Environment
Saving the seven seas
Saturday 4 June 2022 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Every year, World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8 with the participation of millions of people around the globe coming together to clean their cherished coastline.
Electricity from the cold ocean depths could power island states
Thursday 2 June 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
In the tropics, the deep sea is cold and the sea surface is very warm. That temperature difference can be harnessed and turned into electricity.
Conservation group considers ‘necessary’ biodiversity regulations
Friday 13 May 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
An informal group with a primary objective to provide environmental advice to the National Environment Service is now considering regulations ‘necessary for the protection of biodiversity in the Cook Islands’.
Partnership to preserve and enhance marine space
Friday 13 May 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A new partnership between the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) and Cook Islands Tourism is set to preserve and enhance lagoon and marine space.
GEF7 funding will support grass roots projects
Wednesday 11 May 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
A validation workshop facilitated by the National Environment Service (NES) for the GEF7 funds (Global Environment Facility) of $7 million which starts early next year for a period of six years, was held yesterday with the project team and partners at the Crown Beach Resort.
NES confirms mudflow complaint
Thursday 5 May 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service has confirmed an anonymous complaint about mudflow on either end of the abandoned Sheraton hotel.
Former deputy NES director handed jail term for theft
Wednesday 27 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
A former deputy National Environment Service director has been given four-months jail for stealing more than $12,000 from the public purse.
‘Huge’ mudflows at the abandoned Sheraton Hotel site cause concern
Wednesday 27 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
A man who lives close to the Sheraton Hotel says there have been massive mudflows through the creeks on either end of the abandoned site.
Vavia invited to attend Our Oceans Conference in Palau
Tuesday 5 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
Mitiaro marine biologist Antony Vavia has been selected from around 490 applicants across 110 countries to attend the Our Oceans Conference hosted in Palau on April 13 and 14.
Takitumu Conservation Area showing signs of recovery
Saturday 26 March 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, National
Work on the Takitumu Conservation Area, which was damaged during the January storms, is well underway according to its volunteers.
Climate Change negative trend expected to continue
Wednesday 23 March 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
In 2021 the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) published a report on disaster statistics for the past 50 years which showed that there were more than 11,000 disasters linked to weather, climate and water-related hazards, almost equal to one disaster per day; there were 2 million deaths – or 115 per day.
A piece of trash a day could change the world
Thursday 3 March 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
In half of an hour, 410 pieces of carelessly discarded trash was collected along the main road and sea side area at Avatiu’s western harbour.
Companies plan to start seabed survey ‘later in the year’
Monday 21 February 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
The three companies who have been awarded the Cook Islands seabed exploration licences are pleased with the progress but wary of another major hurdle – Covid-19 pandemic – as they plan exploration works.
Understanding the impacts of climate change
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands is “well positioned” in terms of climate change, but there is more detailed work ahead to understand its impacts on the nation.
Cabinet approves Seabed Minerals Exploration Licences
Thursday 17 February 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
As anticipated, the Cook Islands Cabinet has formally approved the three seabed minerals (SBM) exploration licence applications from CIC Limited, CIIC Seabed Resources Limited and Moana Minerals Limited.
Life in the Karekare Bee Hotel
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust’s Gerald McCormack writes about the complexities of life in a bee hotel in Karekare.
Shortcomings of new water system ‘evident in storm’
Friday 11 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A lobbyist is again calling out the group responsible for replacing Rarotonga’s water network with more claims the new $90 million system is not up to scratch.
Trees toppled and rare wildlife killed during storms
Tuesday 8 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A conservation area on Rarotonga established more than 30 years ago has been significantly damaged by storms which hit the island last month.
Road closure and delays at Empire Bridge
Monday 7 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Road users are advised and asked to prepare for the road closure and delays of the main road at the Empire Bridge, from 4am on Monday, February 7 until the evening of Tuesday, February 8.
Research projects underway to revive crisis-hit Muri lagoon
Saturday 5 February 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Environment, National
A number of research projects are underway to assist with the health and maintenance of the Muri lagoon, with more collaborative work between the government and community groups expected to take place within the coming months.
