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. 

NES - Homepage - About us

VACANCIES

HAVE YOUR SAY!

Rarotonga Southern Passages Environmental Management Plan 2025–2028
Submit your feedback by 18 July 2025 to nes@cookislands.gov.ck or via the feedback form
above. ,

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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It s Time To Make
A Change.

Latest News

Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Economic Development for BRI Countries

For the Cook Islands, these Marine Spatial Planning methods offer valuable insights.

Pacific Negotiators’ final stretch to prepare for the plastic treaty closing negotiations

Negotiators are anticipating difficult discussions in Geneva to reach an agreement that is effective and takes into account the special circumstances of small islands developing…

Regional Workshop Strengthens Pacific Response to Invasive Species 

Over the three days, participants explored available tools and guidance on IAS management, including the recently released CBD Toolkit for Target 6, and the IPBES…

NES - Stewardship

Cook Islands Biodiversity

To monitor and evaluate activities which significantly affect the environment.

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SPECIES CONSERVED

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PLANTED TREES

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AREAS PROTECTED

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