The Government of the Cook Islands, through the National Environment Service (NES), has formalised a key partnership with Te Puna Vai Mārama (TPVM) and Justin Rose Consulting to undertake a comprehensive national review in preparation for ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
The consultancy agreement, signed in March 2026, brings together leading Cook Islands and international expertise in ocean governance, law, and policy. This work represents a major step in ensuring the Cook Islands is ready to implement its obligations under the BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force in January 2026.
The review will assess existing legislation, policies, and institutional arrangements, identifying any gaps that must be addressed to support ratification and effective implementation. It will also deliver a phased implementation plan, guiding the Cook Islands through to the first Conference of the Parties (COP1) and beyond.
The project covers all four key areas of the BBNJ Agreement:
- Marine genetic resources and benefit sharing
- Area-based management tools, including marine protected areas
- Environmental impact assessments
- Capacity building and transfer of marine technology
Importantly, the process will include extensive stakeholder consultations across government, communities, traditional leaders, and regional partners, ensuring that implementation reflects national priorities and local knowledge.
This initiative reinforces the Cook Islands’ leadership as a Large Ocean State and its commitment to integrated ocean governance under Marae Moana. By aligning national frameworks with global ocean agreements, the Cook Islands continues to play an active role in shaping the future of ocean stewardship.
