Through a collaborative effort involving Muri Environment Care (MEC), the National Environment Services (NES), The Groundswell Collective, and the University of Newcastle, the Cook Islands’ first-ever Vaorakau iti (Tiny Forest) was successfully planted above Parengaru stream in Muri.
This initiative is a significant milestone toward community-led ecosystem restoration, stream health improvement, and climate resilience. About 600 native plants and shrubs were planted on Saturday, November 22, in Muri, with collaborative efforts performed by over 30 volunteers from the community, MEC, NES, and members of the University of Newcastle.
