
Why Understanding Gender Matters for Conservation
Project ENUA recently participated in Gender Analysis Training to strengthen how conservation planning reflects the diverse knowledge, experiences and perspectives within Cook Islands communities.
The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.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.

Project ENUA recently participated in Gender Analysis Training to strengthen how conservation planning reflects the diverse knowledge, experiences and perspectives within Cook Islands communities.

Now in development, the activity book will make learning about our environment fun and engaging through colourful illustrations, puzzles, games, and interactive activities.

From national coordination to island realities, reflecting on progress and strengthening how we care for our land, forests, and communities.

Under Project ENUA, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Atiu, and Penrhyn have also been identified for the development of their own IEMPs, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach

Project ENUA has reached its halfway point, with work underway across governance, catchments, and island planning. A mid-term review is now assessing progress and guiding

This training reinforces the importance of collaboration and partnership to protect our natural environment from the growing threat of invasive species.

Terena Koteka-Wiki and Keith Twyford attended the Island Invasives 2026 conference in Auckland on behalf of Project ENUA, bringing back practical knowledge to support upcoming

The week reinforced the value of BioBlitz-style activities as a practical and enjoyable way to build skills, strengthen partnerships, and improve biodiversity coverage across the

Since the consultancies were signed, steady progress has been made, and we are looking forward to the work ahead.

These consultancy agreements form part of the GEF-7 Project ENUA, which supports strengthened biodiversity governance and culturally grounded conservation planning across the Cook Islands.