As the world marks World Oceans Day, Pacific Island countries are being reminded of something they have always known: the ocean is at the heart of life in the Pacific.
From providing food and livelihoods to connecting communities and sustaining cultural traditions, healthy oceans are essential to the wellbeing of Pacific people. Yet growing pressures from climate change, pollution, and increasing demands on marine resources mean that careful planning is needed to protect these valuable ecosystems for future generations.
In the Cook Islands, important work is underway to help achieve this goal. IUCN Oceania has been working alongside the Government of the Cook Islands and national partners to support the country’s Marine Spatial Planning process, an initiative that helps guide how ocean spaces are used and managed.
Earlier this year, IUCN Oceania participated in the Marae Moana Technical Advisory Group meeting in Rarotonga, where experts, government representatives, and stakeholders came together to discuss the future of the Cook Islands’ ocean resources.
The discussions focused on identifying important marine areas for conservation while ensuring that the needs of communities, livelihoods, and economic development are also taken into account.
A key milestone was the presentation of IUCN’s technical assessment of a proposed network of marine protected areas.
The assessment will help inform the development of the Cook Islands’ national Marine Spatial Plan and support decisions that balance environmental protection with sustainable use of ocean resources.
At the same time, IUCN Oceania led a Pacific BioScapes GIS Capacity Building Workshop for government officials and technical staff.
The training equipped participants with practical skills to better understand and map marine and coastal areas, helping decision-makers use reliable information when planning for the future.
While the technology and planning tools are important, the real goal is simple: ensuring that the ocean continues to provide for people while protecting the unique marine life that makes the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific so special.
The work reflects a strong partnership between local institutions, communities, and regional organisations committed to safeguarding the Pacific’s blue continent.
By investing in knowledge, collaboration, and long-term planning today, the Cook Islands is helping build a future where healthy oceans continue to support healthy communities.
These activities are supported through the Pacific BioScapes Programme, funded by the European Union and managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Together, they demonstrate how regional cooperation can help protect one of the Pacific’s greatest treasures: its ocean.
IUCN facilitating GIS workshop in Cook Islands.
Cook Islands oceans.
