'This work is about more than plastics'

Melina Tuiravakai is a Plastics Officer with the Cook Islands’ National Environment Services. In a GEF Voices interview, she shared life lessons from her efforts to tackle pollution and support practical solutions that provide sustainable alternatives to plastics in her country, that can serve as a model for the wider Pacific region.

What does your work entail?

In my role with the Cook Islands’ National Environment Services, I contribute to advancing solutions that minimize waste, promote resource efficiency, and support sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. A key part of my work is shifting mind-sets, practices encouraging communities and the private sector to transition towards more sustainable, circular systems.

I also serve as Co-Convener of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group Pacific and as an Executive Member of Au Vaine, a Cook Islands Indigenous women’s civil society organization. Through these roles, I advocate for inclusive, community-led solutions that place women, youth, and Indigenous voices at the center of environmental action.

Why is plastic pollution a big issue for the Cook Islands?

In the Cook Islands, where the health of our land, air, sky, ocean, and communities are deeply interconnected, addressing plastic pollution is both an environmental priority and an opportunity for transformation. For me, this work is about more than plastics, it is about rethinking systems, restoring balance, and empowering communities and private sectors to lead change.

Through Plastic Reboot - Cook Islands, we are working to reduce single-use plastics, particularly from the food and beverage sector, while supporting enabling environments for reuse systems and other circular solutions. The project also strengthens policies, supports private sector and community action, and improves data to guide decision-making on plastics.

How did you get into this line of work?

My journey on my vaka (ocean voyaging canoe) into this work has been shaped by both experience and purpose. Growing up in the Pacific and later returning home to the Cook Islands, I witnessed first-hand how environmental challenges, particularly plastic pollution, are affecting our communities, land, oceans, and ecosystems.

I further strengthened this path through my studies, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific Islands Studies, which deepened my understanding of our region, cultures, and the importance of indigenous knowledge in addressing modern challenges.

I began working with NGOs and civil society, supporting grassroots initiatives and building experience across areas such as climate adaptation, technology, business development, grassroots enterprise, and water security. These experiences grounded me in community-led approaches and strengthened my commitment to sustainable development.

My work is rooted in community, culture, and long-term sustainability, bringing together local knowledge and practical innovation to create meaningful and lasting change.

Is there a GEF-funded project or program that is close to your heart?

Yes, Plastic Reboot – Cook Islands is very close to my heart, as it aligns directly with my work and passion for addressing plastic pollution in the Cook Islands and Pacific region. What makes this project especially meaningful is its practical and inclusive approach, working with communities, businesses, and government to create real, lasting change. For me, it represents an opportunity to transform how we use and manage plastics, while building a more sustainable and circular future for our islands.

What life lessons has your job taught you?

My work has taught me that real change starts with the mana (power) of people, especially when communities are empowered to lead solutions that reflect their values and knowledge. Addressing plastic pollution is not just a technical challenge, but a cultural and behavioral one that requires patience, collaboration, and trust.

I have also learned the importance of thinking long-term. The decisions we make today about how we use and manage plastics will directly shape the future for the next generation. This work has reinforced for me that we are not just solving today’s problems – we are creating systems, habits, and knowledge that our children and future generations will inherit. That responsibility continues to guide everything I do.

The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope?

Being part of a global initiative gives me confidence that real change is possible. Plastic Reboot involves governments, businesses, and communities across 15 countries, all working to move beyond awareness into action. For me, hope comes from knowing that we are not working alone and that together, we are building a future where plastic no longer harms our environment.

But my greatest source of hope is the next generation. As a mother to my 13-year-old son, this work is deeply personal. It is about the future he will inherit, the health of our Ipukarea (country), land, environment, air we breathe, oceans, lagoon that is our food basket, the strength of our communities, and the values we pass on.

Seeing young people becoming more aware, engaged, and willing to lead gives me confidence that we are moving in the right direction. It reminds me that the work we do today is not just for now, but for a future where our children can thrive in a cleaner, more sustainable world with zero single-use plastics.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career like yours?

Work hard, stay curious, and never stop learning. Take the time to understand your environment your land, your ocean, and the systems that support life in your community.

Just as importantly, learn from your Indigenous culture and traditions. There is deep knowledge in the ways our ancestors lived, managed resources, and respected nature.

A career in this field is not just about science or policy, it is about people, culture, and responsibility. If you are passionate, committed, and willing to learn from both modern knowledge and traditional wisdom, you can play a meaningful role in shaping a more sustainable future.