Promoting regional trade and agribusiness development in the Pacific : 2nd PACIFIC AGRIBUSINESS FORUM "Linking the agrifood sector to the local markets for economic growth and improved food and nutrition security" Organised by PIPSO, CTA, IFAD, SPC and SPTO Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Apia, Samoa, 29th August -1st September 2016

1. “Successes/opportunities in organic production: Pacific
Organic Tourism & Hospitality Standard”
Karen Mapusua, Secretariat of the Pacific Community

2. Tourism Going Organic:
a new standard for Pacific tourism

3. 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.

4. • 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Scope of the Standard
The 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

10. Three types of certification are
available
1. Full certification -entire destination
2. Certified Organic Dish
3. Certified Organic Restaurant

11. 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 tells our Story

12. 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.