The Tourism Authority of Kiribati undertook a cultural rehabilitation program and ecotourism development consultations on the island of Abemama from the 9th to the 14th of August 2020.
On the first week, TAK teamed up with Cultural and Museum Division during their village consultations. These consultations aimed at increasing awareness on the significance of maintaining cultural heritage and planting of resilient local food crops to enhance their food security and maintain the traditional cuisine and to sustain local knowledge and practices in response to the adverse impacts of climate change.
TAK was involved with the cultural rehabilitation consultations and site visit with village elders. This was the second joint Culture and Tourism mission to help restore and rehabilitate site of cultural significance for tourism purpose as well and for future generations to enjoy. The team had the opportunity to discuss with village decision makers ways in which these important sites could be preserved or beautified.
Whilst on the island, TAK had the opportunity to expand its awareness on the importance of ecotourism development to interested communities and villages and a follow up with Reina village on their cultural eco tour program that was developed in 2019. Reina village also informed the team on their interest to establish their own eco-accommodation. This was followed with a site visit and clean up.
Additionally, a visit to Kauma High School by the team, provided the school the opportunity to know and learned the importance of Agritourism Development and linkages between the tourism and agriculture.
The TAK team is expected to revisit Abemama in September to work with active communities, villages and school who have shown interest and to commence their eco-tourism business initiatives as well as continue its engagement with CMD on the beautification of Abemama cultural sites that were identified during the visit.
This activity is supported by the LDCF-1 Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented under the Environment and Conservation Division with the support of the United Nations Development Programme.
Mauri , great to here that finally things are starting too happen in Abemama and Kiribas been coming too Kiribas for over 20 years stay at Don Tokataake place great stop, looking forward too a great future in Kiribas there’s no other place like Kiribas in the world you guys are sitting on a gold mine needs too be looked after well ,,,,,,,,,,,,,Cheers,,,,,,,,Terry