A stunning archipelago in the South Pacific that boasts a remarkable array of biodiversity across its 15 islands. From lush tropical forests to vibrant coral reefs, the Cook Islands is a haven for unique plant and animal species, many of which are found only in this region. The islands are divided into two groups: the Northern Group, mainly composed of atolls with rich marine life, and the Southern Group, where islands like Rarotonga are known for their diverse terrestrial ecosystems.

The Cook Islands is home to a wealth of marine biodiversity, with its lagoons and nearshore areas teeming with life. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves provide essential habitats for a wide range of marine species, including sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and invertebrates. The islands also support rich terrestrial biodiversity, with lush forests covering much of the land, especially on the high islands of the Southern Group.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

The Cook Islands is a small island nation covering 240 km² (93 mi²) across 15 widely dispersed islands, with an oceanic Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of around 2 million km² (772,204 mi²). The islands are divided into two groups: the Northern and Southern Groups. The Northern Group consists primarily of atolls, which have limited terrestrial flora and fauna but support a rich and diverse marine life. In the Southern Group, the most abundant terrestrial biodiversity is found on the high island of Rarotonga, followed by the raised islands of Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro. The highest lagoonal and nearshore marine biodiversity occurs on the atolls of Palmerston and Manuae, and the nearly-atoll Aitutaki.

The Cook Islands has designated several protected areas, including national parks, nature reserves, uninhabited atolls, marine reserves, conservation areas, and wildlife sanctuaries. Many of these protected areas were established under customary law. Currently, there are 18 recognized protected areas, covering a total of 1,796 hectares (18 km²).

Approximately 60% of the Cook Islands’ total land area remains forested, a relatively high percentage compared to other developing countries and Pacific Island nations. Most deforestation in the Cook Islands has occurred for plantation development.

Threats to Biodiversity

The Cook Islands’ risk of species extinction remains relatively low and stable, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts and protection measures. The islands are home to a range of unique species, and while some are classified as vulnerable or endangered, their habitats are generally well-preserved. A significant portion of the Cook Islands’ biodiversity, including terrestrial and marine ecosystems, is safeguarded within protected areas.

Despite this, some marine populations, particularly fish species, are under pressure due to overfishing and habitat degradation. These challenges emphasize the need for improved conservation strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the islands’ marine ecosystems.

Land use changes on the islands, primarily for agriculture and development, have affected certain habitats. However, active reforestation projects and habitat restoration initiatives are helping to mitigate the impact on species richness.

Capacity and Governance

The Cook Islands has taken a significant step towards enhancing its capacity for biodiversity conservation with the launch of the Cook Islands Biodiversity and Conservation Initiative, supported by international partners like the United Nations Environment Programme and the Global Environment Facility. This innovative program consolidates critical biodiversity data, creating a digital platform that serves as a key resource for informed decision-making and regional collaboration in conservation efforts.

Future Trends

The Cook Islands’ National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a forward-thinking initiative designed to conserve the nation’s rich biodiversity while ensuring sustainable use and equitable benefit-sharing among its communities. The strategy focuses on addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss, reducing direct pressures on ecosystems, and protecting both genetic diversity and critical habitats. It also seeks to enhance the benefits provided by biodiversity, such as ecosystem services that support livelihoods and environmental health.

Biodiversity

The Cook Islands is a biodiversity treasure in the Pacific, featuring a wide variety of unique species and ecosystems across its 15 islands. The islands are divided into two main groups, each offering distinct habitats. The Northern Group, composed mainly of atolls, supports rich marine biodiversity, while the Southern Group, including the high islands of Rarotonga, Mangaia, and Atiu, is home to a greater variety of terrestrial species.

The Cook Islands boasts an impressive array of flora and fauna, with many endemic species found nowhere else in the world. The surrounding marine environment is equally diverse, featuring extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests that provide vital habitats for fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. The lagoonal and nearshore biodiversity of atolls like Palmerston and Aitutaki is particularly rich.