It’s not rocket-science, it’s marine science

There are growing calls for regenerative principles to be applied to rebuild a more sustainable tourism system in New Zealand. And,  better management of our marine ecosystems has the potential to be a significant part of this.

But we need individuals and tourism businesses who benefit from New Zealand’s unique marine environment to partner with us on our endeavor to conserve our ocean environment.

Becoming an accredited MoanaMark partner demonstrates support of marine science, contributions to ocean conservation and the adoption of a sustainable business model.

A MoanaMark accreditation is gained by valuing sustainable practices and giving back to marine sustainability and conservation projects in New Zealand. This may include businesses which have stablished practices in supporting marine conservation or who are developing new initiatives.

What type of businesses can become MoanaMark accredited?

MoanaMark partners need to be able to demonstrate:

• Evidence of sustainable practices that contribute to the marine environment
• Commitment to the Tiaki Promise
• A willingness to educate others about why marine environmental protection is important
• An annual donation to MoanaMark to fund marine research projects

Specifically, tourism operators must also demonstrate:

• Membership of Tourism Industry Aotearoa
• Commitment to the Tourism Sustainability Commitment
• Commitment to encouraging public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge (aka citizen science)

What does MoanaMark donations go towards?

Donations are used to provide scholarships for students to study marine species populations. Currently, MoanaMark research projects are focused on various marine species to determine aspects of their ecology, assess how threatened they are and determining what we can do to improve their management and protection.

What are the benefits of being a certified MoanaMark business?

• A straightforward and meaningful pathway to support local marine research initiatives
• Providing instant recognition that you are giving back to the environment
• Supporting sustainable, regenerative tourism where the industry gives back more than it takes – and, in doing so, empowers other operators to do the same
• Providing a pathway that speaks to all four elements of the NZ Tourism Sustainability Commitment
• Providing a pathway that speaks to the Tiaki Promise
• Becoming part of a network of like-minded individuals who have similar commitments to sustainability and marine conservation

Specific business benefits include:

• Reinforcing your businesses reputation as a leading employer of choice that actively gives back to the community
• Increasing customer base
• Providing leadership opportunities through involvement and employee interest and engagement
• Providing instant recognition that your business gives back to the marine environment
• Providing talking points for your business, helping appeal even more to customers prioritising sustainable travel choices
• Attraction of international markets who value sustainable retention of the national assets of New Zealand

Partnership Levels

Donors are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation depending on their evidence of sustainable practices towards the marine environment and level of annual contribution to MoanaMark.