Environment
Cook Islands calls for global treaty to end plastic pollution
Friday 2 December 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National, Regional
An emotional plea made by the Cook Islands to over 190 countries gathered to negotiate a new treaty on plastic pollution was met with strong applause in Uruguay this week.
Time for cameras on longliners: NGOs
Friday 2 December 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National, Technology
A Covid-19-induced break in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s (WCPFC) observer programme is evidence cameras are needed on ships, says an environmental NGO.
Permit extension approved ‘without oversight’: TVOM
Friday 2 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, National
An environmental advocacy group is concerned a permit for a major water project has been renewed ‘without oversight’.
‘Serious’ water shortage
Tuesday 29 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National
Dear Editor, I was shocked to see water running in a pig pen a few days ago unattended and another today (yesterday) spilling onto the road within 200 metres of each incident.
Fish harvest strategy ‘removes politics and focuses on science’
Saturday 26 November 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown claims the country is part of the best-managed tuna fishery in the world, but Glen Holmes from Pew Research’s international fisheries programme says this would be true if a harvest strategy is implemented.
Water intakes ‘under stress’: Unsupervised scrub fires resulting in unnecessary usage
Friday 25 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The recent ‘light rain’ had no impact on the water intakes due to the extremely dry weather, and some areas on the island are without water due to the lack of flows in the catchment stream intakes.
Livestock owners urged to look after their animals
Thursday 24 November 2022 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Livestock owners on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua are being urged to look after their animals during this dry spell. Ministry of Agriculture secretary Temarama Anguna-Kamana reminded livestock owners the need to provide water daily to their animals
Livestock owners warned of disease risks
Wednesday 23 November 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
Farmers have been warned to be on the lookout for African swine fever (ASF) and foot and mouth disease (FMD).
Environmental advocates raise concerns about Rarotonga water facilities
Monday 21 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, National
Community group Te Vai Ora Maori (TVOM) is calling for the National Environment Service to protect Rarotonga's freshwater streams in the wake of upcoming permits being assessed.
‘There is a growing waste crisis in the Cook Islands’ - Abandoned vehicles adding to spiralling cost of waste management
Monday 21 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands environment agency boss Halatoa Fua has labelled the nation’s abandoned vehicles as a ‘legacy’ waste issue.
Palmerston community and partners rally to rid the island of rats
Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
Invasive species such as rats pose a threat to island biodiversity. They can impact nesting seabirds and turtles as well as native plants by feeding on native seeds.
Weighing up the alternatives in protecting the Cooks from coastal erosion: Where to next?
Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
Avana Harbour on the eastern side of Rarotonga has been in the spotlight this week as residents awoke on Monday to find a digger dredging in the narrow stretch of water. Al Williams investigates what this project is all about.
PM calls for more climate funding
Friday 18 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown says funding for smaller nations affected by climate change must be accelerated.
Landowners annoyed with perceived lack of consultation around Avana Harbour project
Tuesday 15 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Local, National
Landowners in the Avana Harbour area are hot under the collar after a digger turned up on Monday and started dredging in the narrow stretch of water.
Stakeholders prepare for 2022/2023 cyclone season
Monday 14 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Weather
The Cook Islands Meteorological Service facilitated the National Climate and Oceans Forum Workshop with its stakeholders on Friday to prepare them for the 2022/23 cyclone season which runs from November to April.
Issues behind the smoke screen
Saturday 12 November 2022 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Vape waste poses a particular waste problem because it falls in the categories of e-waste and hazardous waste, writes Te Ipukarea Society.
Moment of truth at COP27
Saturday 12 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Business, Environment, National
The 27th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 27) comes at a time of climate crisis, and the Cook Islands took a delegation to the event in Egypt. Matthew Littlewood talks to those interested in the conference’s outcome.
Doubts over meeting July deadline for exploitation regulations
Thursday 10 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Business, Environment, National
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is unsure whether the International Seabed Authority (ISA) will complete its rules and regulations for deep-sea mining by July next year as was originally planned.
Cook Islands PM calls out other nations at climate conference
Wednesday 9 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Regional
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has called on the larger countries to fulfill their climate obligations, and reiterated his support for sustainable deep-sea mining as the 27th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) gets underway in Egypt.
‘Regrettable oversight’: NES stops new wastewater project
Monday 7 November 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service has issued a stop work notice on the new wastewater treatment system project undertaken by the Cook Islands Investment Corporation.
