George Mateariki (‘Birdman George’) is Cook Islands’ Sustainability ChampionGeorge Mateariki (‘Birdman George’) is Cook Islands’ Sustainability ChampionGeorge Mateariki (‘Birdman George’) is Cook Islands’ Sustainability ChampionGeorge Mateariki (‘Birdman George’) is Cook Islands’ Sustainability Champion
  • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • Organisational Structure
    • Board Directors and Members
    • Procurement
    • Vacancies
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Our Work
    • Work with Us
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Listing
    • Become A Member
    • Membership Terms & Conditions
  • Sustainability
    • Overview
    • Framework
    • Initiatives
    • Publications
  • Marketing
    • Overview
    • Initiatives
      • Digital Benchmarking Programme
      • Digital Stack Programme
      • Pacific Storytelling Specialist  Programme
      • SPTOJobslink
      • SPTO Content Strategy
      • SPTO Digital Skills and E-Learning Project
      • Industry Membership Programme
      • South Pacific Tourism Exchange
    • Resources
      • Gallery
      • Newsletter Archives
      • Promotional Brochures
      • Publication
    • Pacific Storytelling Specialist Programme
    • South Pacific Tourism Exchange
  • Research
    • Overview
    • Publication
    • SPTO Knowledge Hub
  • Blog
    • SPTO News
    • Sustainable News
    • Industry News
✕
            No results See all results
            • Home
            • Bird watching
            • George Mateariki (‘Birdman George’) is Cook Islands’ Sustainability Champion

            George Mateariki (‘Birdman George’) is Cook Islands’ Sustainability Champion

            May 16, 2023

            George Mateariki (mostly known as ‘Birdman George’) offers education tours of endangered bird species that include the Rarotongan Flycatcher (Kakerori) and the endangered Rimatara Lorikeets. George is a volunteer at the Takitumu Conservation Area in support of the recovery programme of these endangered birds that are found on Atiu Island.

            Due to ship rat attacks that were disturbing the bird population, the Kakeroris were relocated from Rarotonga, and George volunteers part-time to trap ship rats at the island entry points. The Kakerori and Rimatara Lorikeets have since then been breeding successfully. George also offers tours to visitors as part of the Birdman George Eco Tours. This raises awareness and supports both the Kakerori recovery programme and the Mynah bird eradication project .

            In 2016, George was recognized by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) as one of the 15 ‘Hotspot Heroes’ for outstanding conservation efforts from around the globe. This was attributed to his work in managing and protecting these native and endangered bird species. To learn more about this, click here.

            Birdman George also offers in-depth tour of Atiu that includes exploring beaches and ancient trails, education of different flora, a picnic and of course bird watching. He has been involved in these tours and bird conservation activities for 23 years.

            Please email sustainable@spto.org for any queries.

             

            Photo Credit – Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

            Share
            0
            Catherine Mara
            Catherine Mara

            Related posts

            September 8, 2023

            Update from the Division – August 2023


            Read more
            September 8, 2023

            RMI Continues to empower women through domestic tourism program


            Read more
            September 8, 2023

            Kora in Okrane’s Water is Life Initiative


            Read more
            Get in touch with us

            Discover

            • American Samoa
            • Cook Islands
            • Federated States of Micronesia
            • Fiji
            • Kiribati
            • Marshall Islands
            • Nauru
            • New Caledonia
            • Niue
            • Papua New Guinea
            • Rapa Nui
            • Samoa
            • Solomon Islands
            • The Islands of Tahiti
            • Timor Leste
            • Tokelau
            • Tonga
            • Tuvalu
            • Vanuatu
            • Wallis and Futuna

            Level 3, FNPF Place,
            Victoria Parade,
            Private Mail Bag,
            Suva, Fiji Islands.

            Tel : (679) 330 4177
            Fax (679) 330 1995
            Email : tourism@spto.org

            Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Copyright

            Stay Connected

            Sign up for regular updates from the Pacific Tourism Organisation.

            If you’re interested in becoming a member, we’d love to share more information about the benefits and opportunities of membership with you

            Pacific Tourism Organisation © 2022 All Rights Reserved
                      No results See all results