This report contributes preliminary results for a study of the genomic diversity and population connectivity of paua (small giant clam, Tridacna maxima) in the Cook Islands.
Islands used in this study include Manihiki, Palmerston, Aitutaki, Manuae, Takutea, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, Rarotonga and Mangaia.
This research was commissioned by the Ministry of Marine Resources.
The CKI OECM Workshop Report consolidates the discussions, outcomes, recommendations and next steps following the Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures Workshop, hosted by the National Environment Service, in partnership with Secretariat of Pacific Regional Environment Program and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, on the 24th - 25th January 2023 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
The purpose of this report is to contextualise the unique characteristics of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and identify some roadblocks to achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation. The PIC context is established by examining the PICs’ unique economic, socioeconomic, geomorphology, climate, and cultural characteristics.
The National Environment Service is working closely with family representatives of the Takitumu Conservation Area, to submit an assessment application that will give the TCA official international recognition as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure.
All documents relevant to the submission process will be stored here, including resources on the TCA, which are referred to in the assessment form.
A team from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research travelled to Rarotonga during July/August 2023 to carry out monitoring of biocontrols released in previous years. The team used drones to conduct monitoring surveillance for the invasive African Tulip tree species, using LiDAR and other imagery techniques.
This newsletter also provides an update on the control of the biocontrols.
Site locations of known Iniao (Pritchardia mitiarona) clusters on Mitiaro.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation completed field research for one of the largest coral reef studies in history: the Global Reef Expedition. The Expedition travelled around the globe surveying some of the most remote reefs on the planet, conducting research to assess coral reef ecosystem health and resiliency.
The Global Reef Expedition visited many countries in the Pacific Ocean to assess the health and resiliency of their coral reef ecosystems. See links below for more information, reports and maps.
Traditional Knowledge Act
biodiversity data for invertebrates, vertebrates, endemic and invasive species
This report was prepared by Teariki & Julia RongoIsland Friends Consultants for the Cook Islands NBSAP Add-On Project, National Environment Service.
History, Oral traditions, Rarotongan records
A presentation by Imogen Pua Ingram (TE PA MATAIAPO) 2004 or older
Trends in body size, diet and food availability in the Cook Islands in the second half of the 20th century. Stanley J. Ulijaszek Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford, 51 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PF, UK 2003
Traditional Fishing Methods Cook Islands 2012
Productivity, production and settlement in precontact Rarotonga, Cook Islands 2003
Medicinal Use of Plants Cook Islands 2016 or older
Taunga on Mangaia and Mitiaro 2004