As an aim to enhance maritime sustainability, representatives from the Cook Islands joined others from Belize, and Solomon Islands at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London last month.

Hosted by the IMO's GreenVoyage2050 Programme from September 2-6, the meeting provided an opportunity to share experiences in developing NAPs, contributing to global maritime decarbonisation efforts.

MFAI states that for the Cook Islands, this collaboration is key to enhancing maritime sustainability. The NAP will not only help reduce emissions but also help improve shipping connectivity and affordability.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Cook Islands face challenges such as limited economies, geographic isolation, and vulnerability.

National Action Plans (NAPs) are essential tools for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while enhancing the resilience, reliability, and affordability of maritime shipping services.

Sandrina Thondoo, director for Treaties, Multilaterals, and Oceans for MFAI, said: "The NAP for the Cook Islands will not only enhance maritime sustainability but also provide a roadmap for improving shipping connectivity and affordability of goods and services."

This potential underscores the transformative role the NAP can play in supporting the Cook Islands' maritime development and economic resilience.

A key focus of the meeting was the importance of reliable data on emissions and fuel consumption.

However, collecting and managing this data remains a challenge for many SIDS, including the Cook Islands.

The discussions highlighted how improving the country’s digital readiness and working closely with agencies like the national statistics office can help overcome these hurdles and create more effective action plans.

Ongoing stakeholder engagement was also recognised as vital. Involving key players such as shipping companies, energy providers, environmental groups, and local communities from the outset will help ensure the Cook Islands’ NAP has broad support, resources for implementation and achieves the outcomes of improved shipping connectivity and affordability intended.

While Belize, the Cook Islands, and the Solomon Islands are at different stages of their NAP development, the ability to learn from each other strengthens each country’s ability to adapt strategies suited to their unique challenges.

 Insights from the discussions will directly inform an updated version of the GreenVoyage2050 Guide on NAP development adressing challenges like data gaps, stakeholder engagement, and limited resources, and provide practical advice on securing finance for maritime decarbonisation projects.

The guide will also include pilot project ideas to help countries like the Cook Islands implement their action plans. MFAI