Environment
Opposition welcomes regulations, warns against premature mining
Tuesday 10 September 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, National
The Opposition leader has welcomed the regulatory framework for deep-sea mining but maintains the stance against any mining activities until ‘environmentally friendly technology’ is available and Cook Islanders are fully involved.
Garment printing campaign raises awareness against deep-sea mining
Tuesday 10 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
The upcoming “Sail Out Rally”, calling for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining, is gaining momentum with a “printing for the protection of our ocean” campaign at the Punanga Nui Market.
Te Ipukarea Soceity: Takutea rat eradication project starts
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Kia orana from the (normally) uninhabited island of Takutea, a small sand cay motu about 21 kilometres from Atiu. It is 1.25 square km, or 125 hectares, in area and approximately 4.5km around.
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
An online opinion poll on deep sea mining has been criticised by the government regulator responsible for overseeing seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands as “fundamentally flawed”.
Water conference opens door to solutions
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Cook Islands, hosting the 15th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo, has opened the door to various opportunities and solutions, which have proven timely given its current water crisis.
Wrecked vehicles pose challenge for Tutaka campaign, says Williams
Thursday 5 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health has noted that old vehicles continue to be a challenge during home inspections for the Tutaka campaign around Rarotonga.
PM Brown urges Pacific unity on deep-sea mining
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Cook Islands Prime Minister and former chair of the Forum, Mark Brown is urging Pacific Island leaders to come together on a collective stance on deep-sea mining, ahead of a key talanoa session set for next month.
Trial geotextile bags proposed to prevent erosion at beachfront
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Public submissions for or against the Akapuao (Enua Manea) Property Coastal Protection Project that aims to prevent further erosion occurring along the coastline and stream bank in Titikaveka, are now open.
Pacific ministers gather to discuss water and wastewater challenges
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Twenty Pacific islands ministers have gathered in Rarotonga this week to discuss solutions and ideas to combat water and wastewater threats.
Govt denies muzzling workers, despite environmentalist claims
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
The Public Service Commissioner denies any government protocol restricting public servants from speaking publicly against seabed mining, after claims made by an environmental campaigner.
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
Monday 2 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Cook Islands’ topography and remoteness make it highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, states the latest Pacific Economic Monitor – August 2024: Building Resilience the Pacific Way report.
Te Ipukarea Society: Ī’oi project takes flight
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
This week marked an exciting milestone for the Ī’oi project led by Te Ipukarea Society, as researchers successfully captured and tagged the first ī’oi in the Takitumu Conservation Area.
NES reviews national biodiversity strategy
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) will be seeking the public’s, government agencies and non-governmental organisations’ perspectives on plans to update the Cook Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
Environment concerns halt hydro energy project at Sheraton redevelopment
Tuesday 27 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
National Environment Service (NES) has stopped work on a redevelopment project at the old ‘Sheraton Hotel’ site until an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is completed.
Cook Islands enhances climate transparency with training
Monday 26 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Climate Change Cook Islands staff participated in a weeklong Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency – Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP) training workshop at the New Hope Church last week.
TTV recommends drastic cut to proposed free water allocation
Monday 26 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Rarotonga water agency has slashed the Government’s proposed free water allocation by 75 per cent, recommending a daily limit of just 100 litres per person.
Te Ipukarea Society: Cook Islands Seabed Mining Regulations premature
Saturday 24 August 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Te Ipukarea Society urges the Cook Islands Government to delay the adoption of seabed minerals mining regulations due to insufficient scientific information and the ongoing negotiations at the International Seabed Authority.
Coral planting initiative enters second phase
Wednesday 21 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands, Tourism
A coral planting initiative led by an Aitutaki resort has entered its second phase, with guests playing a vital role in restoring and protecting the local marine environment.
Tupapa scrub fire consumes 30,000 litres as water shortage lingers
Wednesday 21 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
A scrub fire, fanned by gusty winds, was swiftly contained yesterday.
Families left high and dry as water crisis deepens
Tuesday 20 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Rarotonga is facing a growing water crisis as a result of intermittent showers for nearly a month.
