University partners with the Cook Islands National Environment Service to strengthen environmental research
Earlier this month, the University of Newcastle formalised a new partnership with the Cook Islands National Environment Service (NES) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The National Environment Service is established to protect, conserve and ensure the Cook Islands’ environment is managed sustainably. The signing of the MOU is a first of its kind within the NES and emphasises a focus on research and partnerships.
Discussions between the University and the NES were first established in 2020 and since then have been nurtured to identify areas of shared interest and opportunity. These include areas such as the provisioning of technical advice in environmental management, data collection and establishing pathways for Cook Islanders to go into environmental science careers.
The partnership has been established to collaborate on areas of shared interest; To provide technical support under upcoming national projects; and to enable further areas for direct support from the University to optimise resources and deliver on common goals.
The University will support the implementation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 7 project to reduce the negative environmental impacts of key development sectors including agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, on biodiversity and environmental conservation. The University will work closely with National counterparts to lead water catchment audits on Rarotonga Island as part of national capacity-building efforts, to identify key pollutants impacting these catchments.
Training courses on freshwater ecology and water resource management will be provided by the University to Cook Islands’ communities. These courses will better equip residents to identify and monitor detrimental impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, food production systems and water security caused by unsustainable land use practices.
Professor Alan Broadfoot, Executive Director of NIER which facilitates the University’s Pacific Node, commented on the importance of the University’s relationship with the NES.
“The University’s partnership with NES will enable us to collaborate on initiatives that will have lasting beneficial impacts for communities and organisations in the Cook Islands. We look forward to continuing to build on our partnerships to further environmental research and conservation activities in the Pacific region.”
The partnership between the University and the NES aligns with the University’s ‘Looking Ahead’ Strategic Plan 2020-2025, and its focus on collaboration and engagement with Pacific communities to drive solutions for significant global issues.
“Environmental issues are becoming more & more complex, and we value the opportunity to continue expanding our in-country capabilities through partnerships with institutions such as the University of Newcastle,” stated NES Director, Halatoa Fua.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.