The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific comprises 15 islands are scattered over a large area. 

The largest island, Rarotonga, is home to rugged mountains and Avarua, the national capital. To the north, Aitutaki Island has a vast lagoon encircled by coral reefs and small, sandy islets. The country is known for its many snorkeling and scuba- diving sites. The Cook Islands is pushing sustainable development in the tourism sector. The Cook Islands Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework, launched in 2017, embraces a series of policies to ensure the industry nurtures the already fragile environment and preserves the natural beauty of the Islands. 

A Step in the Green Direction is the new brand to introduce Cook Islands products and experiences, to the global marketplace. Mana Tiaki Eco certification The Mana Tiaki Eco is a green certification by the National Environment Service, through the Ridge to Reef project, and the Te Ipukarea Society, Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. www.manatiaki.org Reducing plastic The Cook Islands is moving towards being plastic free with community groups selling cloth bags, the largest retailer in the Cook Islands discontinuing plastic bags and local non-profit organisations running awareness campaigns to reduce plastic containers and straws.

Cook Islands residents champion conservation Tthe “Marae Moana” (Ocean Sanctuary) is the planet’s largest marine-protected area, which covers more than 700,000 square miles of ocean. It has a commitment to protecting an ocean space rich with marine biodiversity, including rare seabirds, beaked whales, manta rays and several threatened shark species. The Cook Islands Turtle Project The Cook Islands Turtle Project, launched in 2010, undertakes surveys of turtle populations throughout the Cook Islands, including the globally endangered Hawksbill. 

Recycling In the Cook Islands, the consequences of wasteful can be considerable with no landfill on the outer islands and just one on Rarotonga. Eco-friendly transport At the community level, Cook Islanders have begun importing electric vehicles, which give locals and tourists a healthy, eco-friendly way to get around Rarotonga. Arii Moana walking tour The Arii Moana is the latest eco educational tour exploring Rarotonga’s hard coral reefs learning about marine life. It is a guided reef walk taken at low tide with Kura Happ and Jacopo Dozzo. 

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
Websites: www.cookislands.travel/gogreen and www.cookislands.travel