Refer to dataset description for information. Please use this version for double-sided printing.
Please refer to dataset description for further information.
Circular cover letter that was sent out on 1st December 2021
Proposed Project Objective: Enhanced use of data for decision making in the environment sector throughout the Pacific region. Building on the tools and momentum the Inform project established, this scaled up project will expand the user base and fill significant gaps including in situ monitoring, increased partnerships between the environment ministries and other ministries, increase use of spatial tools, and the establishment of standardise environmental standards and key indicators for key resources.
Agenda for the Cook Islands GEF 8 National Dialogue held on 19th & 20th April 2023
Overview of Plastics Integrated Program, engagement opportunities and timeline as presented by sabelle Vanderbeck from the UNEP at the Cook Islands GEF-8 National Dialogue on the 19th & 20th April 2023.
Slides as presented by Andrew Hume from the GEF Secretariat at the Cook Islands National Dialogue on the 19th & 20th April 2023
Results of the group activity (Day 2, Session 3) to discuss national priorities and issues that can be addressed with GEF-8 resources, as presented by each table at the Cook Islands GEF-8 National Dialogue on the 19th and 20th April 2023.
Participants sign in sheet as filled in by attendees of the GEF-8 National Dialogue on 19th and 20th April 2023
Concept note submitted on behalf of the Cook Islands for the national child project under the Circular Solutions to Plastic GEF-8 Integrated Programme, project titled: Reducing Single-use Plastic in Small-island Economies.
Slides for Day 1, Session 1, Session 3 and Session 4, presented by NES at the Cook Islands National Dialogue on 19th April 2023
Slides as presented by NES (Session 1, 2 & 3) on day 2 of the Cook Islands GEF-8 National Dialogue, 20th April 2023
Report consolidating the discussions and presentations of the Cook Islands GEF-8 National Dialogue, hosted by the National Environment Service in partnership with the Global Environment Facility on the 19th & 20th of April 2023 at the Edgwater Resort in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
This survey was created by the National Environment Service to gauge community awareness of single-use plastics and understand the needs of end-users to successfully transition to sustainable alternatives. The information collected will be used to inform the RESPONSE project aimed at reducing single-use plastics in the Cook Islands via the food and bevergae industry.
To learn more about the RESPONSE project, see our website:
On the 6th March 2024, the National Environment Service and Te Ipukarea Society held a multi-stakeholder consultation workshop at the Rarotongan Resort in Rarotonga. The workshop was intended to inform stakeholders from the tourism operators, retailers and wholesalers, government stakeholders and community organisations of the RESPONSE project and gain stakeholder perspective and insight for the project development.
A summary note of the RESPONSE project concept for a broad understanding of the project objective and outcomes
Abstract The wetlands of 21 countries and territories of the Pacific Islands region are reviewed: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna. The regions’ wetlands are classified into seven systems: coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, riverine, lacustrine, freshwater swamp forests and marshes.
Executive Summary
This report is presented in 4 chapters.
Chapter 1 provides background on the process of developing the Cook Island
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The Cook Islands was one
of the first countries to commit to the CBD by signing it at the Earth Summit in 1992,
and the Cook Island National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was
one of the first to be completed for the Pacific Region. This in itself was a positive
step towards implementation of the CBD. The NBSAP was prepared based on
Summary of Wetland Situation
There are four main types of wetlands in the Cook Islands:
• Freshwater marshes and swamps: on Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke.
• Permanent freshwater lakes: Lake Tiriara on Mangaia, Lake Tiroto on Atiu, and Lake Rotonui and
Lake Rotoiti on Mitiaro.
• Tidal salt marsh: at Ngatangiia Harbour on Rarotonga.
• Mountain streams: on Rarotonga.
There are no mangroves in the islands.