This website was developed by the National Environment Service to make available information about Cook Islands environment programmes, services and activities. The Cook Islands National Environment Service is the central government agency charged with protecting, managing and conserving the environment of the Cook Islands, on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future Cook Islanders. They want to ensure that they provide you with the most current information available.

Our National Vision
"To enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the aspirations of our people, and in harmony with their culture and environment."

"Te oraanga tu rangatira kia tau ki te anoano o te iti tangata, e kia tau ki ta tatou peu Maori e te aotini taporoporoia o te basileia."

The Cook Islands National Environment Service recognises the importance of the environment to the people of the Cook Islands. Their cultural identity is deeply rooted in their environment and it is a part of their heritage and legacy that must be passed on to future generations of Cook Islanders. As caretakers of the land, they must take pride in its natural beauty and it is critical to ensure that they work now to protect and conserve this precious resource. With careful nurturing, conservation and sound management they can achieve sustainable development while protecting their environmental, social and cultural heritage.

This website gives you access to the Cook Islands National Environment Service structure and activities, International Projects, National Protected Areas, Cook Islands Biodiversity Database on plants and animals, provides you with local environmental issues coverage and conservation activities, and connects you to non-government environment organisations in the Cook Islands and abroad.

They welcome you to not only take the time to see what is available on this site, to use also this opportunity to let them know how they can serve you better. They look forward to continuing to provide you the best customer service possible, as they progress in their quest to conserve the Cook Islands’ precious environment.

For any enquiries, suggestions or recommendations, please email them at resources@cookislands.gov.ck or their contact numbers are at the bottom of each page for easy reference.

The National Environment Service (NES) is an agency of the Crown as defined by the Environment Act 2003. The Government is committed to improving the Service’s environmental management strategies, which provides a framework for sustainable development in the Cook Islands. The Environment Act 2003 will guide these strategies and ensure that regional and international obligations are met.

The national goal of the Service is geared towards building a more sustainable future in their environment. Depletion of their environment and natural resources provides a very bleak future for their children. Therefore, increasing environmental concerns (global warming and sea level rise, erosion and sand mining, biodiversity and habitat loss, coral bleaching and coral death, pollution, waste management and recycling) require urgent responses from government and the community for sustainable development as an overall national goal to be realised.

The NES works with the Aronga Mana (traditional tribal councils), the Island Councils, Non-governmental organisations, Women, Youth and the children of the Cook Islands to ensure an outstanding legacy for the future.