Tourism practices in Samoa could be headed towards a more environmentally friendly practice following the signing of an agreement between two leading regional organisations.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO). This means that the pursuit of sustainable tourism development in the Pacific region, where people and the environment take centre stage, has been given a major boost. 

The signing of the MOU between the SPREP Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra and the Chairman of the Pacific Tourism Organisation as well as the CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, Petero Manufolau took place at the Atiu Hostel. The signing venue was a stone’s throw away from the Rarotonga National Auditorium, where Pacific Leaders gathered for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting last week in the Cook Islands.

“SPREP is very pleased to ink this MOU with SPTO. As an organisation, we are here to promote cooperation in the Pacific region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve its environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations,” said Mr Nawadra. “The MOU continues the work we have already started. For instance, SPREP has helped SPTO set up their sustainable tourism programme with resource mobilisation. 

"On the technical side, we have assisted them with guidelines for tourism development as well as on waste management. We look forward to building on this work for a more resilient Pacific.”

The MOU signing in the Cook Islands followed the announcement of a partnership between SPREP and SPTO last month to develop a single-use plastic standards and certification program. The efforts are part of the Australian government-funded Pacific Ocean Litter Project through which the SPREP will collaborate with the SPTO to support the research, design, development, implementation, and monitoring of a dedicated standards programme on single-use plastics and alternative products targeting tourism business operators. These include accommodation, food and beverage, tour operators, event management, cruise, and airline businesses. 

Speaking about the significance of the MOU, Mr Manufolau said the SPTO and SPREP share a common vision for the Pacific, safeguarding the future for generations to come through environmentally responsible tourism, one that is done in harmony with our cultures.

“Our commitment to these Pacific values drives us to strengthen strategic partnerships and foster inter-sectoral collaboration, as we understand that the health of our environment is intrinsically linked to the success of our tourism sector,” said Mr Manufolau, adding that the renewal of the MOU represents a significant step forward for the Pacific region.

“It reinforces our commitment to ensure that our partnerships are aligned with our shared goal of improving the environmental stewardship capacity of the tourism sector so that by 2030, our Pacific Islands will be empowered by and benefitting from tourism that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive.  It improves the well-being of our communities, protects, restores and promotes our cultures, islands and ocean ecosystems.”

The Pacific is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and the region's cultural richness makes it a sought-after destination. However, tourism's dependence on the environment means that without the environment, there is no tourism. Hence, it is the region's collective duty to protect land and ocean resources for the well-being of future generations.

“This MOU comes at a critical time, as Pacific leaders in the environmental and tourism sectors have just concluded their main meetings this year for SPREP in Samoa, and SPTO recently in Tahiti," added Mr Manufolau.

"Their calls for stronger inter-sectoral collaboration resonate with us today, and we take it as a mandate to work hand in hand to fulfil our shared vision that will also put us on the pathway to achieve our aspirations in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

“Let us recognise the responsibility we bear as stewards of this incredible region, the most beautiful part of the planet, and the potential we hold in ensuring its future remains vibrant and sustainable. Together, through the unwavering commitment embodied in this MOU, we can make a positive difference for our Pacific home.”

The Pacific Tourism Organisation is a regional intergovernmental organisation comprising 20 Pacific Islands Government members and private sector members whose purpose is to market and develop Pacific Islands tourism in a sustainable manner.

SPREP is a regional, intergovernmental organisation with 26 members consisting of 21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories and five developed countries with direct interests in the Pacific region.