The Plastic Ocean Litter Project (POLP) is funded by the Australian Government and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). This one-year initiative focuses on reducing single-use plastics (SUPs) in coastal areas and the marine environment, helping to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity from the harmful impacts of plastic pollution. Through this support, the Cook Islands has begun drafting a National Action Plan on plastic pollution, contributing to the NSDA 2020+ goal of becoming a Zero Waste nation by 2045.
As part of the early stages of the project, the National Environment Service (NES) recently delivered an awareness session with students from GROW Aitutaki to strengthen their understanding of SUPs and their impacts on the ocean. Discussions explored the effects of plastic pollution on both human health and marine life, with students sharing real-life experiences from their coral regrowth activities in the Aitutaki lagoon. This session represents an important first step in the project’s education and community engagement efforts.
Looking ahead, NES will continue working closely with schools to empower young people through creative, hands-on learning activities. These initiatives will support students to better understand the impacts of marine litter on environmental health and inspire them to become champions for cleaner, healthier oceans.
