SPREP - Pacific Year of Biodiversity 2010

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands theme for the International Year of Biodiversity was "e Tango Maori te Ao Ora Natura; Our Biodiversity Our Foundation." With an effective strategy for the 2010 biodiversity campaign, Cook Islands, through their National Environmet Service embarked on an awareness drive that highlighted the importance of their island biodiversity. Also they highlighted other closely connected to biodiversity in Raui and Protected Areas and the Eradication of Invasive Species. Posters and pamphlets were developed and the media, both newspaper and TV, were utilised to bring the message across to the people. Below are highlights of Cook Islanders celebration of IYB 2010.

(Click here to view Draft Strategy for Cook Islands 2010 Biodiversity Campaign)

Pictures of Cook Islands 2010 Biodiversity Campaign

From the 25 of May to 5 of June, Tuvalu celebrated the International Year of Biodiversity. It began with an official opening ceremony by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The event was broadcasted through radio transmissions on the theme and purpose of IYB 2010.

For two weeks, Tuvalu came alive with festivities that highlighted the importance of preserving biodiversity on Tuvalu. Some of the important topics discussed included; choose and learn a Tuvaluan species, Advocating Waste Care Program, Enhance the links between biodiversity and culture, know your biodiversity issues, showcasing your traditional wear and be the biodiversity queen.

These issues were highlighted through various festivities such as the Church Youth Program, Biodiversity Music Program, Biodiversity Music Festival, Terrestrial and Marine Awareness programmes, Eco-Tourism and Biodiversity, Biodiversity Queen beauty Pageant culminating in a biodiversity dinner ball.

Efforts were channelled into the coordination of an official launching and public awareness raising program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, on 17 May 2010. The event invited stakeholders from all sectors and saw fruitful contributions from intergovernmental organisations and local non government organisations, including schools and village communities. Some of the issues that were discussed were; terrestrial biodiversity, marine biodiversity, impacts of Climate Change and Tsunami on biodiversity and National Parks Management. There was also a field tour and a tree planting ceremony.