The Cook Islands has strengthened its voice in regional biodiversity negotiations, joining Pacific countries in Fiji to align regional biodiversity priorities ahead of negotiations in Armenia.
The Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting, held from 21–25 September 2026 at the Pacific Harbour Pearl Resort, was organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and brought together Pacific government representatives, regional conservation partners and technical experts
The Cook Islands was represented by Elizabeth Munro, Environment Stewardship Manager, and Gretta Murare, Mitiaro Environment Officer, who joined discussions focused on strengthening Pacific coordination and preparing countries for CBD COP 17.
For the Cook Islands, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share national updates, identify common priorities and ensure national interests are reflected in broader Pacific positions ahead of COP 17.
A key focus was the development of a Pacific Nature Agenda, which brings together shared Pacific priorities and messages on biodiversity. Participants also reviewed outcomes from SBSTTA 28 and SBI 7 and discussed priority issues including Article 8(j) on traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, resource mobilisation, financial mechanisms and the Global Review on Biodiversity.
The meeting also provided an important learning opportunity for emerging Pacific negotiators. For Gretta, this was her first Pacific regional preparatory meeting, offering valuable exposure to CBD processes and the way Pacific countries coordinate their positions ahead of international negotiations.
Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening Pacific messages on nature-positive solutions and increasing engagement from sectors such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
The preparatory meeting also reinforced links between CBD implementation and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs), while building on outcomes from the 11th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and lessons from CBD COP 16.
Discussions recognised the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution, as well as the need for increased conservation finance and stronger regional cooperation to support sustainable development across Pacific Island countries.
The Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting has provided a strong foundation for the Cook Islands delegation as it prepares for CBD COP 17, supporting a coordinated Pacific approach to global biodiversity discussions and strengthening national readiness for the negotiations ahead.
