
Aitutaki’s Ocean, Knowledge and Future
Aitutaki’s fishers, traditional leaders and communities hold generations of knowledge about the island’s lagoon, reef and ocean. Recent consultations considered how this Traditional Knowledge can
The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.
The role of the National Environment Services is based on 5 main areas and has four main departments.
There is a suite of policies, strategies and plans developed over the years to enable environmental protection, conservation and management.
Our cultural identify is deeply rooted in our environment and it is part of our heritage and legacy.
An Environment Consent is a permission granted to an applicant undertaking an activity that has some but not significant environment impact.
A permission required for the construction of a standard residential dwelling or non-construction purposes such as land clearance.
A management tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision making.
Any person planning to take any wild animal or plant overseas must apply for a permit for trade movement of endangered species (CITES).
All importers of bulk HFC goods must register as an approved importer with NES.
Other permits issued by NES relates to the transboundary movement of waste, ozone depletion substances and wildlife.
Biodiversity plans are important documents to manage and determine the state of our natural environment.
Protecting species, habitats, ecosystem, and protecting biological diversity.
Activities to protect, maintain, or restore the quality of environmental media.
Historical milestone for conservation in the Cook Islands
The Environment Act 2003 is the primary legislation applied throughout the Cook Islands and the Outer Islands (Pa Enua) of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro.
Several subsidiary legislations made under the Environment Act 2003 to apply provisions of the Act and to also include the Pa Enua.
Numerous national legislations interlinked with the environment but administered by other government entities.

Aitutaki’s fishers, traditional leaders and communities hold generations of knowledge about the island’s lagoon, reef and ocean. Recent consultations considered how this Traditional Knowledge can

With no marine mammal response plan in place, local responders and NES worked together to recover and document the deceased whale calf. The incident has

NES Environment Officers took to the airwaves in Aitutaki to update the community on current environmental work.

The proposed development involves the construction of six self-catering accommodation units, a small café, a natural swimming pool, and associated off-grid infrastructure, creating a unique

The study examined current plastic waste volumes, infrastructure, operational requirements, environmental and financial considerations, and potential recycling markets to determine the most suitable long-term management

“In every discussion, he reminded us that progress must always respect and protect Aitutaki’s unique beauty. The stories of our land, our ancestors and our

The NES booth had a range of learning opportunities for the students, showcasing the work done at national level.

An ESD is the first step in checking whether a proposed project could harm the environment. When someone wants to build or make changes to

On top of their clean-up efforts, the children showcased their artistic talents. Under the guidance of teachers, the students created art inspired by the theme

The GEF 8 Plastics RESPONSE Project will assist and support stakeholders reduce single use and problematic plastics within the food and beverage sector through direct