08 MAY 2024

“As Cook Islanders and Pacific peoples, we have an imbedded culture of conservation and environmental management over our land and sea. This has enabled us to sustainably use our marine resources while also ensuring its protection. We have been doing this for centuries. We are conservationists.” This was the message Prime Minister Mark Brown conveyed during his recent attendance at the Our Ocean conference held in Athens, Greece.

The Our Ocean conference, now in its ninth year, provides a global platform for leaders to come together and address the urgent challenges facing our oceans, through various policies and initiatives. The conference focus areas include climate change, marine protected areas, sustainable blue economies, maritime security, sustainable fisheries, and marine pollution - all key priorities for the Cook Islands.

Prime Minister Brown shared the Cook Islands efforts and ongoing commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable ocean management, as well as the critical role of regional and international cooperation.

On ocean governance, the Prime Minister highlighted the Cook Islands pioneering ocean governance framework, Marae Moana, which aims to provide long-term, inter-generational benefits and security for the country.

"This framework drew upon the oceans management practices and wisdom of our ancestors and the best available science, allowing us to strike a harmonious balance between our economic interests and conservation ambitions,” said Prime Minister Brown.

On sustainable fisheries, he highlighted the Pacific’s collective commitment to implementing world-leading regional controls and standards for sustainable fisheries management in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, particularly focusing on key tuna species.

On plastic pollution, he emphasised the Cook Islands commitment to negotiating a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution, particularly in the marine environment. Prime Minister Brown noted the instrument should cover the full lifecycle of plastics starting from extraction phase to product design and waste management. A treaty with high ambition would ensure our oceans are safeguarded from plastic pollution, a key driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

On seabed minerals, the Prime Minister reiterated the Cook Islands precautionary approach to the sustainable and responsible development of the sector. He emphasised the nation's efforts to ensure transparent decision-making, inclusive processes, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that actions are guided by science and the needs of the Cook Islands people.

PM Brown giving Head of State address at 9th Our Ocean Conference

Prime Minister Brown held several bilateral meetings with Heads of States and leaders. This included Prime Minister Sovaleni from Tonga and President Simina from the Federated States of Micronesia, to share relevant updates as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

In his meeting with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, discussions included both countries commitments to ocean conservation and ocean science and establishing formal diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Brown also met with Costa Rica Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Arnoldo Andre Tinoco to discuss formalising diplomatic relations and areas of common interest particularly on ocean protection.

Pacific leaders at the Our Oceans conference opening

In addition to sharing on the Cook Islands national efforts, Prime Minister Brown promoted various Pacific regional initiatives and participated in high-level side events.

In his Head of State remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted the Pacific Centre of Excellence on Deep Ocean Science (PCEDOS), a collaborative commitment by Pacific Leaders to advance ocean science and stewardship. The reception to PCEDOS was very positive, with the Prime Minister welcoming further partnerships in the lead up towards its establishment.

At the Coastal Resilience side-event, Mr Brown highlighted the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) a vital financing mechanism for climate and disaster resilience projects in the Pacific region and endorsed as part of the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

At the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity (UBPP) side event, he reaffirmed the Cook Islands support towards this regional initiative intended to protect, restore, and rejuvenate the region’s ecosystems, foster prosperity among Pacific peoples, and empower communities.

At the Blue Prosperity reception co-hosted by the Waitt Foundation and OPOC, Prime Minister Brown highlighted the Cook Islands’ achievements and efforts which led to Waitt Foundation founder Ted Waitt commending the Cook Islands’ for taking a cautious approach towards its seabed minerals sector.

L-R: Special Envoy for the ocean Peter Thomson, Vanuatu Minister Regenvanu, Waitt Founder Ted Waitt, Dr Kathryn Mengerink, John Kerry, FSM President Simina, PM Brown and PM Sovaleni at Waitt Foundation/OPOC Side-Event

“Overall, I am pleased with the Cook Islands advocacy at this Our Oceans conference for our national and Pacific initiatives to ensure a healthy and resilient Blue Pacific Continent for present and future generations,” said Prime Minister Brown.

“In particular, this provided us the opportunity to raise awareness on our leadership and commitments towards sustainable oceans management within our Marae Moana.”

Prime Minister Brown’s engagement was supported by the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Seabed Minerals Authority, National Environment Service and Ministry of Marine Resources.

The Cook Islands delegation included Seabed Minerals Commissioner Alex Herman, National Environment Service Director Halatoa Fua and Marae Moana Ambassador Kevin Iro.