“Successes/opportunities in organic production: Pacific Organic Tourism & Hospitality Standard”

Karen Mapusua, Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Tourism Going Organic: a new standard for Pacific tourism

What is Organics ? • Health – from the soil up.

• Ecology –living ecological systems and cycles.

• Fairness –regard to the common environment and life opportunities.

• Care – precautionary principle.

• Culture and traditions –recognises the value of traditional agriculture and Pacific cultures.

• Vanilla & spices - pepper, cardamom, cinnamon etc

• Coffee• Beef, Honey• Cocoa• Noni (morinda

citrifolia)• Virgin coconut oil

• Fruit pulp• Dried fruit• lamb, goat• Ginger• Turmeric• Tamanu/Dilo/Fetau oil• Copra Oil• Coconut meal• Coconut Sugar• Ngali Nuts• Valued added eg Insect repellant, soap• Local Inputs:fish meal

fertilizers, compost &‘bio brews’

• Rum

What is organic tourism ?

• Grew from the environmental movement & the food tourism movement

• Italy is the leader – over 1200 organic tourism experiences

• Includes: farms; homestays; food tasting; farm experiences

• A tool for sustainable development

organic tourism• Activities based on organic farming

• Activities managed in accordance to principles of eco tourism

• Emphasis on environmental protection & conservation

• Respect & promotion of traditional cultures

• Use of natural/traditional building material & architecture

• Certified by a recognised body

Current examples• Wakaya Island- Island certified organic

• Island Spirit Taveuni - WFTO

• Homestay Loyalty Islands New Caledonia – B&B on organic farms, all meals prepared with home grown produce

• Iririki Resort Vanuatu – Market tours followed by “Real Pasifk” tasting dinner

• Nourish café Samoa – farm to table project Women in Business Development

• Aviva Farms – organic farm tours and horseback riding

• Abaiang organic beach resort

So why a Standard- So that tourists and local residents alike will be able to have confidence in any organic claims

- develop local markets for organic farmers

- to provide the opportunity to continue to protect and enhance the core elements/values that has made destinations in the Pacific so desirable

Scope of the StandardThe Standard is based on meeting the organic principles of - as well as the broader best practice requirements for sustainable tourism.

The Standard covers:• Cultural and social values• Sustainable development • Environmental protection.

Will seek to have it recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Three types of certification are available

1. Full certification -entire destination

2. Certified Organic Dish

3. Certified Organic Restaurant

Organic tourism? It represents our Values and the values of our people

It represents our Identity

Creates a

market for our

Products

It facilitates sustainable development

It relates to our • Unique qualities

It tells our Story

Organics and ethical trade:

the key contributor to sustaining our cultures and communities; improving farmer livelihoods, people’s

health and the environment in the Pacific.