Environment Act, 2003 (Cook Islands)

The Act establishes the National Environment Service (Service) and Island Environment Authorities (Authorities) for Rarotonga and each of the Outer Islands, providing for their functions and duties. The Service has the basic function of protecting, conserving and managing the environment to ensure sustainable use of natural resources. The Authorities identify priority areas of environmental concerns and convey to the Service the approved policies and programs. The Act also convenes the National Environment Council and Cook Islands Environment Forum. It also mandates for the appointment of National Environment Officers, and provides their powers and functions. The Act also contains provisions on environmental impact assessment, environmental planning, protected areas and pollution control. It also establishes the Environmental Protection Fund and provides for its funding and uses. The Fund is to be expended on the protection conservation and management of the natural environment, including the protection of the reef and forest, preservation and protection of flora and fauna, soil conservation, protection from pollution of land, sea and air, among other purposes.