. A small team of young people from neighboring villages now works with Daniel, learning how to maintain and expand solar networks across their communities.

“We don’t wait for big companies," Daniel smiles."We make small changes ourselves, step by step.”

Through his leadership, Daniel is showing how simple, sustainable technologies can power a new era of rural tourism — one that respects the environment, uplifts local communities, and keeps the spirit of Madang Province shining bright.

Why Solar and Youth Matter for Sustainable Tourism

By embracing solar energy, young leaders like Daniel are making rural tourism in Madang more sustainable, accessible, and community-driven. They are building a future where visitors can experience the true beauty of village life — without compromising the natural and cultural heritage that makes Madang so special. In every beam of solar light, there’s a story of hope, resilience, and innovation — led by the youth of Madang.