Cook Islands Climate Change Policy Assessment Report 2013.

The present Climate Change Policy Assessment Report reviews the existing policies and examines the extent to which national policies provide adequate support for climate change responses and disaster risk reduction at national and Pa Enua levels (outer islands). In view of this, the following shall be noted: 1) There is a potential to reset the current views of climate change, disasters and development to better link the intentions of the National Sustainable Development Plan 2011-2015 and Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Joint National Action Plan 2012 – 2015 with current international policy developments; 2) A framework that blends the paradigms of climate, disasters and development within a single framework shall be established. This proposed framework builds on the long established concepts of climate change adaptation and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. It establishes links with newer concepts of climate and disaster resilient development and low carbon development; 3) This framework will enable greater integration of climate and natural disaster risks with development, it formalizes the directions already set by the National Sustainable Development Plan. There are also recommendations relating to Low Carbon Development, Climate & Disaster Resilient Development, Climate & Disaster Compatible Development.
Finally, it recommends that: 1) The policy is formally adopted once appropriate consultations are completed; 2) The Office of the Prime Minister establishes a policy development framework which includes a policy monitoring and review cycle mechanism to ensure the completion of outstanding related Draft Climate and Disaster Compatible Development policy instruments by: a) Prioritizing and scheduling all policy instruments for completion; b) Screen for Climate and Disaster Compatible Development fit based on the assessment findings of reviewed policy instruments; c) Provide advice and support for implementing agencies to complete and submit for adoption by relevant authorities; 3) The Office of the Prime Minister seeks additional funds to assist with implementing recommendation 2.
The text consists of 6 chapters as follows: Scope and methodology (1); The Cook Island anc Climate Change (2); Findings (3); Summary of findings (4); Conclusions (5); Recommendatinos (6). One Annex is enclosed.