To browse resources using an interactive map,
Download Flash.
If you are unable to view the map, you can browse the complete list of ALM Country Profiles.

World Bank Climate Change Data Portal

View historical and projected climate change data at the World Bank website.

View the Portal

Find More Resources

Explore

Search for climate change adaptation resources by location, theme, type and more.

Overview

It is recognised that development and social changes have placed pressure on sensitive environmental systems and sectors of the Cook Islands and therefore adverse impacts of anticipated changes in climate and sea level rise will further exacerbate the stress on these systems. For the Cook Islands to respond successfully and implement appropriate adaptation strategies each major sector has identified information gaps and capacity building requirements that must be addressed.The most vulnerable sectors identified are agriculture and food security, coastal zone and coral reefs, marine resources, water resources and biodiversity.

National Communication (NC)

Contribute to the ALM: Submit an Assessment

Cook Islands - National Communication - 30 October 1999
Key Vulnerabilities
  • Water Resources
  • Coastal Zones
  • Natural Resources
  • Agriculture/Food Security
  • Health
Potential Adaptation Measures

Agriculture and Food Security

Information Gaps

  • Understanding of areas most vulnerable to changes in weather patterns
  • Understanding causal factors leading to insect and disease outbreaks
  • Identification of most suitable plants, crops, varieties and cultivars to climate change
  • Additional methods of quarantine to reduce further pests and diseases introduction
  • Measures to understand land zoning and building policies
  • Gene bank of plants
  • Lack of up-to-date information on plant/crop, livestock, and forest production figures

Specific Capacity Building Needs

  • Develop geographical information system (GIS)
  • Update information on agricultural land use through application of GIS
  • Continuous monitoring of insect and disease incidences and severity.
  • Gather information from other countries and organisations on performance of plant cultivars/varieties under certain climatic conditions
  • Education and awareness
  • Gene bank development

Coastal Zones

Knowledge of circulation processes within lagoons and the influence of climate. This would assist in understanding oceanographic processes relevant to:

  • Pearl and mariculture production
  • Shallowing lagoons
  • Lagoon flushing
  • Lagoon temperature change
  • Knowledge of the interactions between marine flora and fauna (including coral), and the effects of external influences on these species and their interactions. These effects could include local species extinctions, changes in species dominance, species resilience (tolerance) to disturbance, species introductions and species substitutions.
  • Increase knowledge of pelagic fisheries migration and recruitment patterns in our EEZ.
  • Develop gene bank of marine flora/fauna.
  • Model low diversity marine ecosystems.
  • Understanding of ecosystem rejuvenation after implementation of traditional conservation management practices e.g. Ra’ui.
  • Identify specific integrated effects affecting marine resources – e.g. coastal sedimentation from rainfall runoff through Avatiu Harbour.

Water Resources

Information Gaps

  • Identification of leakages
  • Water quality and chemical analysis monitoring
  • Methods and measures to improve water distribution at all times
  • Water consumption data
  • Pipeline network data
  • Lack of co-ordination between development and water distribution
  • Methods to improve water storage and conservation

Specific Capacity Building Needs

  • Education and awareness
  • Training and equipment
  • Geographical information systems development
  • Legislation
  • Metering and tariffs
  • Groundwater management
  • Mechanism for water development
  • Improvement in water quality

Health

Information Gaps

  • Unavailability of up-to-date information on the pattern of lifestyle disease, vector borne disease and water borne disease in relation to climate change.
  • Limitation of resources to monitor the high density of mosquitoes and possible outbreaks of dengue fever.
  • Limited access to modern technology (internet) to enhance skills and knowledge on global impacts of climate change on human health
  • Measures to develop and enforce legislation
  • Methods of development and implementation of integrated pest management

Specific Capacity Building Needs

  • Regular access to workshops, conferences, meetings and internet services
  • Education and awareness
  • Training and equipment
  • Integrated pest management systems
  • Legislation

Contribute to the ALM: Submit an Assessment

Projects and Initiatives

Contribute to the ALM: Submit a Project or Initiative