Oma Tafua celebrates 20 years of whale research and conservation success
In partnership with the Niue Island Umbrella Association of Non-Government Organisations (NIUANGO), Oma Tafua is leading the project "Advancing Nature-Based Solutions with Youth and Vulnerable Groups in Niue". This project, running from 2023 to 2025, aims to strengthen community engagement and build climate resilience in Niue, with a special focus on youth and vulnerable populations.
Oma Tafua, meaning "to treasure whales," is a non-profit organization based in Niue that has made impressive strides in whale research. Between 2022 and 2023, it documented over 70 individual humpback whales in its catalog, setting a record for the NGO and its team of volunteers.
Additionally, Oma Tafua captured unprecedented footage of a Niue whale sighted in Panama, Central America, marking the longest recorded distance for a Niue whale. The organization, committed to whale conservation, has also recently secured funding for terrestrial Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects.
Fiafia Rex, founder and president of Oma Tafua, explains: "Niue is a large ocean island (1 person = +229 km² of ocean) with a vast marine ecosystem. We are considering assessing the value of our whale-watching industry, including its potential for carbon sequestration."
She emphasized that this data could support efforts to enhance the protection of marine mammals, recognizing their importance as a precious resource.
"Marine mammals hold immense economic value for Niue's tourism sector. Whale-watching alone generates significant income for our country, attracting visitors from around the world," added Ms. Rex.
Recognizing the need for action, she stressed the importance of evaluating the whale-watching industry's worth, considering its carbon value and its capacity to mitigate climate change. Improved data collection and analysis would strengthen the case for increased protection of marine mammals, a priceless resource for Niue's communities.
Celebrating Oma Tafua's 20th Anniversary
Oma Tafua celebrated its 20th anniversary on January 4–5, 2024, in remembrance of the devastation caused by Cyclone Heta. On this occasion, the organization operated an exhibition booth featuring images of the 2004 disaster and distributed plants, cyclone tracking maps, and charcoal sticks made from removed invasive trees.
"The booth was open for both days, offering a space for answering questions and sharing survivor experiences. We are grateful for the support of Delta Sipeni and our two volunteers," said Ms. Rex.
Community Engagement and Nature-Based Solutions
The Oma Tafua Kiwa Initiative project team also acknowledged the valuable support of the Alofi South Women's Group and Explore Niue Tours & Travel during the Cultural Journey tour on December 21, 2023. Guided by the wisdom of the elders, this tour helped identify native tree species suitable for coastal replanting, particularly in Alofi, the village most impacted by cyclones.
