On February 3rd – 4th, 2025, the Natural Capital Project (NatCap) team from Stanford University, in collaboration with the NES and Muri Environment Care (MEC), led a two-day workshop in Rarotonga. The sessions brought together local stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers to explore data-driven solutions for environmental conservation and sustainable decision-making in the Cook Islands.
The workshop began with a field visit to Muri Environment Care (MEC) nursery, where participants learned about habitat restoration efforts that enhance coastal resilience and biodiversity. At Avana, discussions focused on water quality monitoring and catchment management, essential for protecting freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Day two featured in-depth discussions on land-based pollution in Muri Lagoon, a critical area for biodiversity, tourism, and fisheries. Strategies such as riparian buffer restoration and septic system upgrades were explored to improve water quality, reduce pollution, and mitigate flooding risks.
A key topic was Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP)—a tool that quantifies the economic value of natural ecosystems, helping policymakers integrate environmental sustainability into development decisions.
Technical contributions from Stanford University provided critical insights to strengthen conservation efforts. Using advanced spatial mapping, hydrodynamic modelling, and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, the team refined land-use data, corrected mapping inconsistencies, and improved water movement simulations in Muri Lagoon.
By applying the INVEST tool, researchers assessed nutrient and sediment flows, identified sedimentation hotspots, and analysed coastal inundation risks. These findings support targeted interventions, such as:
Riparian buffer restoration to reduce land-based runoff.
Stormwater management improvements to minimise flood risks.
Infrastructure planning to enhance community resilience.
The enhanced spatial data also aids in habitat mapping and biodiversity monitoring, ensuring that conservation actions are scientifically informed, adaptive, and effective in the long term.
This workshop reinforced the importance of evidence-based environmental management. By combining scientific expertise with local knowledge, the Cook Islands is strengthening data-driven decision-making to protect its natural resources for future generations. The collaboration with Stanford University ensures that cutting-edge tools and methodologies continue to inform sustainable coastal and environmental planning
