The Cook Islands is progressing a new Marae Moana Policy to guide ocean management from 2025 to 2028.
The policy will strengthen integrated ocean governance, ensuring conservation, sustainable use, and economic development are balanced across all marine sectors. It builds on the Marae Moana Act and aligns with national and international commitments, including biodiversity and climate goals.
Key priorities include ecosystem-based management, community engagement, and improved coordination across agencies.
This policy will play a central role in shaping the future Marine Spatial Plan and ensuring that ocean management reflects the values and needs of Cook Islanders.
Building on the foundations laid since the adoption of the Marae Moana Act 2017, the new policy sets a clear and focused pathway for the next four years, prioritising the full implementation of the Act and strengthening ocean governance across the Cook Islands.
At the heart of the policy is the enduring national vision: “To tatou Marae Moana – akatapu’ia, akono’ia, ta’anga’anga’ia e au te mana tiaki ma te akamanako, ei urunga no to tatou ra manava e to te uki ki mua” — ensuring that the ocean continues to sustain and inspire present and future generations.
The Marae Moana Policy 2025–2028 marks a strategic shift from broad ambition to targeted delivery. It responds to lessons from the previous policy cycle and stakeholder consultations, which emphasised the need to fully operationalise the Marae Moana Act and strengthen coordination across sectors.
Key priorities include:
- Completion of the National Marae Moana Spatial Plan by 2026, covering the full Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf
- Development and rollout of Island Marine Spatial Plans, empowering Pa Enua communities and traditional leaders in ocean management
- Finalisation of the Marae Moana Outlook Report, providing a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem health and trends
- Strengthening governance through regular Technical Advisory Group and Council meetings
- Improving transparency through annual reporting and updated schedules of marine-based activities
- Securing sustainable financing to support long-term implementation
Integrated Ocean Governance for a Changing Climate
The policy recognises that climate change remains the greatest threat to the Cook Islands’ marine ecosystems and livelihoods. It emphasises the role of marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based management in building resilience, protecting biodiversity, and managing competing ocean uses.
It also reinforces the importance of ridge-to-reef connectivity, acknowledging that land-based activities directly affect marine ecosystems, and calls for stronger integration across sectors.
Respecting Culture and Strengthening Partnerships
A defining feature of the policy is its strong commitment to traditional knowledge and customary marine management, including the continued recognition of ra’ui and the leadership of Aronga Mana and island communities.
The policy promotes inclusive, participatory decision-making, ensuring that government agencies, Island Governments, civil society, and the private sector work together under a shared vision for Marae Moana.
By advancing implementation of Marae Moana, the Cook Islands continues to demonstrate leadership as a Large Ocean State, contributing to global commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and Sustainable Development Goal 14.
The Marae Moana Policy 2025–2028 provides a practical and actionable roadmap to ensure that the Cook Islands’ ocean remains healthy, productive, and resilient for generations to come.
For more information, please contact the Marae Moana Coordination Office or the National Environment Service.
