Recent consultations held in Atiu and Mitiaro have delivered strong momentum for the development of Island Environment Management Plans (IEMPs) under the GEF7 Project ENUA. The project team met extensively with Island Council members, government agencies, youth representatives, and Aronga Mana to listen to firsthand accounts of the environmental pressures facing these islands and to gather ideas on how best to address them through practical, community-owned plans.
Across both islands, participants identified waste management, improved inter-agency collaboration, and capacity building as the most urgent priorities. These issues will form a central focus of the IEMPs, ensuring the plans directly respond to the challenges communities are experiencing on a daily basis. The inclusive approach has helped capture valuable local knowledge and aspirations, reinforcing the importance of bottom-up planning in environmental management.
While based in Atiu, the consultation team was joined by a representative from Te Ipukerea Society, who held separate discussions with the Takutea Trust regarding the IEMP for Takutea.
The next steps involve collating all feedback received during the consultations and preparing a draft IEMP. This draft will then be shared back with the communities for their review, comments, and additional input before finalisation. This iterative process aims to produce plans that truly reflect island realities and enjoy broad local support.
The GEF7 Project ENUA is committed to strengthening environmental governance and resilience across the Cook Islands by empowering island communities to take the lead in managing their natural resources. By centering community voices, the project helps build ownership and ensures long-term sustainability of environmental initiatives in the Pa Enua.
The project team extends sincere thanks to all who participated for their time, honesty, and dedication to protecting the environment for current and future generations. Further community engagements are planned as the IEMPs move toward completion.
