Cook Islands Seabed Mineral Authority (SBMA) senior knowledge management officer Rima Browne is this year’s recipient of the International Seabed Authority Secretary General’s award for excellence in deep-sea research.

The award came after her new geomorphological map of the Cook Islands was nominated for consideration by researchers from the Pacific Community and Norway.

According to SBMA, the award is for young researchers from developing states who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the deep-sea environment, or to the development of environmentally sustainable regulatory frameworks.

Browne is the first Pacific Islander to receive this distinguished award, her work receiving accolades from an international judging panel of distinguished experts, it adds.

She was in Kingston, Jamaica to receive the award in-person.

“It is still a little surreal that a small island girl like me won this,” said Browne in a statement, “but it is really a testament to what we in the region are capable of”.

The ISA secretary general, Michael Lodge announced the award during the 28th session of the ISA Assembly before representatives from 80 plus countries and organisations, he specifically mentioned the various uses for the map, including marine resources, and environmental habitat management.

Upon accepting her award, Browne said: “In a time where science and knowledge is recognised to be essential for us to learn and grow, we must be brave and step up to the challenge.”

Browne was thankful to the ISA and Monaco for providing a platform for young scientists from developing states to be recognised.

Also in attendance was a very proud Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. The PM spoke of Browne’s work as an example of the new science that is emerging in our country and an indication that this is a new era of research and knowledge for our people.

“The map that Rima has made shows for the first time the story behind the wonderful landscapes that underlie our unique and wonderful oceanic country.

It is like turning on a light in a dark room, building our collective knowledge and understanding. This is why science and research is critical. It sets the foundation for the future work that we need, to manage it well,” said PM Brown during his congratulatory speech.

He concluded by congratulating Browne saying, “Your win is a win for us all in the Cook Islands. It is a win for us in the Pacific. And, it is a win for all young female scientists around the world.”

The Secretary of External Relations at the Department of External Relations and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco, Tidiani Couma, shared congratulations for Browne’s achievements, emphasising the importance of the award in promoting and encouraging the work of scientists, “without which we could neither understand our seas and oceans nor act properly to preserve them”.

Other countries also joined in congratulating Browne including France, Nauru, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, Canada, and Australia to name a few.

“SBMA are very proud of Rima’s achievements,” said SBMA commissioner Alex Herman, “her achievements are an inspiration to young Cook Islanders and the wider Pacific.”