As Earth Day was marked around the globe on Tuesday, Cook Islands National Environment Service (NES) is using the occasion to shine a spotlight on one of the country’s largest and most ambitious environmental initiatives – Project ENUA – with particular benefits expected for the Pa Enua.

Project ENUA, which stands for Environmentally Navigating our Unique Archipelago, is a six-year initiative (2023–2029) led by NES, aimed at protecting and restoring the biodiversity of the Cook Islands, while strengthening environmental policies, restoring ecosystems, expanding protected areas, and boosting community engagement.

Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, the project is helping the Cook Islands meet its national sustainable development goals and international environmental commitments.

For the Pa Enua, where traditional ways of living remain closely tied to the land and sea, the project promises a long-term investment in environmental and cultural resilience.

The 2018 State of Environment Report identified agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism as major contributors to biodiversity loss and habitat degradation in the country.

Project ENUA seeks to reverse these trends by promoting integrated, sustainable management of land and coastal waters – with government agencies like Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Cook Islands Tourism (CIT), and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) working closely with NES.

The project’s efforts will be carried across all islands, ensuring that outer islands are not left behind in this environmental movement.

Part of the strategy includes improving the management of existing protected areas and expanding the network of protected zones.

This includes the establishment of a new 118-hectare community conserved area in the cloud forest of Rarotonga, home to globally significant biodiversity.

However, Project ENUA is not just about land. It is equally about people – te iti tangata – and empowering communities to be at the heart of decision-making.

Capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and traditional knowledge are all key components of the initiative, and the Pa Enua communities are expected to play a central role in shaping and sustaining the project outcomes.

While still in its early stages, the project has already launched a number of activities, and regular updates are expected as progress continues over the coming years. NES says the Cook Islands GEF-7 Project ENUA represents a critical step forward in building a more sustainable and resilient future for the islands, especially the Pa Enua, whose unique biodiversity and cultural landscapes remain vital to the nation's identity and survival. NES