
Cook Islands Strengthens Ozone Protection Efforts at Regional Montreal Protocol Meetings
The Quota and Licensing System was a key topic that was raised from the meeting. This focused on countries’ obligations to the Montreal Protocol and
The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.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
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.

The Quota and Licensing System was a key topic that was raised from the meeting. This focused on countries’ obligations to the Montreal Protocol and


The workshop reinforced the importance of healthy marine ecosystems as the foundation for tourism, biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience.

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

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

The specialised training focused on practical approaches to developing effective public policy proposals through a seven-step policy development framework.

In line with regulatory requirements, the EIA will enter a 30-day public review period commencing on 26 June 2026 and closing on 26 July 2026.

Updated rules for Suwarrow National Park came into effect on 9 June 2026, strengthening environmental protections, visitor requirements, and biosecurity measures to support the long-term

Together, students collected more than 180 kilograms of waste and sorted over 2,300 pieces of rubbish.

The initiative has encouraged ongoing youth-led environmental action and strengthened partnerships between schools, community groups, and conservation efforts across Aitutaki.