Project ENUA and Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) recently signed a partnership agreement to develop a Children’s Biodiversity Activity Book for children aged 5–12 years. The agreement formalises the collaboration to create a fun and engaging resource that will help children discover and learn more about the incredible biodiversity of the Cook Islands.
Every day, children in the Cook Islands are surrounded by unique plants, animals, birds, and marine life, yet much of this biodiversity can sometimes go unnoticed.
The Cook Islands is home to many plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. By learning about them while they’re young, children can grow up understanding why it’s important to protect the places and species that make our islands unique.
Now in development, the activity book will make learning about our environment fun and engaging through colourful illustrations, puzzles, games, and interactive activities. It will introduce children to native, endemic, endangered, and invasive species. Along the way, they will discover the Cook Islands Māori names of many native plants and animals, helping them build a stronger connection with both our environment and our culture.
Children are naturally curious. Whether they’re exploring the beach, climbing trees, looking under rocks to see what’s underneath, or asking endless questions about the animals they see, every day provides an opportunity to learn more about nature. This activity book builds on that curiosity and helps children better understand the plants and animals they share their home with.
Designed for schools, families, and communities, the activity book encourages learning both inside and outside the classroom. It can be taken to the beach, into the bush, or used at home as children discover the wildlife and habitats that make the Cook Islands so special.
Project ENUA hopes this resource will encourage tamariki and families to value, respect, and care for tō tātou enua and tō tātou moana. We hope this book sparks family adventures, inspires curiosity, and encourages children to become proud caretakers of the Cook Islands’ unique environment for years to come.
The Biodiversity Activity Book is currently being developed, and we look forward to sharing it with schools, families, and communities once it’s complete. Stay tuned for updates!
