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Cook Islands Statement at the Whales in a Changing Ocean Conference, Vava'u, Tonga

Abaiang lies one degree north of the equator and is the closest outer island to Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati. Over 5,000 people live on Abaiang, making it the fourth largest population of any atoll in the nation. The unique culture of Kiribati is evident on Abaiang. Limited external in uences have meant that the traditional way of life and village governance is largely intact.

Drought occurs in Abaiang after long periods of low rainfall. In some villages, this causes fresh well water to turn brackish and this impacts communities and individuals ability to access fresh water and maintain their health and livelihood. Drought occurs at different times in each village depending on their vulnerability to drought.

Increasing recognition of the changes in the natural environment as a result of human interference has lead to the international community agreeing on a number of multi-lateral environmental agreements (MEAs). At the 1992 Earth Summit, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for "sustainable development" – meeting our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for future generations. Three key agreements from the Summit are the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. These three are known as the Rio Conventions.

Increasing recognition of anthropogenic changes in the natural environment as a result of human interference has lead to the international community agreeing on a number of multilateral environmental agreements. At the 1992 Earth Summit, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for "sustainable development" - meeting our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for future generations. Three key agreements from the Summit are the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. These three are known as the Rio Conventions.

National Waste Policy : Defines waste and sets out the general principles which guide how waste issues are dealt with in the Cook Islands

The mandate for developing the National Environment Strategic Action Framework 2005-2009 was given by the Environment Act 2003. The framework provides guidance and direction for achieving sustainable social and economic progress for the Cook Islands by utilising our natural resources and environment wisely. It aims to sustain efforts generated from growing environmental awareness to protect, conserve and manage our environment and natural resources.