Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Tingika Elikana says the Cook Islands has had a longstanding and fruitful relationship with the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific GEF Constituency Meeting and Operational Focal Point Training that was held last week, Elikana said that from early biodiversity and land degradation initiatives and capacity-building programs to more recent projects under the climate change, chemicals and waste, and international waters focal areas.

“GEF support has allowed us to develop robust national systems, mainstream environmental safeguards, and elevate our environmental leadership.

“We remain deeply grateful for this partnership.”

He said that like many of the Pacific Islands, the Cook Islands continues to navigate challenges - from coordinating across sectors and managing data limitations to ensuring timely and effective project delivery.

“That is why gatherings like this are so valuable: they allow us to exchange successes and lessons, deepen technical understanding, and build the solidarity needed to move forward together.

“The Cook Islands is proud to stand as part of this GEF constituency - an institution that, for more than three decades, has supported transformative environmental action around the world. For small island developing states like ours, the support of the GEF is not only strategic - it is essential.”

From conserving biodiversity and protecting marine ecosystems to strengthening climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods, GEF projects have amplified our voice, built national capacity, and enabled us to implement solutions tailored to our unique island realities, he said.

He added that the gathering was a vital platform for deepening their shared commitment to global environmental stewardship.

“Our region stands on the frontlines of multiple, interlinked crises - from biodiversity loss and climate change to land degradation, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution. Yet we are also centres of deep knowledge, adaptation, and resilience.

“We hold solutions that the world can learn from - traditional knowledge, nature-based practices, and community-driven innovation that reflect our unique history and identity. It is paramount that these are supported and scaled through fit-for-purpose financing and partnerships.” Also present at the event that was held at the Edgewater Resort was Mosese Bulitavu, Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini and Peter Lallas from the Global Environment Facility.