27 June 2025, Rarotonga, Cook Islands - Rarotonga has taken a significant step forward in its fight against invasive species, strengthening its ecosystem resilience and climate change preparedness with the availability of new tools, equipment, and technical support through a regional partnership.
In February 2025, a Letter of Agreement was signed between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Government of the Cook Islands, through the National Environment Service (NES).
This agreement formalised the implementation of the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) War on Weeds (WOW) and Resilient Ecosystems, Resilient Communities (RERC) programmes across Rarotonga, Atiu, and Mauke. The partnership is part of the New Zealand-funded PRISMSS – Restoring Island Resilience Project.
Under the agreement, SPREP committed to supplying management equipment and tools, and providing expert technical support to ensure effective implementation of weed-led and site-led approaches. With herbicides, adjuvants, personal protective equipment (PPE), and secure storage facilities now delivered and in place, the Cook Islands is well-positioned to intensify invasive species management efforts.
Invasive species are the leading cause of biodiversity loss in the Pacific, undermining the resilience of native ecosystems and weakening the natural defences islands depend on to cope with climate change.
In Rarotonga, invasive plants such as giant reed, dodder, and Honolulu rose pose a serious threat to local ecosystems. If left unmanaged, these fast-spreading species could dominate landscapes, displace native flora, and disrupt ecosystem services such as water retention, soil stability, and agricultural productivity.
“Climate resilience begins with healthy ecosystems,” said Ms. Jessie Nicholson, Biodiversity Coordinator of the Cook Islands National Environment Service.
“The tools and equipment received, as well as the technical support provided by SPREP and PRISMSS, are vital for enhancing our invasive species management efforts here in Rarotonga.”
SPREP and PRISMSS representatives visited Rarotonga to assess key weed-infested sites and provide on-the-ground advice to operational teams, supported by staff from NES and the Ministry of Agriculture.
These efforts are aligned with the WOW programme’s focus on removing low-incidence but high-priority invasive weeds before they can spread and cause widespread ecological damage.
David Moverley, SPREP Invasive Species Adviser, emphasised the broader significance of the initiative commenting, “invasive species are not only destroying biodiversity but also weakening the natural systems that Pacific communities rely on to adapt to climate change”.
“By removing high priority invasive weeds in places like Rarotonga, we are restoring the strength of these ecosystems to provide clean water, fertile soils, and protection from extreme weather. This work is fundamental to climate resilience.”
A National PRISMSS Coordinator has also been appointed to oversee implementation across Rarotonga, Mauke, and Atiu, ensuring that activities remain aligned with project outcomes and community needs.
“We are excited to be coordinating efforts across the islands to restore ecological health and strengthen our resilience to climate change,” said Takili Tahiri, National PRISMSS Coordinator.
“The energy and commitment from our communities are inspiring, and with the right tools, training, and collaboration, we can make a real and lasting impact.”
The project also includes plans to raise public awareness through signage and outreach activities, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in long-term invasive species management.
By investing in invasive species management, the Cook Islands is building stronger foundations to withstand climate-driven impacts from rising sea levels to changing rainfall patterns by restoring the natural ecosystems that protect communities, culture, and livelihoods.
PRISMSS will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and local partners to provide long-term technical guidance and support for invasive species prevention and management working toward a more resilient, biodiverse Pacific.
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About PRISMSS: The Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) is a coordinating mechanism designed to facilitate the scaling up of operational management of invasive species in the Pacific. PRISMSS brings together experts to provide support within the Pacific region with a focus on protection of indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem function. As a service provider, PRISMSS provides a comprehensive suite of support services in a cohesive, effective, efficient, and accessible manner to Pacific Island countries and territories.
Restoring Island Resilience (RIR): The PRISMSS - Restoring Island Resilience (RIR) is a New Zealand-PRISMSS collaboration project that aims to improve Pacific Island Countries and territories livelihoods and resilience to climate change by reducing the impact of invasive species on natural and agricultural ecosystems through the six PRISMSS programmes.
PRISMSS Powered by: New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade, UK International Development, GEF, UNEP & SPREP.
PRISMSS Partners: Birdlife International, NZ Department of Conservation, Island Conservation, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Pacific Community and SPREP.
Resilient Ecosystems, Resilient Communities (RERC) Programme: RERC programme, led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Invasive Species Team and BirdLife International, integrates community involvement in ecological restoration, ensuring that resilient ecosystems provide direct benefits to local communities. By managing invasive species and reintroducing native species, we create sustainable environments where both nature and people thrive together.
PRISMSS Programmes: Natural Enemies Natural Solutions (NENS), Predator Free Pacific (PFP), Protect Our Islands (POI), Protect Our Marine Areas (POMA), Resilient Ecosystems Resilient Communities (RERC), War On Weeds (WOWs)
For additional information please contact
Mr Dominic Sadler, PRISMSS Manager on dominics@sprep.org
Mr Nitish Narayan, PRISMSS Communications & Liaison Officer on nitishn@sprep.org