Te Mato Manava Turoto - Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) recently convened with government ministries to enhance sustainable management of turtle tours in Avaavaroa Passage.

Speaking after the meeting, CEO Karla Eggelton was pleased that MMR, NES, INTAFF, CIIC and Crown Law were able to come together on this; “CIT agree that the current situation in the Avaavaroa Passage is not sustainable and we continue to dedicate significant time and resources to help find a solution. Working collaboratively, we are designing a management framework that balances the need for environmental protection, health & safety, and community wellbeing”.

While longer-term management tools are currently in development, CIT continues to work closely with the majority of turtle-tour operators to improve their operational models. A recent revision of the voluntary MOU added significant obligations from both a conservation and visitor safety perspective, and CIT staff are in near-daily contact with those operators committed to a sustainable approach.