The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.
The role of the National Environment Services is based on 5 main areas and has four main departments.
There is a suite of policies, strategies and plans developed over the years to enable environmental protection, conservation and management.
Our cultural identify is deeply rooted in our environment and it is part of our heritage and legacy.
An Environment Consent is a permission granted to an applicant undertaking an activity that has some but not significant environment impact.
A permission required for the construction of a standard residential dwelling or non-construction purposes such as land clearance.
A management tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision making.
Any person planning to take any wild animal or plant overseas must apply for a permit for trade movement of endangered species (CITES).
All importers of bulk HFC goods must register as an approved importer with NES.
Other permits issued by NES relates to the transboundary movement of waste, ozone depletion substances and wildlife.
Biodiversity plans are important documents to manage and determine the state of our natural environment.
Protecting species, habitats, ecosystem, and protecting biological diversity.
Activities to protect, maintain, or restore the quality of environmental media.
Historical milestone for conservation in the Cook Islands
Learn more about the importance of this project for generations to come
The Environment Act 2003 is the primary legislation applied throughout the Cook Islands and the Outer Islands (Pa Enua) of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro.
Several subsidiary legislations made under the Environment Act 2003 to apply provisions of the Act and to also include the Pa Enua.
Numerous national legislations interlinked with the environment but administered by other government entities.
Head of Delegation Elizabeth Munro said the team is performing well, actively engaging in negotiations, strengthening Pacific positions and ensuring Cook Islands priorities are reflected
“Our biodiversity is more than just conservation. It is our identity, our culture, our livelihoods and the future of our children.”
Opening the workshop, NES Director Halatoa Fua said: “Protecting biodiversity is not simply an environmental responsibility; it is an investment in the long-term wellbeing of
A key focus was the development of a Pacific Nature Agenda, which brings together shared Pacific priorities and messages on biodiversity.
The programme also included visits to recycling and resource recovery facilities in Vanuatu, allowing participants to observe practical examples of waste diversion, collection systems, and
Tekura Moekaa and Elizabeth Munro joined participants from 14 Pacific countries for the second module of the Marine Spatial Planning and Integrated Ocean Management Leadership
Government agencies, businesses, civil society and community representatives came together to discuss practical ways to reduce single-use plastics in the Cook Islands. The meeting focused
NES, TMO, government agencies and members of the Mauke community joined the effort across the four villages of Areora, Makatea, Kimiangatau and Ngatiarua.
The monitoring has also detected occasional Tahiti petrels, although these appear to be passing through Mangaia rather than remaining in the area for extended periods
A strong takeaway from the conference was the wider ecological value of seabirds.
