The National Environment Service (NES) has recently entered into two consultancy agreements to support the development and updating of key conservation management plans in the Cook Islands under the GEF-7 Project ENUA.
The first agreement engages the Manuae Enua Conservation Trust (MECT) to develop a management plan for Manuae Atoll, an uninhabited island of high ecological and cultural significance. Established in 2022 by the Proprietors of Manuae Incorporated (PMI), MECT represents the landowners of Manuae and brings strong local, cultural, and environmental knowledge to the planning process. Through this consultancy, MECT will work in collaboration with NES to develop a management plan that guides conservation priorities, supports biodiversity protection, and promotes the sustainable management of Manuae.
A separate consultancy agreement has been signed with Ana Tiraa, who has extensive history working with the Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA) management, to support the review and update of the TCA Management Plan. The Takitumu Conservation Area is widely recognised for its long-standing, community-led conservation efforts, including the protection of the kakerori (Rarotonga flycatcher). With over 20 years of experience in species recovery, invasive species management, environmental governance, and indigenous-led conservation, Ana Tiraa will work alongside the TCA and NES to ensure the updated management plan reflects current priorities, best practice, and national conservation objectives.
These consultancy agreements form part of the GEF-7 Project ENUA, which supports strengthened biodiversity governance and culturally grounded conservation planning across the Cook Islands. The development and updating of these management plans will involve collaboration with relevant stakeholders and will be subject to consultation, review, and appropriate approval processes prior to final endorsement.
