The National Environment Service (NES) will coordinate its Annual “Clean Up the Cook Islands” event on Friday, 13th September.
This event aligns with global initiatives such as World Cleanup Day 2024, which focuses on “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter” in Tromsø, Norway. Both efforts aim to inspire communities to combat waste and pollution while promoting sustainable practices. In the Cook Islands, collective action is encouraged to address waste issues, particularly in coastal and stream areas, reflecting global concerns over marine litter and the importance of community-driven cleanup efforts in fragile ecosystems, including island nations.
The event will see schools and communities from Rarotonga and the Pa Enua participate, with around 800 volunteers involved across the islands. This year’s focus is on waste collection along foreshore and stream areas, which have previously posed challenges. Aitutaki and Mangaia have added unique elements: Mangaia will host a speech competition on the impacts of waste, while Aitutaki will run a social media competition, both engaging senior students.
NES is grateful for the ongoing support from organisations such as Infrastructure Cook Islands, CITC, and Prime Foods. We also acknowledge those who have already registered, including staff from CITC, the Airport Authority, Te Marae Ora, the Destination Coordination Division (DCD), and schools such as Araura Primary, Apii Vaitau, Titikaveka College, Apii Rutaki, Apii Arorangi, Apii Takitumu, Apii Avarua, Apii Nikao, Apii Mauke, Tetautua and Omoka Schools (Tongareva), Mangaia School, and others, including Lilibeth Warren and Sheryl McEwen.
Volunteers can still register for the event. There’s still time—register here!
