The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in partnership with the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), launched the region’s first Pacific Tourism Waste Action Initiative Virtual Training on Monday 14 December 2020 at the AMAK Centre in Bikenibeu, Tarawa.
Funded through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s (PIFS) CROP Attachment Programme, the training focuses on plastic repurposing activities that contribute to the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems.
The plastic repurposing training also aims to improve community and stakeholder awareness of the importance of improved plastic waste management by turning plastic waste into a useful resource.
The training is based on an inclusive approach in tourism focused on strengthening community engagement and participation in the tourism industry in programs that sustains incomes generation and improve understanding of community’s role in looking after their environment.
The 30 participants of this training represent a diverse section of the Kiribati community’s including, Women’s Association, Nei Mom Uprising, Disabled community, LGBTQI and local artists.
In his official opening address, the Minister of Communication, Information, Transport and Tourism Development, Honourable Tekeeua Tarati said that, “the Government of Kiribati is committed and will continue to implement measures aimed at boosting tourism sector revenue’. He added that “innovative trainings as such are great examples that has our greatest support to help ensure economic benefits of tourism are realized across all communities in Kiribati”.
At the end of the first day of training, Pacific renowned artist and trainer, Mr. Warwick Marlow, commended the participant’s enthusiasm and passion expressed through their craft designs. From his observations, Mr. Marlow is confident that he will see more of Kiribati’s unique handicraft making skills over the next 4 days.
The training will end with a mini exhibition of all developed crafts on Friday 18 December 2020.
