The Cook Islands are a micro-state in the South Pacific: 15 small islands scattered over around 2 million km² of ocean. The total population is under 20,000. Though relatively affluent, the islands do still face development challenges common to the smaller island-states of the region.

These include: the small size of the country and population; the isolation from each other and from other regions, aggravated by poor communications; lifestyle diseases, like obesity, heart disease and diabetes; and natural disasters and climate change risks, especially more frequent and violent tropical cyclones and rising sea levels.

Key issues in EU-Cook Islands relations

The EU is a relatively new partner in the Cook Islands’ development strategy. Relations are conducted through the European Commission delegation in Suva, Fiji and through regional organisations like the Pacific Islands Forum.

Development cooperation firstly focused on outer island development, helping to raise the standard of social service delivery in the outer islands. The Commission has also provided emergency assistance in the aftermath of cyclone storms.

Now, with the launch of the 10^th European Development Fund (EDF), the overall focus is on the environment. This is essential to the country for many interlinked reasons. The first is tourism and the potential of eco-tourism – the sector accounts for around 50% of GDP. In addition, environmental protection can help improve local livelihoods and ensure the more sustainable management and exploitation of marine resources, including black pearls, a major export.

Improving the environment

The Cook Islands and the European Community signed a new Country Strategy Paper in October 2007 for the period 2008-2013, with a total budget of € 3.3 M.While the overall focus is on the environment, most of the budget (€ 2.6 M) has been allocated specifically to water and energy, based on improving water-related environmental and social conditions on the island. Wastewater treatment and sewer collection capacity will be improved, thus helping to minimise environmental (especially lagoon) pollution and to improve social conditions.The Government’s environmental protection policy will also be addressed, with institutional capacity strengthened and technical assistance provided, and support given to civil society and non-state actors.