The Cook Islands was represented at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Waves of Change: Harnessing Technology for a Sustainable Blue Economy workshop on 25th – 28th May 2026 held in Busan, Republic of Korea.
The four-day workshop brought together government representatives, researchers, development partners, and industry experts from across Asia and the Pacific to share knowledge and explore innovative approaches to sustainable ocean management.
Sessions focused on a range of emerging blue economy topics, including healthy oceans, marine governance, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, technology-enabled environmental monitoring, and innovative financing mechanisms. Participants also took part in practical exercises on project design and visited leading Korean research institutions to observe how technology and innovation are supporting sustainable ocean management.
For the Cook Islands, the workshop reinforced the importance of healthy marine ecosystems as the foundation for tourism, biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience. It also highlighted the growing importance of integrated approaches that combine environmental protection with sustainable economic development.
Participation in the workshop provided valuable opportunities to exchange experiences with regional partners, strengthen professional networks, and gain insights into international best practice. The knowledge gained will help inform future environmental planning and support the National Environment Service’s ongoing work to protect the Cook Islands’ unique marine environment while advancing sustainable development.
