The National Biodiversity Committee, known as Kopapa Ao Ora Natura (KAON), met for its first quarterly meeting of 2026 on Friday 24 April at the National Environment Service. Co-chaired by the Manager of the Environmental Stewardship division at NES, and the Director of Te Ipukarea Society, the meeting brought together government agencies and civil society to update on current biodiversity projects and advance biodiversity management initiatives in the Cook Islands. NES Pa Enua staff based in Rarotonga for the week were also able to participate, an opportunity to share valuable island-level perspectives to national discussions.
Among the key issues discussed was the future of coral exports and whether the Cook Islands should accede to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Members agreed further analysis is needed to fully assess the benefits, obligations and implications of signing up to the treaty on top of current management efforts.
Progress was also highlighted on the draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026 (NBSAP), with a validation workshop scheduled for May and a launch targeted for late June. The updated strategy will replace the existing 2003 framework.
The NES announced the appointment of Mrs. Vaine Arioka as the Project Coordination Support Consultant for the Biodiversity Finance (BioFin) project, which is a project co-led by NES and MFEM ending in 2027 that seeks to develop a national biodiversity financing plan.
Members also received an update on the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund proposal, which aims to restore native species, control invasive species and strengthen cultural resilience across Mitiaro, Penrhyn and the Maungaroa valley in Rarotonga. Stakeholders noted that expanding the invasive species component in the project design to include invasive weeds in addition to rats, could provide great value to the three sites.
A significant milestone was reported for the new Environment Bill, now submitted to Crown Law, with expectations it will be introduced to Parliament before August.
Marine and island conservation updates featured strongly, including encouraging reef health observations from Pukapuka and Nassau, progress on Suwarrow biodiversity work, and ongoing invasive species management under the Restoring Island Resilience project. The Natural Heritage Trust also showcased the growing National Biodiversity Database, encouraging the KAON members and the public to contribute species observations. Updates were also shared by Te Ipukarea Society on their seabird monitoring and site restoration efforts, including work in Atiu, Mangaia, and Takutea.
Regional and international collaboration was another highlight, with updates on Project ENUA’s catchment audits in partnership with the University of Newcastle, and the development of Island Environment Management Plans led by Tangata Pioro, Rima Moeka’a. The Cook Islands’ recent appointment to the Oceania Standing Committee for the Convention on Migratory Species further reinforces its leadership in ocean and biodiversity governance.
Members were also briefed on two upcoming NES initiatives, including the development of a management plan for Maungaroa valley, which will support the site’s UNESCO World Heritage nomination, and a project under the Kunming Biodiversity Fund aimed at improving species and ecosystem data and supporting modernising the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database.
The meeting closed with confirmation of KAON’s 2026 schedule and appreciation for the strong collaboration across agencies and partners. This shared commitment will be key to advancing biodiversity protection efforts in the Cook Islands in the year ahead.
