From Concerns to Action . Final Climate Change Forum Held at USP

Mii Matamaki of the Cook Islands' National Environment Service was the keynote speaker at the final of four forums held in February at the Cook Islands' campus of The University of the South Pacific (USP). The forums celebrated 50 years of independence for the Cook Islands, as well as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of USP Cook Islands.
The forums brought together people from the Pa Enua (outer islands), as well as those living on Rarotonga, to discuss their concerns about climate change as well as to highlight actions already undertaken along with the issues still needing to be addressed.

As with the other forums, the fourth forum was well attended, with participants engaging actively in the question, answer and discussion session that followed the keynote address and short presentations by four panelists.

Pat Farr of the Cook Islands' National Disabilities Council described the concerns, opportunities and actions related to disasters and climate change. including the preparation of individualised household assessments that cover residents and their special needs and capacities.

Imogen Ingram discussed finance, human rights and sustainable landscapes. drawing linkages with earlier presentations as well as with multi-lateral environmental agreements and other instruments.

John Hay highlighted that a direct hit by a Category 5 cyclone (the strength of Cyclone Meena) is a matter of "not if, but when". Assets on the north coast of Rarotonga can no longer be considered at moderate risk. Such an event would destroy all these assets, causing failures to supply chains and services for Rarotonga and the wider Cook Islands' communities. Many opportunities to manage this risk are being missed. Extreme events do require extreme actions - and BEFORE the event.

Some of the audience.

The final speaker was Charles Carson, Director of Emergency Management Cook Islands. He spoke of many initiatives, including those directed at disaster risk reduction, as well as disaster relief and recovery. The former include the recently launched GeoPortal, an initiative than has been developed and implemented with the National Disabilities Council. He also described the recently released teaching resource kit for disaster risk management.

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