Cook Islands’ Strategic Environmental Assessment Endorsed and Supported

The Seabed Minerals Authority and National Environment Service hosted a Regional Environmental Management Plan workshop that highlighted strong support for the nation’s science-based, precautionary approach to managing seabed minerals within Marae Moana.

Participants learned how regional-level assessments work alongside exploration licence-level assessments under the Ecosystem-Based Management Framework (EBMF), guided by best-practice principles from SPREP and the International Seabed Authority. Expert consultants presented findings from three years of studies, including seabed mapping, single-project impact assessments, and cumulative industry-wide impact analysis.

A pre-workshop survey also showed around 80% acceptance of the process, with recognition that while it is technically complex, it is a strong foundation for future decision-making. Stakeholders agreed the assessments support development but emphasised that more information is needed at the exploration licence-level before any commercial extraction can be considered.

The workshop included broad participation, with about 50 attendees, both in person and online, engaging in dialogue around key questions such as:

• Who is responsible for ensuring seabed minerals activities do not harm our marine life, and how can communities be part of the monitoring and decision-making? 

• How will this management framework protect our ocean, our livelihoods, and our culture for future generations? 

• What will success (and failure) look like for the Cook Islands if seabed minerals move forward? 

As outlined in the EBMF, the team has worked diligently to consult with Cook Islanders at every stage of the process. This helps ensure that any future decision-making will heavily rely on ethically based science and community voices.  

“This process is about ensuring Cook Islanders’ voices are heard and that science leads the way,” said Tanga Morris Jnr. “We are committed to transparency and caution; no decision will be made until enough evidence is gathered.” 

What this means 

• This process informs stakeholders about the bigger picture. 

• Science and community voices are shaping the path forward. 

• More information is needed at the exploration licence level.  

All study results are available at www.sbma.gov.ck/ebmf-sea. Cook Islanders are encouraged to review the findings and share their views online. The process will be updated in several years’ time when materially more information is available.

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