A Deep-Sea Milestone: Cook Islands and China Partner on Sustainable Seabed Resource Development

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Blue Partnership in the Field of Seabed Minerals Affairs with the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, reinforcing a shared commitment to marine cooperation, sustainable resource management, and advancing deep-sea research.

Media Release, Press ReleaseDede Mingi21 February 2025Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands SBMA, Blue Partnership, Seabed Minerals Governance, Deep Sea Research, Sustainable Oceans, Marine Cooperation, Environmental Stewardship, Capacity Building, Technology Transfer, Scientific Collaboration, Blue Economy, Sustainable Development

Thomas Wynne: What does China want from Cook Islands?

There is a question that rests heavily on my heart – one that goes beyond politics and economics, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

CI NEWSDede Mingi15 February 2025Cook Islands, Seabed Mining, Manganese Nodule, Deep-Sea Mining, China Relations, Pacific Geopolitics, Trade Agreements, Resource Management, Sovereignty and Self-Determination, Economic Development, Foreign Investments, Trust and Governance, Cook Islands Politics, Cultural Values, Pacific Partnerships

SBMA to engage public on deep-sea exploration findings

Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA) says it will be reaching out to the community, especially older generations, to consult with them about their preliminary findings from the ongoing seabed minerals exploration.

Advancing Innovation: SBMA Expands Global Collaboration for Marine Research

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is participating in the State Visit to China from 10-14 February, alongside the Cook Islands Government Delegation. This visit focused on capacity building, research, and scientific collaborations.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi13 February 2025Cook Islands, SBMA, Blue Economy, Scientific Research, Marine Conservation, Seabed Mining, Environmental Sustainability, Ocean Exploration, International Collaboration, Transparency And Accountability, Marine Science, Global Partnerships, Governance, Deep Sea Research, Public Engagement, Resource Management

Cook Islands, China to sign comprehensive strategic partnership on Friday

The comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the Cook Islands and China will be signed this Friday (Thursday, Cook Islands time).

This was confirmed by the Office of the Prime Minister after it released initial details of Cook Islands’ talks with China this week.

CI NEWSDede Mingi12 February 2025Cook Islands, Prime Minister Mark Brown, China Deal, Strategic Partnership, State Visit, Marine Research, Climate Resilience, Seabed Mining, Blue Economy, Sustainable Development, Aquaculture, Ocean Governance, Economic Cooperation, Pacific Islands

No debt in China deal

The comprehensive deal the Cook Islands will sign with China in the coming week will not involve any borrowing, the Prime Minister confirmed this week.

Government accused of misleading public on seabed mining

Cook Islands Government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection.

OPSC Media Release: Pacific Diplomats strengthen skills through New Zealand training

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC)in partnership with the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC), is pleased to announce that Messrs Te Ara Henderson Senior Policy & Legal Officer, Seabed Minerals Authority) and Mani Mate (Director, Development Coordination Division, MFEM were selected to participate in the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme—a professional development initiative aimed at equipping emerging public servants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate regional and international diplomacy.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi31 January 2025Public Service, Diplomatic Training, Pacific Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Regional Cooperation, Professional Development, Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, MFEM, International Relations, NZ High Commission, Capacity Building, Geo Strategy, Bilateral Relations, Multilateral Engagement, Development Partners

NES launches seabed minerals factsheet

The National Environment Service (NES) says it plays a crucial role in assessing and reviewing environmental matters associated with seabed mineral activities.

This includes the administration of applications for environmental consents and permits. In collaboration with the Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA), the NES ensures regulatory oversight and compliance with environmental management and reporting requirements set forth by license conditions and environmental consents or permits.

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