Cook Islanders strengthen knowledge and capability in deep-sea resource management
Cook Islanders took part in the China–Cook Islands Training Programme on Deep-Sea Resource Management held in Hangzhou and Changsha from 24 August to 2 September 2026.
Twenty-three Cook Islanders have returned from China with new knowledge and perspectives on deep-sea resource management after a 10-day training programme designed to strengthen local knowledge and capacity in this area.
The China–Cook Islands Training Programme on Deep-Sea Resource Management took place in Hangzhou and Changsha from 24 August to 2 September 2026.
The programme brought together Cook Islanders from different backgrounds, including government officials, professionals, and students from local colleges and universities in New Zealand. Participants also represented communities from both the Northern and Southern Group islands.
The diversity of the group was one of the programme's key strengths. Participants brought different experiences, areas of study, and reasons for wanting to learn more about the sector. This created space for shared learning, questions, and the exchange of different perspectives.
The programme was designed as a capacity-building and upskilling opportunity. It gave participants the opportunity to build their understanding of deep-sea resource management, learn from Chinese scientific and technical institutions and industry, and exchange knowledge and perspectives.
The programme was sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce and delivered by China’s Second Institute of Oceanography, which is under the Ministry of Natural Resources, in coordination with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority.
It is a direct result of the MOU for Blue Partnership signed by the respective agencies in February 2025.
Over the 10 days, participants took part in lectures, technical discussions, practical learning, academic exchanges, and visits to scientific and technology institutions.
Topics included polymetallic nodule formation and assessment, marine ecosystems and biodiversity, environmental monitoring, seafloor survey methods, underwater robotics and detection technology, resource assessment, and ocean governance.
Technical presentations were given by experts from the Second Institute of Oceanography, Central South University, and Changsha Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, in several cases, by SBMA staff Tanga Morris, Chloe Wragg, Rima Browne, and Dr John Parianos.
The Cook Islands presenters showed their ability to contribute meaningfully to their respective topics. An important part of the exchange was the open opportunity for attendees to ask considered questions of presenters, either immediately after presentations or later during the trip.
Seabed Minerals Commissioner Beverly Ataera said the programme was first and foremost an investment in Cook Islanders and their ability to participate in informed discussions about the future management of the country’s ocean.
“Our country needs Cook Islanders who can actively and meaningfully participate in these national discussions, with the capacity to understand and assess complex technical information as well as appreciate where more knowledge is still required,” Commissioner Ataera said.
For delegation leaders Rima Browne and Kaitini Herman-Estall, the programme also demonstrated the value of bringing together people with different professional and educational backgrounds.
“We did not travel as a group of people with the same experience, knowledge or point of view,” they said.
“That diversity resulted in interesting discussions and different points of view, which made for a more fruitful engagement.”
The programme provided participants with exposure to a range of scientific, environmental, technological, economic and governance perspectives that they can build upon through their work, studies, and future training.
Commissioner Ataera said the value of the programme would ultimately be measured by how the knowledge was brought home and shared.
“We are proud of every Cook Islander who chose to be part of this opportunity,” she said.
“They gave their time, brought their questions and represented our country with care. The next step is to bring those experiences home and share what was learned with others.”
This programme forms part of SBMA’s wider work to strengthen Cook Islands knowledge and participation in matters concerning our ocean.
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