Cook Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to global biodiversity conservation following its participation in the Pacific Regional Workshop on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) Target 3, held in Nadi, Fiji from 9–12 June 2026. Representing the Cook Islands was Environment Partnership Coordinator, Mareva Cameron.Â
Cameron was joined by fellow Pacific colleagues in the environment space, technical experts and key partners to advance efforts towards the ambitious ‘30×30’ goal – conserving 30% of land, water and seas by the year 2030.
A key outcome of the workshop was the identification of major regional challenges, including gaps in data, limited technical capacity, effective management plans, and the lack of sustainable financing—all of which impact the effectiveness of protected areas and conservation measures. A solution/resolution session with the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People provided an opportunity for the Pacific to navigate how these challenges can be bridged through financial and technical support.
Mareva Cameron contributes to regional discussions on advancing the 30×30 biodiversity target during the Pacific Regional Workshop on KMGBF Target 3 in Nadi, Fiji.
The Cook Islands delivered a presentation of the Takitumu Conservation Area as the first Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure (OECM) for the Cook Islands and for the Pacific region, which is a contributor to the Cook Islands commitment of the 30×30 KMGBF goal.Â
Moving forward, the Cook Islands will prioritise strengthening monitoring and reporting systems, enhancing site-level management, and exploring further opportunities on how the 30×30 can be achieved on a national level.
