THE people of Bita’ama in North Malaita applaud the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s (MCT) plan to revitalise the Bita’ama dolphin project this year.

Bita’ama Community Based Tourism Project Secretary, Michael Tolingikirio said: “We really thankful that MCT has responded positively to this project.

“I now call on my good people, brothers and immediate family members of Bita’ama to cooperate with open heart to allow this project to proceed on.”

Mr Tolingikirio said the people in Bita’ama have ceased from dolphin killing and want to see this project come to fruition.

“We would also want to thank the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources that come and held discussion with us concerning the Dolphin Act.

“Let’s transform this culture to become one tourism product,” he said.

Mr Tolingikirio said there are no disputes in Bita’ama, and hopes the government continues to work closely with their people.

In May 2015, Tourism Minister Bartholomew Parapolo promised that if the people of Bita’ama ceased killing dolphins for food consumption, their traditional hunting of dolphins will be converted into a tourism attraction.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Andrew Nihopara this week, said despite the project being on hold, the Ministry will re-visit it this year.

Mr Nihopara emphasised that the ministry is finding measures to address this project.

“The importance for re-visiting the Bita’ama project is to see how best they can address environment and marine issues for the tourism industry.

“It is a community based approached but at the same time it addresses issues relate to environment,” PS Nihopara said.

Tourism Ministry’s intention is to encourage new concepts and see how government through the Ministry can support other policies—youth policy and women empowerment policy.

The tourism product development is partially coordinated between ministries responsible for land, environment, fisheries, energy and agriculture.