The Cook Islands Initial National Communication Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change

The preparation of the Cook Islands Initial National Communication was funded by the Global Environment Fund Climate Change Enabling Activity through the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme (PICCAP).

The initial communication is a culmination of activities undertaken by Cook Islanders since November 1997.  A national country team was established with the support of government agencies and a PICCAP coordinator was appointed.  Cook Island consultants were identified to undertake field studies, compile information and prepare the country’s first reports on the national inventory of greenhouse gas sources and sinks as well as the national assessment of vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise.
Capacity building activities included learning how to scientifically assess likely vulnerability and adaptation options at the International Global Change Institute (IGCI) based at Waikato University in New Zealand and the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.  Many other opportunities to support technical training and capacity building of Cook Island nationals has been available through the UNITAR CC Train programme.

The national communication is presented in four sections:

● National Circumstances

● National Inventory of Greenhouse Gases

● Vulnerability and Adaptation

● Cross Sectoral Measures