The Cook Islands delegation continues to make its voice heard at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17), held in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19–30 October 2026.
Working alongside Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), the delegation is advocating for stronger global commitments on biodiversity financing, traditional knowledge, invasive alien species, climate change and conservation.
Head of Delegation Elizabeth Munro said the team is performing well, actively engaging in negotiations, strengthening Pacific positions and ensuring Cook Islands priorities are reflected in discussions.
“Our team is doing well, and I am proud of the commitment and contributions each member is making. We are working closely with our Pacific colleagues to ensure our voices are heard and that global decisions reflect the realities of our islands,” Munro said.
The Cook Islands has contributed to several key negotiating areas:
Resource Mobilisation (Agenda Item 8): Advocating for accessible, predictable and sustainable biodiversity financing, simplified funding procedures and dedicated support for small island developing States.
Invasive Alien Species: Highlighting threats to island ecosystems, food security and livelihoods. Conservation experiences from Atiu, Palmerston and Rarotonga demonstrate the importance of community-led management, prevention and sustained technical support.
Climate Change (Agenda Item 18a): Drawing attention to Tropical Cyclone Wati and the vulnerability of island communities, coral reefs and coastal ecosystems, particularly in the remote Pa Enua.
Marine and Coastal Biodiversity (Agenda Item 18c): Advocating for stronger protection of marine ecosystems and recognition of their importance to Pacific livelihoods, food security and cultural identity.
At the Nature First Pacific side event on 19 October, the Cook Islands shared its experience on designation the Takitumu Conservation Area as a recognised Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure (OECM), highlighting how traditional landowners, community leadership, customary knowledge and science contribute to successful long-term conservation.
The presentation demonstrated the importance of locally driven solutions in achieving global biodiversity targets.
As negotiations progress, the delegation remains focused on securing practical outcomes that respond to national and regional priorities.
Siana emphasised the importance of ensuring that global biodiversity commitments translate into tangible benefits for communities.
“We want to leave COP17 with the resources, capacity and support needed to turn our global biodiversity commitments into relevant action on the ground. For our islands, success is not only about the decisions made here, but about what we can deliver for our communities back home,” she said.
Munro reiterated that collaboration, strong Pacific solidarity and continued international support will be essential to achieving meaningful conservation outcomes.
The Cook Islands remains committed to ensuring that biodiversity protection strengthens island resilience, safeguards cultural heritage and secures a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Conference on Biological Diversity  is attended by Elizabeth Munro – Manager Environment Stewardship Division, Siana Whatarau – Senior Environmental Partnership Coordinator, Mareva Cameron – Environment Partnership Coordinator, Cailean Henderson-Bob – Compliance officer and Gretta Murare -Mitiaro Environment Officer of the National Environment Service, Piriariki Maao – Director Biosecurity- Ministry of Agriculture, Phoebe Argyle – Senior Marine Ecologist – Ministry of Marine Resources
