he GEF 7 Project ENUA has been buzzing with activity behind the scenes, setting the stage for a year filled with impactful initiatives that will benefit both our team and the community. We’re beyond excited to share some of the latest progress, starting with our collaboration with the Muri Environment Care Group (MEC), thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) we’ve had in place since November 2024. This partnership is paving the way for some truly innovative work ahead!
With the support of GEF 7 funding, MEC is gearing up for riparian restoration trials at the Parengaru site. This project is all about improving the health of local streams and nearshore marine environments by addressing the pressures they face. It’s an exciting step towards restoring vital habitat corridors and reinforcing the biodiversity connections between the lagoon and the forest—something that will benefit both wildlife and local communities.
As part of Project ENUA, our team has been actively collaborating with key partners, including Infrastructure Cook Islands, Cook Islands Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture. We’re gathering valuable insights to create digital pamphlets that will not only inform but also inspire. Fred, Lydia, and Terena have each been assigned to work closely with a specific ministry, building strong relationships and gathering key data to feature in the pamphlets. This targeted approach ensures that we’re crafting materials that are both relevant and effective.
These pamphlets will highlight the importance of sustainable practices and raise awareness about the environmental impact of each sector. Through these efforts, we aim to empower the community and encourage stewardship of our precious natural resources, all while showcasing the power of partnerships in creating lasting change.
The University of Newcastle Catchment Audit team are currently on Rarotonga to conduct round two of our water quality testing in the four priority catchments. This follow-up assessment is crucial to understanding the health of our water resources and will provide us with valuable data to further inform our restoration efforts. The team will be with us for a full week, conducting testing that will directly support our ongoing work in these important catchments. We’re excited to welcome them back and look forward to the insights they’ll bring to help us enhance our environmental management strategies.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on developing a Manuae Conservation Management Plan, funded by GEF 7. This plan will provide a clear roadmap for sustainable management, ensuring the protection of biodiversity and the responsible use of natural resources. It will be aligned with the UNDP Social and Environmental Standards (SES), ensuring that everything we do follows the best environmental practices. Our team is currently in the early stages of hiring a Manuae Environmental Management Consultant for this crucial role, and while we haven’t yet finalized the hire, this process is well underway. We’ll keep you updated as this important development progresses.
In addition, the Project ENUA team are also putting the finishing touches on an animated video for the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), designed to help stakeholders navigate the process of addressing concerns during the project. This is just one more step in ensuring transparency and accountability as we move forward.
These developments represent exciting strides in the implementation of Project ENUA, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds!
