Abaiang Atoll: Building on Organic Traditions

Summary

The island of Abaiang in the Republic of Kiribati is advancing sustainable agriculture with a focus on organic farming. In partnership with local and international organizations, the island adopted Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) to certify its organic products like coconut oil and sugar. A celebration in 2013 highlighted these efforts, formalizing Abaiang as a fully organic island. This initiative not only preserves traditional practices but also opens new economic opportunities, particularly in tourism and agriculture, while supporting environmental protection for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌴 Abaiang, also known as Abhiyaan, is a coral atoll in Kiribati with a population of 5,502, making it the fourth most populated island.
• 🌍 Abaiang has key economic advantages in tourism and organic agriculture, but there are growing concerns about sustainable farming practices.
• 🤝 The Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) and other partners are working to maintain Abaiang's organic farming traditions through initiatives like Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS).
• 🍃 PGS focuses on building the capacity of local farmers by promoting organic practices and helping them gain recognition in the Pacific region's markets.
• 🎉 On June 13, 2013, Abaiang celebrated its organic way of life, highlighting the teachings of their ancestors on sustainable living and environmental harmony.
• 🌿 The Island Council of Abaiang declared that all products exported to the capital, Tarawa, must be organic, formalizing this into an island bylaw.
• 👩‍🌾 Local organic farmer Eileen Honorio provided training on making virgin coconut oil and coconut sugar, which are in high demand in international markets.
• 🍯 Coconut sugar, a new product in the Pacific Islands, offers significant potential due to its lower glycemic index and rich micronutrient content.
• 🌱 The island sees potential in linking organic farming with niche market tourism to boost both industries, supported by a strong organic certification system.
• 🏝️ Abaiang aims to become the first fully organic island in Kiribati, fulfilling the wishes of their ancestors and promoting environmental sustainability for future generations.

Q & A

What is the population of Abaiang Island?

The population of Abaiang Island is 5,502, which accounts for 5.3% of the total population of the Republic of Kiribati.

What are the economic advantages of Abaiang Island?

Abaiang Island has important economic advantages in tourism and organic agriculture.

What is the role of the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) on Abaiang Island?

POETCom, in partnership with Kiribati Organic Producers and the Ministry of Environment, Land, and Agricultural Development, is working to ensure Abaiang remains organic and natural by introducing the Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for organic certification.

What is the purpose of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in Abaiang?

The purpose of PGS is to build farmers' capacity to maintain organic agriculture through a grassroots approach, helping them gain recognition in markets across the Pacific region.

What did the Island Council of Abaiang declare in relation to organic products?

The Island Council of Abaiang declared that all products leaving the island to the capital Tarawa would be organic or natural, formalizing this decision into an island bylaw.

How is virgin coconut oil produced on Abaiang Island?

Virgin coconut oil is produced by organic farmers on Abaiang Island, where training is provided to teach villages how to make it from fresh toddy and coconuts.

What is the significance of coconut sugar in the Pacific Islands?

Coconut sugar, made from toddy sap syrup, is a new product for the Pacific Islands with significant potential due to its lower glycemic index and higher micronutrient content compared to cane sugar. It also holds potential for export markets.

How does organic farming contribute to food security on Abaiang?

Organic farming contributes to food security by promoting the cultivation of traditional crops and methods, ensuring that Islanders have access to nutrient-rich and locally sourced food.

How does the organic initiative on Abaiang benefit local women?

The organic farming training helps women develop skills to produce and sell virgin coconut oil and coconut sugar, providing them with an opportunity to earn income for their families.

What is the significance of Abaiang being declared a fully organic island?

Abaiang being declared a fully organic island is significant because it honors the ancestral teachings of protecting the environment and ensures a sustainable future for the island, promoting ecological health and economic opportunities.