Aitutaki Community Unveils Visionary Sustainable Development Plan to Preserve Island Paradise
17 October 2023
In a spirit of unity and foresight, the Aitutaki community, located on the picturesque Aitutaki Island in the Cook Islands, embarked on a journey to create a Sustainable Development Plan. Their aim was to safeguard their pristine island paradise for future generations. Often hailed as a hidden gem in the South Pacific, Aitutaki is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, featuring a crystal-clear lagoon, lush coconut groves, and a warm and welcoming community. However, the looming challenges of climate change, overfishing, and unsustainable tourism practices prompted the island’s residents to take action.
The University of the South Pacific (USP), European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (EU GCCA+) SUPA-funded project, extended support to the Aitutaki Leaders Council in formulating the Community Sustainable Development Plan. This plan would undergo review every four years during its implementation. The process involved consultation with various stakeholders, including private sectors, Non-Government Organizations, representatives from women and youth groups, leaders from the eight districts of Aitutaki, the Technical Vocational School, and government representatives. Their collective efforts aimed to shape a plan that best addressed the current needs and emerging challenges faced by the Aitutaki communities.
The leaders came to a consensus that the plan must tackle the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, with a focus on ensuring a sustainable future for the island. The key pillars of the plan revolved around environmental conservation, economic empowerment, and social resilience. The ultimate goal was to preserve the island’s natural resources and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development practices.
Ms. Misepa Isamaela, the District Officer for Aitutaki, enthusiastically described the Aitutaki Sustainable Development Plan as a tool that enhances sustainable and resilient growth. She emphasized that the plan is intricately woven and integrated with seven major thematic goals, which encompass good governance and cultural preservation, sound and reliable infrastructure, environmental sustainability, a strong economy for all, community welfare and safety, youth engagement, an educated Aitutaki, and the overall health and happiness of Aitutaki’s residents.
The Mayor of Aitutaki, Mr. Teoketai Herman, wholeheartedly endorsed the Aitutaki Community Sustainable Development Plan. He emphasized the plan’s dedication to preserving local traditions and cultural customs while committing to fortify community resilience, strengthen social bonds, and establish robust support systems. Mr. Herman underlined the plan’s significance by stating, “Aitutaki stands as a shining example of optimism and motivation, highlighting the transformative potential of community-driven sustainable development endeavors. With the invaluable support of committed partners such as the EU GCCA+ SUPA project, communities can actively pursue a more sustainable and resilient future for their beloved island paradises.”
The EU-funded GCCA+ SUPA project, with a budget of €15 million, was implemented in collaboration with The Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and USP, in partnership with the governments and people of Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Tonga, and Tuvalu.