A new eco-tourism initiative showcasing the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area has just been launched in Niue, with the aim of informing, educating and exciting both visitors and locals on the importance of Niue’s forests in sustaining the island’s ecosystems, culture, and biodiversity conservation.

The forest area covers almost a quarter of the South Pacific nation, and is located in one of the world’s 34 ‘biodiversity hotspots’, where some of the most threatened plant and animals on earth can be found.

Funded by FAO, the extensive project involved scientific research and the development of a number of educational installations and resources including:

• an interactive display at the Niue Visitor Information Centre with text, images, maps, books and artifacts, plus the island’s first touch screen
• informative signage throughout Huvalu Forest on items of scientific, cultural and historical significance and indigenous uses of the forest’s ecosystems
• self-tour information brochures
• a display at Niue’s Hannan International Airport

Niue Tourism Director of Marketing Felicity Bollen says, “the Huvalu Forest has been a conservation area for many years, but before now information wasn’t readily available, particularly for tourists. We’re excited this new product gives visitors a chance to find out more, both in the forest and through using innovative new technology.”

FAO contracted New Zealand creative agency RUN to develop all the display materials and managed and facilitated the project under, consulting extensively with government departments, village councils and local guides to compile the biodiversity picture with the assistance of a Landcare Research team.

RUN Design Director Laura Cibilich said, “we wanted to create a product that made it easy for people to find out about the Huvalu at all levels, from just a glimpse, to delving in deeper using the content in the touchscreen. And with 2017 being the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, and eco-tourism currently worth over $20 billion globally, now is the perfect time to be launching a great initiative such as this.”

Special touches include local hardwood Kafika, collected from the forest to use as sign posts, directly linking back to the project objectives; and a custom typeface designed specifically for the project, based on old Niue signage, for use throughout the project. Niuean illustrator, LeGrand Hekau was also commissioned, giving invaluable local knowledge to the illustrations that graced the signage and interactive display.

The launch and finale of the project coincided with the visit of the New Zealand Prime Minister the Rt Hon Bill English and a parliamentary delegation, where it was well received.

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