COOK ISLANDS, Lake Tiriara, Mangaia Island - November 2001
Boardwalk in exchange for protection of Lake Tiriara.
Click photo to enlarge
The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over 1.2 million square miles in the center of the Polynesian triangle of the South Pacific. Mangaia is the second largest island in the Cooks, and at an estimated age of 18 million years, it is thought to be one of the oldest islands in the Pacific. Lake Tiriara is located on the southern part of the island and opens into a cave in the makatea. The biological diversity of this lake and its surrounding environment is at risk due to poor agricultural practices and overall lack of proper management of the island's environment. In return for Seacology providing funds for a boardwalk around the lake, a public restroom and some signage, the village has promised to protect the lake by barring pesticides, dumping, tethering of livestock and construction of any building within 50 meters of the shoreline.
UPDATE July 2004 - Construction of the boardwalk was delayed due to the migration of many able-bodied villagers to other areas. To remedy the delay, the Island Secretary asked government workers to assist in constructing the boardwalk. Progress was made this past spring in spite of bad weather, with the first viewing platform and accompanying landscape completed. The second platform is scheduled to be completed by the end of summer.
UPDATE January 2005 - The viewing platforms were completed and are being maintained by government workers and local residents.
