Objective 1: App Design and Development

The objective of developing an application software was attained successfully. The trial period is well underway with assessments to be done following this year?s whale season for full immersion and download onto other phones. Currently it?s being tested solely on Android for appropriate transmission into other phones. Incorporating other species has been great with interesting new species already identified such as the frogfish (never documented in Niue) located in Avatele. Additionally, we?ve had resights documented as well of species such as the hawksbill turtle. We?ve also tested the app while in Fiji having sighted a whale species there and also while in Beveridge Reef (more than 130 miles off Niue). Both national and regional thus has been tested.


Objective 2: Increased student participation in the field of research

There has been great inclusion of research students with numbers of volunteers coming from overseas however largely of non-Niuean descent. Greater interest stems from foreigners or those vested in marine sciences. It would be nice to insert as part of the school curriculum research components to allow up to 5 days at least of students to come aboard the Niue whale research vessel and undertake research methodologies with the team. Much promotion of the research comes from Oma Tafua itself as opposed to national initiative. But huge interest and participation from overseas visitors.

Notwithstanding the above, exceptional attendance by individual local students to partake in several day?s research has been phenomenal with kids aged between 7-14. The invitation is an open one whereby they learn some sailing skills, data entry, behavior of marine mammals, radioing Telecom Niue ? to inform of departure and arrival times of research boats. Water skills for life onboard the boat etc.

Invitations have been received by Oma Tafua also for attendance by representatives, namely President Fiafia Rex to attend the schools and teach in both vagahau Niue (native language) and in English of the project.


Objective 3: Creatively package an outreach, awareness and interactive program that is fun and inviting for all ages

The whale and coral reef festival were an absolute success. Many visitors and locals welcomed an annual event and presumed the event was an annual event. This was not the case! For this reason, we are submitting to the Niue Tourism Office to please support next year?s 2020 Festival. The two-day festival commenced with a parade on the first day, festivities, questionnaires, dancing, singing by band and other local artists. The second more intimate event took place at the Scenic Matavai Resort where UNDP was invited also to both events. The event was terrific with a full house with an overflow and demand also for more tickets. The success of it there was the visual presentations at the outset for 32 minutes strictly on conservation globally. Following on from that was an art auction which generated more funds for Oma as with a presentation on Oma Tafua findings. The night ended with the band and performances. The event drew in especially tourists that would have happily paid extra for the event. But instilled was an everlasting message of ?conservation? which was profound so certainly a moving event. It was paramount to instill these messages, so it was fantastic.

The SGP has however paved the way for a long term physical and visual presence of Oma Tafua with the showroom which is more than what we could have anticipated. Everything that?s been helped created via SGP support will be accessible at the showroom ? 360-degree video, documentary, publications, postcards/posters (awareness materials) and now cultural legend that?s going to publication. The reputation and the long-term voluntary commitment of Oma Tafua has presented Oma now with a long-term showroom which has been granted from Government.


Objective 4: Promote great governance and ownership of oceans health via ocean habitat protection measures.

This is instilled and disseminated at all times with the presentations delivered throughout whale season and during off season in delivering coral health monitoring and water skills for life program. It is with thanks to opportunities via the private sector specially to showcase the project work and instilling messages.

More can be done. It?s highly recommended that Oma Tafua get greater presence at environmental forums or that exhibitions here in Niue be greatly promoted or established so as to promote not just good governance but promote for example the other initiatives such as ?plastic bag free Niue?. The showroom however has amazing potential to showcase all this by allowing visual aids and presentations be at the physical location. Furthermore, the documentary and the publications produced from assistance from SGP will continue on following from this grant noting persons can visually see this at the showroom.


Objective 5: Assess the status and growth of Niue?s whale watching tourism and the socio-economic benefits associated over a 2-year period;
Works has commenced for this objective in the way of compiling data received and working collaboratively to ensure the data from such persons correlates with that of the service provider (exceptions being those of land-based tourists). Lot of efforts focused on ensuring accuracy of data.