The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.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.
During the Assembly, the Cook Islands delegation participated in Pacific Constituency meetings, GEF Council sessions, technical learning events, and high-level plenary discussions.
The workshop, brought together representatives from the NES Rarotonga and Pa Enua Offices, with sessions focused on strengthening project oversight, improving access to GEF funding,
The workshop brought together Pacific Island countries, development partners, and international agencies to strengthen collaboration and plan for future environmental investments across the region
Since becoming a GEF member in June 1994, the Cook Islands has benefited from more than 12 GEF-funded projects.
Preliminary planning and preparation work has focused on activities that will support Rarotonga catchment areas as well as initiating island environment management plans and
Application process closes 4pm Friday 31st March 2023
UNCCD aims to address the causes and impacts of drought, land degradation and desertification (the process in which fertile land becomes arid).
