“The Cook Islands National Environment Service (NES) travelled to Nadi, Fiji from 3–6 March 2026 to participate in a series of regional engagements, including the introduction of a new network ‘Pacific Women in Circular Economies’ (PacWiCE), Cleaner Pacific Roundtable discussions and the Fourth Pacific Steering Committee (PSC4) for the GEF ISLANDS child project. These meetings brought together Pacific Island countries, SPREP, UNEP and GEF partners to review mid‑term progress, resolve ongoing challenges, and establish a clearer pathway for accelerating project implementation through to completion.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the regional ISLANDS project is a five‑year initiative that began in 2021 and was originally scheduled to conclude in 2026. Due to administrative delays and global disruptions caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the programme has now received a two‑year no‑cost extension to 2028. The focal point of the week in Fiji was the ongoing Mid‑Term Review, which underscored that although the project’s timeline is ambitious, it remains a strategic priority for all 14 participating Pacific countries.
For the Cook Islands, PSC4 delivered a positive and strategically aligned outcome with country activities being underway and are on track to enter the implementation phase by April–May 2026. NES also worked closely with regional partners to refine activity priorities, ensuring that lower‑priority or delayed items can be shifted to a proposed ISLANDS Phase II, allowing the Cook Islands to focus on achievable, high‑impact actions within the current timeframe.
PSC4 marked a critical turning point for the region—shifting the programme from extended planning and analysis into a forward‑moving phase of delivery, activation, and accelerated progress. NES remains committed to advancing the Cook Islands’ contributions to the GEF ISLANDS project and supporting stronger regional collaboration to address chemicals, waste, and circular economy challenges across the Pacific.”
