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.

Latest Projects

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 GEF7 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.

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.
Pa Enua Vacancies


Latest News
Cook Islands joins Pacific SIDS to prepare negotiations for an ambitious plastic pollution treaty
Halatoa Fua stated ‘for the Cook Islands and other Pacific SIDS, marine litter and microplastics are a concern that prompts the need to reduce global…
Titā ki te Titā kore Project completed for Nikao, Arorangi and Titikaveka
NES project coordinator, Mii Herman emphasized the importance of data collection and analysis within this project, stating ‘the data collected from these locations can provide…
NES assists with marine research and studies of cetaceans
Terena Koteka-Wiki, NES GEF7 Project Officer, assisted Ella Ruland with the deployment of an acoustic sound monitoring device called a SoudTrap300. Ella Ruland is an…

Cook Islands Biodiversity
To monitor and evaluate activities which significantly affect the environment.