15 August 2014: The ‘Prevention, control and management of invasive alien species (IAS) in the Pacific islands’ project, implemented by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is supporting the Cook Islands in the removal of IAS, with several planned activities now underway.

These activities include the management, location and eradication of: the invasive plant dodder (Cuscuta Campestris); the Red Passionfruit Vine (Passiflora rubra); and rats.

Elizabeth Munro, the Cook Islands National Environment Service, has announced that the next step will be the development of a National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan with an environment, agriculture and marine focus. The project is scheduled to conclude in 2016. [SPREP Press Release] [IISD RS coverage of SPREP]