To Protect, Conserve and Manage
From climate change to biodiversity conservation, environment affairs is a matter concerning everyone, everyday.
APPLICATIONS & PERMITS
To monitor and evaluate activities which significantly affect the environment.
STEWARDSHIP
Manage projects relating to biodiversity, conservation, Pa Enua (Outer Islands), research and data collection.
PARTNERSHIPS
The National Environment Service applies stewardship to the planning and management of the environment and natural resources in the Cook Islands.
LEGISLATION
Environment Act 2003 and associated regulations are in place to manage environmental matters in the Cook Islands
The National Environment Service is established to protect, conserve and ensure the Cook Islands environment is managed sustainably.
Our cultural identify is deeply rooted in our environment and it is part of our heritage and legacy that must be passed on to future generations of Cook Islanders.
VACANCIES
HAVE YOUR SAY!
Rarotonga Southern Passages Environmental Management Plan 2025–2028
Latest Projects
Montreal Protocol
(MP) Project
The MP Project aims to phase out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) & phase down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are man-made chemicals harmful to the our environment and health.
UNEP support the Cook Islands compliance with the control measures, implementing activities and other obligations under the Montreal Protocol.
GEF-8 PLastIc Response Project
The NES is excited to present the Cook Islands national project under the GEFs Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution integrated program (IP) titled, “Reducing Single-use Plastics on Small Island Economies” or RESPONSE.
Tita’ ki te Tita’kore
The National Environment Service (NES) has partnered with Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT) to launch the “Tita’ ki te Tita’ kore Project.” This initiative is aimed at tackling the environmental and health risks posed by the improper disposal of whiteware, electronic waste (E-Waste) and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) on Rarotonga. This forward-looking initiative reflects the Cook Islands Government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management practices.
Cook Islands GEF-7 ENUA Project
Welcome to the latest update on the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 7 project in the Cook Islands!
This exciting project is working towards enhancing biodiversity considerations and effective protected area management to safeguard the Cook Islands integrated ecosystems and species. It involves many key partners and stakeholders working together towards this common goal.
It s Time To Make
A Change.
Latest News
Students connect science and nature in Avatiu Stream study
The excursion allowed students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting by collecting and comparing water quality data from two stream sites, one…
Three Days of Ocean Awareness and Collaboration in Aitutaki
NES supported the programme through environmental education sessions, participation in a motu cleanup, and support for school outreach activities on the island.
Compliance in Action: Stream and Wetland Surveys help guide Environmental Compliance Decisions
NES has engaged ecologist and entomologist Mike Bowie to help assess biodiversity at sites marked for potential development. He’s working with staff to build strong,…
Cook Islands Biodiversity
To monitor and evaluate activities which significantly affect the environment.
