The GEF7 Project Enua – Enhancing Nature’s Unique Areas has officially partnered with the Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA), following the signing of a service agreement on 24 September 2025. The agreement formalises a collaborative approach to safeguarding the Cook Islands’ unique ecosystems and species.
The National Environment Service (NES), with the support of the TCA Technical Committee, established under the Other Effective Conservation Management (OECM) process, will deliver services that directly contribute to the goals of the GEF7 Project Enua. The partnership aims to protect critical habitats and ensure that conservation efforts are both scientifically informed and culturally grounded.
Under this partnership, Takitumu Conservation Area will take the lead in implementing key conservation activities guided by the TCA Management Plan 2020–2030. These include:
- Rat eradication programs using cost-effective and proven methods.
- Monitoring of kakerori (Rarotonga flycatcher) populations within the TCA and on Atiu in 2026.
- Supporting inclusive governance structures that incorporate traditional management systems, gender mainstreaming, and collaboration with local landowners and communities.
These activities are critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems, preventing the decline of native species, and empowering communities as active stewards of their natural environment.
The signing of the service agreement represents a milestone in the Cook Islands’ ongoing efforts to conserve its natural heritage. Through this partnership, NES, TCA, and local stakeholders are demonstrating a shared commitment to protecting biodiversity, enhancing traditional conservation knowledge, and ensuring the resilience of the islands’ ecosystems for future generations.
