The Cook Islands has strengthened its preparedness for the implementation of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) through participation in a specialized training programme on international law, ocean governance, and the BBNJ Agreement.
A five-day online training programme, held from 12–15 October, was sponsored by the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) through Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and delivered by the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore.
Officials from the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) and the National Environment Service (NES) received comprehensive briefing on the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and its implications for States, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Topic discussions focused on the evolving international legal and governance framework for activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), commonly referred to as the high seas, and the important role of States in ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
The programme emphasized the four key pillars of the Agreement: Area-Based Management Tools, including Marine Protected Areas; Marine Genetic Resources and benefit-sharing; Environmental Impact Assessments; and Capacity-Building and the Transfer of Marine Technology. All participants also explored the importance about the institutional arrangements, compliance mechanisms, and dispute settlement processes in supporting effective ocean governance.
As the Cook Islands advances discussions on the possible ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, consideration is being given to the institutional arrangements that may be required to support its implementation effectively. The training highlighted the importance of a lead coordinating agency that could facilitate inter-agency cooperation, promote policy coherence, and support the fulfilment of transparency and reporting commitments under the Agreement at national, regional and international levels.
Participation in the programme reflects the Cook Islands’ ongoing commitment to strengthening national capacity, enhancing ocean governance, and working closely with regional and international partners to ensure that the interests and priorities of Pacific Small Island Developing States are 16 effectively represented in the upcoming 1st Conference of Parties (COP1) for the future implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
