| Grantee | Marae Moana Establishment Trust ↗ |
| Type | MPA |
| Location | Cook Islands |
| Grant Amount | 945000 |
| Duration | 3 years |
Oceans 5 supports a local conservation organization and traditional Maori leaders working to create a large marine park in the Southern Cook Islands. If successful, the project could result in one of the largest marine reserves in the South Pacific, providing long-term benefits to the people of the Cook Islands.
In mid 2012, Cook Islands’ Prime Minister Henry Puna established a 1.1 million square kilometer marine park in the Southern Cooks, simultaneously outlining a vision for the sustainable management of the nation’s large exclusive economic zone (EEZ). He had previously established a marine park Steering Committee to help shape the establishment and designation of the park. The Committee is comprised of representatives of civil society, traditional leaders and government agencies.
Oceans 5 supports the steering committee through the Marae Moana Establishment Trust, a local organization of respected community environmentalists. Project activities will focus on consultations with traditional leaders and outer island communities; developing appropriate administrative and legal frameworks; and designing communications strategies to engage Cook Island residents.
Oceans 5 expects to provide funding for three years beginning in 2013.
