National Environment Strategic Action Framework 2005-2009.

The National Environment Strategic Action Framework is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the policy is 5 years between 2005 and 2009. There are four strategic goals of the National Environment Strategic Action Framework: (I) strengthened management, protection and sustainable use of natural resources, (II) reduction and prevention of environmental degradation from waste and all forms of pollution, (III) increased resilience by strengthening national capacities for climate change, variability, adaptation and mitigation, and (IV) improved institutional support and implementation mechanisms to manage the environment in a sustainable manner.
In order to enhance biological diversity and provide a full range of ecosystem services, sustainable management and use of living and non-living marine resources and ecosystems will be maintained in foreshore areas and all Cook Islands waters. The conservation and sustainable management of watershed and wetland resources will be improved to meet the present and future needs of ecological systems, communities, agriculture and industries for adequate supplies of quality water.
The participation of all stakeholders will be promoted on conservation and management of biodiversity, species and ecosystems in order to share the responsibility equitably and to share the benefits fairly. Surveys will be conducted on endemic, rare and endangered plant and animal species. Biosecurity will be ensured though effective invasive species management and control over transboundary and inter-island movement of terrestrial and marine plants and animals and of living modified organisms and genetically modified organisms. A national system of community-based protected areas will be established to protect important terrestrial ecosystems as well as important reef and lagoon ecosystems. A network of ecologically representative national parks and reserves will be established, without compromising stakeholders’ rights as traditional landowners and undermining traditional conservation practices and customs. The enforcement of regulations and legislations and educational programmes will be strengthened for the protection, management and promotion of land use or zoning activities, cultural values of historical sites, marine area and significant landmarks. Institutional coordination and planning will be strengthened on water resource management, water policies and water supply in all islands. New policies will be introduced for compulsory building requirements of water tank and rainwater collection systems. Freshwater resources management will be strengthened and community leaders and committees will be empowered to oversee and monitor the compliance to freshwater management plans. Waste management will be strengthened to reduce and prevent environmental degradation from waste and all forms of pollution. The importation and use of agricultural chemicals will be monitored and growers will be encouraged to reduce their use due to their long term impact on the environment from leaching of nutrients and poisonous compounds into the soil and waterways. Pollution prevention and adoption of best practices and appropriate technology will be enhanced to improve the sanitation and water quality to meet community needs. Policies will be adopted for monitoring, handling, storage and repatriation of industrial hazardous and dangerous goods including persistent organic pollutants, ozone depleting substances and radioactive wastes.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation considerations will be integrated into national planning, policies and actions to address unacceptable risks to the natural environment and economy, including those arising from natural hazards such as extreme weather events, climate variability, climate change and sea level rise. Early warning systems will be established for climate related disasters such as drought, storm surge, cyclones and other extreme events. Measures will be taken to reduce the emissions of polluting gases and decrease the use of imported petroleum fuels, through improved consumer education, improved use of renewable energy, better energy generation efficiency, energy conservation, elimination of non-renewable energy subsidies, and public education.