Environment
‘Overcrowding and sustainability’ fears cloud turtle tourism industry
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
A revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cook Islands turtle tour operators and the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has been proposed as the new guidelines for operations in the Avaavaroa Passage.
PM urges global action at COP28
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Taking centre stage at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Change Convention over the weekend in Dubai, Prime Minister Mark Brown called upon world leaders to consider those on the frontlines of an environmental war ‘we did not initiate’.
Climate change, overfishing: Pacific tuna faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Regional
The annual regional fisheries meeting to discuss and address crucial matters concerning tuna fisheries and the marine ecosystems they inhabit began yesterday with a traditional welcome and official opening ceremony at the National Auditorium.
Tupapa legacy waste collection dates released
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
In an effort to rid the island of legacy waste, the ‘Titā ki te Titā kore’ collection project will continue this week in the district of Tupapa, starting tomorrow through to Friday.
Pacific tuna at stake: Global leaders gather for sustainable solution
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Regional
Cook Islands is hosting the 20th regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20), which oversees the world’s largest tuna fisheries, this week.
National Environment Service staffers travel to Aitutaki for causeway inspection at Lagoon Private Island Resort
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
National Environment Service staffers head to Aitutaki this week to assess the state of a temporary causeway at the redevelopment of upmarket Lagoon Private Island Resort.
Takitumu Conservation launches management plan to intensify protection of endemic karekori
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
The Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA) Committee and National Environment Service have launched a management plan through to 2030.
Livestock owners reminded to keep animals hydrated amidst dry spell
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National
Livestock owners are being urged to take extra measures to keep their animals cool and hydrated as Rarotonga continues to grapple with dry weather conditions.
Algae bloom in Takuvaine Stream: Agencies clear the waterway
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) are monitoring Takuvaine stream following an algae bloom that emerged due to elevated nutrient levels and limited water circulation.
Cook Islands bolster Solomon Islands’ biosecurity measures
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National, Regional, Solomon Islands
Cook Islands biosecurity officers are in Honiara, Solomon Islands, to provide much-needed reinforcement to the local team due to a significant surge in arrivals for the Pacific Games.
It’s a wrap for rats on Cook Islands atoll
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
A rat eradication operation has wrapped up on Cook Islands’ Palmerston Atoll (500km from Rarotonga), with the hope that introduced rats never return to menace the atoll’s community and ecosystems.
Weed busting success in Rarotonga
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
There was a satisfied sigh across Rarotonga recently. Two visits by Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research NZ researchers to the Pacific island had revealed that the natural enemies introduced over the past few years to attack various weeds were all performing, or beginning to work, as expected.
Te Ipukarea Society continues its periodic programme
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Here in the Cook Islands, and more specifically in the Pa Enua, young girls experiencing the menstrual cycle for the first time can find it quite overwhelming.
PM to catch Pacific Games action en route to COP28
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National, Pacific Games 2023
Prime Minister Mark Brown left the country yesterday to lead the Cook Islands delegation to the 28th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, but not before making a stop in Honiara, Solomon Islands, to catch some Pacific Games action.
Cook Islands prepares to host 20th Pacific Tuna Commission Meeting
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Following the successful hosting of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November, the Cook Islands is preparing to welcome hundreds of officials and observers to the region’s largest annual gathering of tuna fisheries negotiators.
Conserve or be prosecuted: To Tatou Vai takes steps to address water scarcity
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Rarotonga’s water system agency, To Tatou Vai (TTV), has issued a warning that it has the authority to prosecute individuals for wasting water amidst concerns about declining levels at the island’s intakes.
Adviser sets out to dispel ‘myths’ about deep sea mining
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A Cook Islands deep sea mining adviser says explosions, dynamite and digging are common misconceptions associated with the industry.
Sovereign rights not enough, regional cooperation needed for deep-sea mining: TIS
Tuesday 21 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
There needs to be a regional approach to deep-sea mining, as opposed to relying solely on the sovereign rights of individual nations, given the transboundary risks such activities can pose to the Pacific Ocean, says a Cook Islands environmental group.
Initiative to preserve Muri Lagoon
Monday 20 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
An enthusiastic effort is being undertaken by a whole-hearted community group whose passion is to preserve and protect the popular and beautiful Muri Lagoon in Ngatangiia.
Te Ipukarea Society: Mauke students engage in waste management and ocean health awareness
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
With the introduction of non-biodegradable equipment and packaging over the past 50 plus years, waste management in the Pa Enua has become very challenging.
