Cook Islands is introducing sustainable development in the tourism sector, with the help of The Cook Islands Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework, first launched in 2017, which has set down a series of policies and ideological principles, based on which the tourism industry can preserve nature.
The policy has facilitated the development of a stand-alone eco brand platform which will help Cook Islands to communicate their green credentials to outside markets. Called ?A Step in the Green Direction?, it will promote all its future products and experiences globally. For more information, visit:https://cookislands.travel/gogreen
The National Environment Service, the Ridge to Reef project, Te Ipukarea Society, Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation have partnered to create a standard set of practices, under the Mana Tiaki Eco certification (MTEC) project. Businesses which actively adopt sustainable practices, and try to maintain the biodiversity or work towards the conservation of the natural environment, are recognised for their efforts. The initiatives are wide-ranging, including reduced use of single-use plastic, improved waste management, alternative transport and the Marae Moana (Ocean Sanctuary) Bill which has led to the creation of the planet?s largest marine-protected area, which covers more than 700,000 square miles of ocean, and includes rare seabirds, beaked whales, manta rays and several threatened shark species.
For more information visit:www.cookislands.travel
Image credit: David Kirkland
