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As signatories to the three Rio Conventions - the CBD, UNFCCC and UNCCD - it is important to understand what our obligations under these conventions are and to work towards fulfilling them. This chapter simplifies some of those important provisions and obligations in the context of their relevance to the Cook Islands and summarises some of the other Conventions that may be relevant. The NCSA process should help to identify what capacity constraints and gaps exist in terms of the Cook Islands meeting its global obligations as well as fulfilling its national priorities. Annex 11 highlights the Cook Islands status regarding key international and regional environmental Conventions and related protocols.

The mandate for developing the National Environment Strategic Action Framework 2005-2009 was given by the Environment Act 2003. The framework provides guidance and direction for achieving sustainable social and economic progress for the Cook Islands by utilising our natural resources and environment wisely. It aims to sustain efforts generated from growing environmental awareness to protect, conserve and manage our environment and natural resources.