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39th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit |
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Fakatufono Niue 2008 |
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Theme: Climate Change Slogan: “Tu Tokaga” - Be alert, be ready for any challenge that comes upon you. Concept: Young Niue coconut plant (fua niu tupu) enclosed in a shield of 16 stars to complete the circle of life. Slogan TU TOKAGA – “Tu” literally means stand and/or make a stand now or being and Tokaga means ‘be on your guard at all times”, be alert and be prepared to cope in any unforeseen circumstances. The devastating consequences of Cyclone Heta brought about psychological, physical and economical suffering for the people of Niue. Despite it being the highest raised coral atoll in the world, the ocean rose on the 5th January 2004 and destroyed everything in its path. Climate Change is a serious threat to our existence, hence the essence of this slogan of “Tu Tokaga” which encapsulated Niue’s message to inspire the Forum Island countries to “be on guard” about Climate Change, Natural disasters is Climate Change – now the people of Niue will always be prepared, be ready and will ensure that advance preparedness by all is heeded. Tu Tokaga also describes the Niue people’s resilience and perseverance in facing challenges – big and small. One such challenge is a declining population. Despite that, the Niue canoe will continue to paddle, looking ahead and hoping for the best against the odds. Like the young growing coconut – natural disasters come and go but it continues to grace our shores. Being united to host this Forum shows true patriotism and grit of all Niue people, resident and those abroad, that they are a bold, brave and a courageous race, like this Forum – everyone stands united to host this Forum with Niue ingenuity. This slogan describes the true Niue character – that resilience and pride has made them stood firm to their cultural values, traditions and identity for many generations to come.
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Logo The logo design is of a young coconut with two young fronds protruding from the coconut shell. The young coconut shows that the Pacific Islands Forum is still a young but developing organization. It is progressing steadily to handle the various issues of relevance to the vision and survival of the Pacific Island member countries. The image of the coconut and the two fronds signify the acronym of two letter “C’s” which stands for Climate Change, which is the overall theme for this year’s Forum. Climate Change has also gained huge prominence over the past 10 years. The big blue ‘C’ frond outside is joined with 16 stars, indicative of the 16 Forum member countries, strategically placed in the formation of a shield to combat the detrimental effects of climate change and global warming, completing the circle of life for the Pacific Forum countries.
The color blue is the Pacific ocean that surrounds the 16 Forum Island countries with equal ownership of the ocean’s vast resources, similar to the Forum and all it stands for. The two young fronds also symbolizes growth with the bigger leaf overhanging the small frond – much like the bigger members of the Forum supporting Small Island States and recognizing the need to speak as one voice. The fronds portray images of the fishes, whales and dolphins, the creatures of the sea; the ‘vaka’ with sails catching the wind.
The gold coconut or ‘niu’ depicts a picture of a ‘breaking wave’ – the breaking wave is a source of nutrients stimulating growth and productivity of the reef – the Forum island countries depend on it for survival. The effect of ‘global warming’ is a threat to food security and safety of island communities. As a consequence, many Forum Island countries are already subjected to sea level rising. It will be a tragic and irresponsible behavior if we stand idle and watch this happen. The color ‘Gold’ has numerous meanings, it is the preferred color of the Niue flag that symbolizes light and understanding. It is necessary that the Pacific Islands Forum must be a shining light to the world – that we need to stand firm now and “Tu Tokaga” on the issue of Climate Change.
The Pacific Ocean is the biggest natural asset and the waves have potential natural power when and if harnessed properly. The young coconut represents our natural resources which if nurtured properly will not only produce economic and commercial benefits, it will also sustain each Pacific Island member country for as long as we are here. The consequences are obvious, if we continue to pollute the environment, then the sea and all its natural assets will become our adversary.
It is hoped that Niue as host will take the lead in navigating change to combat the overwhelming effects of climate change and to encourage the PIF to raise it’s stance on the issues of climate change and not just paying lip-service but be active and promoting all means of renewable energy, recycling, re-use and so forth. As host, it should inspire the adoption of an Alofi Declaration in response to the adverse impact of climate change on Pacific people’s lives. This would give fresh hope and inspiration following the success of the Bali Climate Change Conference in late 2007.
Cultural and commercial benefits
The coconut exists in all Forum Island countries, in fact it is the only tree that has continued to exist through many generations and it is often referred to as a tree of life for its many uses. The leaves are used to make baskets, the nuts for drinking and its flesh for coconut cream or as a snack so it is a major food source. The trunk is used for furniture or cut into stumps and used straight away as chairs. If planted in a row it serves as a wind barrier, a meeting place where people could gather and dialogue various issues.
The selection of the young coconut as the logo to promote climate change is deliberate because it is a common asset to all the Forum Island countries and it is one tree that will continue to grow despite taking a hammering from the impact of natural disasters. This aspect alone represents the resilience and strength of the Niue and Pacific spirit and it is this spirit that would enhance the commitment of our people to continue to fight and risk everything to fight Climate Change.
Colour scheme The big blue frond connecting with the stars – blue to represent the ocean Inside Frond – green to represent growth and fresh hope and the environment Coconut – gold yellow to represent the colour of the Niue flag, shining light and human understanding.
Logo artist: Rev. Matagi Jessop Vilitama. Slogan: George Fakaotimanava Sionetuato.
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