Environmental Compliance Dashboard Report (January–June 2026)
During the first half of 2026, NES approved 90 environmental and development applications, comprising 63 Tier 1 Building Permits, 16 Tier 1 Environmental Approvals, 1
Month: June 2026
Cook Islands Featured in GEF Voices Series and Plastic Reboot Annual Report
In the interview, Mel shares how the GEF-8 RESPONSE Project is working alongside communities, government and the private sector to reduce single-use plastics while promoting
Restoring the Future: Funding Supports Coastal Planting in Manihiki and Rakahanga
The successful proposal a project to be led by the Kumiti Au Vaine and focused on environmental restoration initiatives in both Rarotonga and the Northern
Financing Nature and Oceans: Insights from the 12th Regional Biodiversity Finance Dialogue
Key lessons from the dialogue highlight the importance of improving coordination of existing funding, strengthening project readiness to attract investment, and exploring practical financial mechanisms
Cook Islands Reaffirms Commitment to Biodiversity Conservation at Regional 30×30 Workshop
A key outcome of the workshop was the identification of major regional challenges, including gaps in data, limited technical capacity, effective management plans, and the
NES Conducts Drone Mapping Supports Invasive Species Management on Atiu
A key outcome was the capture of high-resolution imagery of African tulip tree sites, which will support future eradication efforts and strengthen ecosystem restoration across
Cook Islands Participates in Regional Blue Economy Workshop
The workshop reinforced the importance of healthy marine ecosystems as the foundation for tourism, biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience.
Cook Islands Participates in International Dialogue on Global Plastics Treaty
The Cook Islands participated in the international roundtable “Safeguarding an Effective Plastics Treaty” in Madrid, Spain, from 10–12 June 2026. Representing the Cook Islands, National
From the Balcony: Looking Beyond the Noise
Elizabeth Munro and Tekura Moeka’a recently attended the Marine Spatial Planning Leadership for Change Programme in Brisbane, Australia, where participants explored leadership, adaptive thinking, and