The National Environment Service (NES) recently partnered with the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Avarua Church in Rarotonga to deliver an engaging Education and Awareness Week, bringing together community learning, discussion, and friendly competition.
The programme began with a presentation night held on 20 April 2026, where NES delivered a session to SDA members. The presentations focused on four key NES projects:
- the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), which aims to reduce marine litter and plastic pollution in the Pacific through improved waste management and prevention;
- the RESPONSE Project, which supports the reduction of single-use plastics in small island economies through policy, alternatives, and behavior change;
- the Montreal Protocol, which focuses on protecting the ozone layer through the phase-out of harmful substances and promoting better alternatives that are less harmful
- And the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP), which guides national efforts to protect and sustainably manage biodiversity in the Cook Islands.
A total of 96 participants attended, engaging in discussions on plastic pollution, alternative products, and biodiversity conservation.
The week concluded with a lively quiz night on 25 April 2026 held at the Avarua SDA Church. The event brought together 18 teams with around 130 participants, including children, youth, adults, as well as mamas and papas. The quiz featured seven rounds covering environmental topics, general knowledge, and pop culture, creating a fun and competitive atmosphere.
The quiz night built on the earlier presentation, with many teams demonstrating a strong understanding of environmental issues affecting the Cook Islands. Prizes, including branded merchandise and locally made items, were sponsored through the POLP and NBSAP projects, celebrating sustainability and local creativity.
The programme was led by youth staff within NES, whose energy and creativity helped make the events both educational and enjoyable. NES also acknowledges SDA youth leaders Tohoa Puna and Anita Harmon, who are part of the NES family, for their support in delivering the programme, as well as the wider SDA Church community for their active participation.
Overall, the Education and Awareness Week successfully raised awareness of single-use plastics and encouraged positive behavior change, strengthening community engagement in environmental protection.
Images from the quiz night on 25 April 2026 held at the Avarua SDA Church. The event brought together 18 teams with around 130 participants, including children, youth, adults, as well as mamas and papas.
