The NES is excited to present the Cook Islands national project under the GEFs Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution integrated program (IP) titled, “Reducing Single-use Plastics on Small Island Economies” or RESPONSE.
The NES developed the concept note for this project with support from the UNEP team, who is the selected implementing agency.
The objective is to reduce the amount of plastics entering the Cook Islands via the food and beverage sector and to support enabling environments for reuse options and other circular solutions, with the intention of reducing the burden on the Cook Islands waste management system, as well as reducing pollution and harmful impacts of plastic.
The estimated project cost is $6,200,000 USD and the project will be implemented across 5 years. NES and Infrastructure Cook Islands have been identified as the executing agencies for this project.
The concept note is available for view on the Cook Islands Environment Data Portal.
This project is part of a wider global programme addressing plastic pollution across multiple countries. Learn more about the Cook Islands project under the global Plastic Reboot programme
Expected results/outputs:
- Develop and strengthen upstream policies to limit plastic pollution
- Support roll-out of food and beverage plastic packaging imported into the Cook Islands
- Support private sector, NGOs and community solutions
- National data on plastics to improve decision making
- Knowledge exchange and lessons documented
Survey Report & Factsheet 2024
This report presents an analysis of the public survey results*, summarising key themes and findings relevant to SUP reductions strategies in the Cook Islands.
Project Inception Report 2026
This report outlines the RESPONSE Project, including its objectives, implementation arrangements, and planned activities. It also captures the outcomes of the inception phase and sets the foundation for project implementation in the Cook Islands.
| Status | Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Concept approved | $6,200,000 USD | 2024 - 2029 |
For more information on the RESPONSE project in the Cook Islands contact:
Siana Whatarau: siana.whatarau@cookislands.gov.ck
Hayley Weeks : hayley.weeks@cookislands.gov.ck
GEF-8 Plastics RESPONSE Workshop
The RESPONSE project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aims to reduce the amount of single use and problematic plastics from the food and beverage sector that enter the Cook Islands and contribute to our mounting waste problem.