“One of our most important values as Cook Islanders is guardianship, and the protection of our traditions, lifestyle, and islands. We refer to this as mana tiaki, a term that implies a sacred purpose. Our ancestors figured out a long time ago how to fish, hunt and plant, as well as how to give their resources room to breathe, recuperate and reproduce.”
– Former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Henry Tuakeu Puna
MANA TIAKI ECO CERTIFICATION
Mana Tiaki Eco Certification provides a framework for best practice, celebrating and recognising those going above and beyond, as well as encouraging others to take on more sustainable practices.
MARAE MOANA MURAL
The seawall in Rarotonga is starting to look a little different as work is underway to turn it into the longest mural in the Pacific.
PROTECT A LITTLE PARADISE
In an effort to raise awareness and educate tourists and locals alike to better consider the environment, Cook Islands Tourism partnered with the Ridge to Reef Project to roll out key biodiversity messages through humor with a local flavour.
WHY WE’RE VOTED TOP COUNTRY 2022
The Cook Islands has won the highly acclaimed “Best in Travel” award for Top Country 2022 from leading travel brand Lonely Planet.
REDUCING PLASTIC IS A MATTER OF SURVIVAL IN THE COOK ISLANDS
Community groups selling cloth bags, the largest retailer in the Cook Islands began charging for plastic bags, then discontinued them altogether and local nonprofit organisations running awareness campaigns to reduce plastic containers and straws.
COOK ISLANDS RESIDENTS CHAMPION CONSERVATION
The Cook Islands Turtle Project, launched in 2010, sourced funding for surveys of turtle populations throughout the Cook Islands, including the globally endangered Hawksbill. The studies revealed, among other insights, the impact of development on nesting behaviours.
RECYCLING EFFORTS RAMP UP IN THE COOK ISLANDS–
In the Cook Islands, the consequences of wasteful habits can be more apparent. On the outer islands, there’s no landfill. On Rarotonga, there’s one. Community groups, importers, and government agencies began thinking more seriously about innovative solutions to the problem of waste.
LOCALS & VISITORS ENJOY ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES
At the community level, Cook Islands residents have begun importing electric vehicles. The bikes came first, offering a fuel-free alternative to the motorbike, a popular form of transportation. Electric bicycles gave locals and tourists a healthy, eco-friendly way to get around Rarotonga.