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The importance of coastal and marine environments to every aspect of the lives of Pacific Islanders cannot be overstated. Pacific Island Countries (PICs) maintain resource rights and management responsibilities for over 30million square kilometres of ocean, equivalent to the total land area of Canada, China and the USA. The total population of coastal pacific islanders is only 2.6 million. There are 11 square kilometres of ocean for each Pacific Islander. Jurisdictionally, the ocean is 200 times more significant to the average Pacific Islander than it is to the average global citizen.  

Technical report

The Cook Islands has already achieved the targeted two third reduction of under 5 year olds mortality rate from 26 per 1000 live births in 1991 to 7.7 in 2001. The infant mortality rate dropped from 31.3 infants per 1000 live births in 1991 to 9.8 in 2001.Whilst the maternal health indicators for Cook Islands women were rated amongst the best in the region, there remain some worrying statistics. Teenage pregnancies had been on the increase in the past with a quarter of childbearing women reportedly having children during their teenage years. In general, key health issues affecting mothers and women include the relatively high incidences of cervical and breast cancers, and increasing prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, circulatory illnesses and their complications resulting from changing lifestyles of the Cook Islands population. NCD’s are now the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult Cook Islands population.There are no officially recorded cases of HIV/AIDS in the Cook Islands although there are 2 resident HIV/AIDS cases (one male, one female) in the Cook Islands. Prevention and awareness raising programmes on the modes of transmission and risks of HIV/AIDS in the Cook Islands need to be maintained and further strengthened.

This report replicates as well addressed new issues not covered by the WSSD National Assessment Report (NAR). In light of this statement, we would like to acknowledge Mr. Edward Drollett and Mrs. Helen Wong, the National WSSD Working Committee, the WSSD National Forum representatives, our national leaders, government departments, private and business sectors, community groups, other non-government organisations and individuals consulted, the staff of the Office of the Prime Minister for their contributions and hard work in developing the WSSD NAR and this report.