Te Tu’anga Taporoporo/National Environment Service (NES) has released the Rarotonga Southern Passages Environmental Management Plan 2025–2028 for public consultation and comment.

The Plan specifically targets the Ava’avaroa, Rutaki, and Papua passages, popular zones for turtle-watching tours and marine activities, which currently operate without regulatory oversight.

Backed by US$3.5 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year project emphasises conservation, regulation, and responsible tourism.

The Plan is designed not only to safeguard biodiversity but also to protect the cultural and economic value of these marine areas.

Karla Eggelton, chief executive for Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation says they are pleased to see the advances made by NES with this Environmental Management Plan. 

“This is a step in the right direction.  We encourage all stakeholders and members of the community to take this time to read and provide feedback by the deadline.

“Cook Islands Tourism continues to work with partners to ensure the best possible outcome,” said

Lydia Sijp, the NES Senior GEF-7 Project Coordinator says, that with the support of Project ENUA, a GEF-funded initiative, they have created a Plan that reflects community insight and aligns with their national environmental goals.

“This is a strategic framework for protecting marine turtle habitats while promoting sustainable tourism.”

Key objectives include conservation of critical habitats, protection of threatened biodiversity, sustainable tourism practices, stakeholder involvement, compliance and enforcement mechanisms, and support for research and capacity-building.

Proposed actions include a permit system for tourism operators, environmental monitoring and assessment programmes, and public awareness campaigns to promote sustainable behaviour.

The Plan aligns with the Environment Act 2003 and broader international commitments to coastal resilience.

Importantly, it will be legally enforceable, ensuring consistent application of environmental protections.

“We aim to enhance marine conservation, improve compliance with environmental laws, and strengthen community involvement in decision-making,” Sijp said.

NES encourages all residents, local businesses, and stakeholders to review the Plan and submit feedback through the official online form available on the NES website or via the agency’s newsletter.

“Our collective efforts can ensure that Rarotonga’s southern passages remain ecologically vibrant and sustainably managed for generations to come,” Sijp added.

Sijp also acknowledged the dedicated work of Fred Nicholas and Terena Koteka-Wiki, both GEF-7 Project Officers, who play key roles in managing the project, coordinating implementation, and maintaining communication with partners and stakeholders.

Public engagement began in 2024 following widespread concern from community members and stakeholders about the ecological pressure on key marine areas.

The plan, developed in response to growing concerns about increasing activity in Rarotonga’s southern marine areas, is open for public comment until July 18, 2025.