DESIGNED AND PREPARED BY:
Edna Torea-Allan, Tikioki Road, Titikaveka (winner of the Cook Islands 43rd Forum Logo Competition)
DESCRIPTOR:
This logo was designed with economy and flexibility in mind. Using just two colours provides an economic way to print on all surfaces including embroidery and fabric and with the simple clean lines, have an end product that has reproduced well.
COLOURS:
Blue is reflective of the ocean and sky. Brown is reflective of earth/nature and is reflected in many island art/craft elements – carving, tapa, weaving
SYMBOLISM:
This logo is based on the presupposition that at the South Pacific Forum politicians dialogue and make decisions that impact positively on all four pillars of society –community, economy, environment, culture; decisions that impact not just their own nation, but all the Pacific, and ultimately, a global stage. These pillars are not discreet, they constantl interact, and have a part to play in the formation of our beliefs and values and in turn who
we become as individuals, within our families, as a nation, and globally.
- Community – the turtle symbolises ‘community’ on two levels. Firstly, a turtle has to fight for survival from being laid through to maturity. The courage, determination, and perseverance demonstrated by their life can inspire us to develop the same spirit to overcome and thrive. Secondly it is a creature that is susceptible to outside influences, so needs understanding, protection and care. A community can be similarly susceptible, but responds, matures, and becomes healthy when leaders take time to understand and act to protect and care for the community’s needs.
- Economy – tuna/fish also touch society in two ways. In the Pacific the fishing industry is for many a main source of income, not just for a nation, but often for individuals/ families. Managed sustainably, it is a potential renewable source of income, a resource that is in demand worldwide. Secondly a family that can safely and sustainably reap from the reef/lagoon/ocean for their own sustenance will be able to extend their personal income, and perhaps be able to save, which also has an effect on the economy.
- Environment – as we now realise, what happens on land affects the sea. The coral is a symbol of the environment as it is vulnerable to the varying environmental factors that play out on land and in the sea. If coral dies it not only impacts on the habitat of fish relying on it, but it loses its colour and therefore attractiveness to tourists, which will eventually impact on the economy.
- Culture – islanders have proven, historically and in modern times, a great tenacity to journey, adventure, explore and inhabit many lands and establish successful and functional societies. With every journey culture goes with the individual, is influenced, and grows and develops along the way.
BACKGROUND IMAGE:
Behind these four icons of our pillars of society is a wave building up from within an island, a wave that is perched ready to break and spread throughout the Pacific. This wave is formed as an eye, an allusion to the way the leaders of our nations are trusted by the people to keep an eye on everything. To lead wisely and make good decisions that will prosper and add to their positive welfare in the present and future.
