Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands spread across a vast ocean area in the South Pacific, divided into volcanic southern islands and low‑lying northern atolls. Rarotonga is the largest and most populated island, while Aitutaki is famous for its lagoon. Its ecosystems include coral reefs, lagoons, volcanic forests, and mangroves, supporting rich marine biodiversity and endemic bird species. In recent years, the Cook Islands have advanced invasive species management through the endorsement of the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP 2019–2025), aligned with their updated biodiversity strategies and strengthened biosecurity measures.