National Environment Service (NES) Plastics Officer, Melina Tuiravakai, represented the Cook Islands at a series of high-level meetings hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines, from 9–11 June 2026.
As an Pacific Co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG), Mrs. Tuiravakai joined Indigenous leaders from the Philippines, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea in consultations with ADB’s Office of Safeguards on strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the implementation of ADB’s Environmental and Social Standard 7 (ESS7).
Mrs. Tuiravakai also attended the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2026, themed “Beyond Transition: Building Secure, Resilient, Inclusive and Intelligent Energy Systems.” The event brought together more than 1,500 participants from over 60 countries to discuss sustainable development, climate resilience, circular economy solutions, and innovative approaches to environmental management.
As Plastics Officer for the Cook Islands’ RESPONSE & POLP Projects, Mrs. Tuiravakai took the opportunity to engage with ADB specialists and regional partners working on plastics pollution, waste management, and circular economy initiatives. Discussions focused on emerging regional approaches to reducing plastic waste, strengthening resource recovery systems, and supporting sustainable consumption and production practices.
The participation aligns closely with the objectives of both the POLP & RESPONSE Projects, which seeks to reduce plastic pollution, mitigate waste management challenges, support policy development, and promote circular economy solutions across the Cook Islands. The meetings also provided valuable opportunities to explore future partnerships, technical support, and funding opportunities that could help advance the Cook Islands’ efforts to address plastic pollution and strengthen environmental sustainability.
“It was an honour to represent the Cook Islands, the Pacific, and Indigenous Peoples in discussions that will help shape more inclusive and sustainable development across our region. There are strong connections between Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and the work we are undertaking through our NES projects to tackle plastic pollution and promote a circular economy,” said Mrs. Tuiravakai.
Mrs. Tuiravakai’s participation also builds on her international advocacy, where she highlights the Cook Islands’ leadership in addressing plastic pollution through community action, traditional knowledge, and environmental stewardship.
