National Security Policy 2023–2026.

The National Security Policy (NSP) for the Cook Islands lays down an overarching framework that supports national security efforts and describes the strategic context for the development of long-term plans, policies, and capabilities to address national security threats. The primary purpose of this policy is to protect people, resources and environment of the Cook Islands effectively and efficiently. The national security objectives are to: (i) protect and promote Cook Islands’ sovereignty, territorial integrity and good reputation; (ii) safeguard the democratic institutions, the rule of law, principles, and national values; (iii) maintain safety of communities, key national assets, institutions and infrastructure; (iv) preserve and promote the economic security of individuals, families, businesses and communities throughout the Cook Islands; (v) protect the fundamental cultural values and the welfare of Cook Islanders; (vi) protect the environment while promoting the sustainable development of the Cook Islands and its resources; and (vii) engage effectively at the regional and international levels to support and promote the rules-based international order consistent with national security needs and interests.
The resilience of national systems that support disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and climate change adaptation, will be increased. Existing climate change policies will be reviewed and revised based on the most up-to-date information and research findings. Mitigation and adaptation approaches will be implemented to deal with climate change security identified in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 2015 Paris Agreement. The nationally determined contributions will be submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat with the aim of achieving the objectives of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement through domestic mitigation measures. Mitigation and adaptation activities will be strengthened to enable the Cook Islands to respond effectively to current and future security challenges of climate change. Mitigation activities will continue to be undertaken to reduce the sources of greenhouse gases, such as replacing fuel-powered generators with solar energy and enhancing the processes, activities or mechanisms that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Beneficial opportunities resulting from climate change, such as changing fish stock migration patterns that increase the living marine resources in our EEZ, will also be considered.
Priority will be given to sea level rise to sustain the viability of many of low-lying communities, especially in the atolls of Pa Enua, and to protect the Cook Islands' sovereign rights over maritime areas under international law. The national planning of climate-related activities will be based on vulnerability and adaptation assessments for each island and those results will be integrated into the Island Development Plans. Disaster risk management will be strengthened through professional assessments and effective protection, response and recovery measures. New international funding mechanisms will be explored to strengthen climate financing.
The resilience of food systems to the impacts of climate change will be increased to ensure food security. A detailed food security will be developed that will take into account import substitution, production, retaining arable land, biosecurity, trade, health, accessibility and the risks associated with climate change. Public health systems will be strengthened to prepare for and effectively address any such health security threats that may arise in the future.
The protection of environment and resource security of the Cook Islands will be ensured through national activities as well as through participation in regional and international legal and other initiatives. Measures will be taken to protect water security for all communities in the Cook Islands. The marine and other natural resources of the Cook Islands will be managed and used sustainably and based on the best scientific information and practices. The legal frameworks will be reviewed in terms of acceding to the Port State Measures Agreement.