Cook Islands announces protection zone for migrating Oceania humpback whales
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown arrives at Tuurangawaewae Marae
Photo:
Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown has announced the creation of a zone to protect the migratory corridors of the endangered Oceania humpback whale.
Brown made the announcement at the
UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France
.
"We can apply our traditional Ra'ui practice at ocean scale," Brown told the conference.
"Spanning over 400,000 square kilometres, this zone will adapt with the seasons and respond to emerging threats. Its purpose is not only conservation; it is recovery."
The Cook Islands
set up Marae Moana in 2017
.
Brown said Ra'ui To'ora reflects a growing global truth that traditional knowledge and science can work together to shape powerful solutions.
"With regional cooperation, this could become the foundation of the Pacific's first transboundary whale corridor.
"To support this, we are further exploring the establishment of the Institute of Blue Ocean Sustainability and Science, a national initiative to advance ocean governance, foster applied research, and strengthen partnerships across government, academia, industry, and traditional leadership.
"These are not radical ideas; they are overdue. This is sovereignty matched with stewardship."
Also, at the Ocean Conference, Tuvalu prime minister Feleti Teo has called for an
international treaty on sea level rise
.
Before the conference, French Polynesia's president, Moetai Brotherson, announced his administration's plan to establish
a network of highly protected marine areas
(MPAs).
The conference wraps up on Friday, Nice time.
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