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Environment related legislation review

The Cook Islands is a unique small island developing state in the Pacific. It is an independent island nation comprising 15 islands, which cover a total land area of 240 sq. km and are scattered across an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2 million sq. km. In 1965, the Cook Islands exercised its right to self-determination and entered into a relationship of free association with New Zealand.

The Cook Islands is made up of 15 islands spread out over an exclusive economic zone of approximately two million square kilometres (750,000 square miles) in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Two of these islands are uninhabited. Total land area is just under 240 square kilometres with Rarotonga the center of Government and commerce representing just over 28 percent of the total.

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.