The Cook Islands is highly exposed to the impacts of climate change and has strong policy ambitions that require enhanced implementation capacity.

• Climate change and disaster risk: Increasingly intense cyclones, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns threaten lives, livelihoods and public infrastructure. Climate-resilient development is a central priority of the National Sustainable Development Agenda (NSDA) 2020+, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the Environment Act and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

• Institutional capacity constraints: Institutional capacity is constrained by a small government workforce, limited specialized climate and environmental expertise, and high staff turnover. Limited inter-institutional collaboration, budget constraints and data limitations also hinder sustained program delivery, often increasing reliance on external donors.

• Energy dependence: High dependence on imported diesel for electricity generation creates energy security challenges, while solar energy offers significant potential to reduce emissions and strengthen energy independence.

• Sustainable tourism: As a country heavily reliant on tourism, the Cook Islands must integrate climate resilience, waste and pollution reduction, community-based eco-friendly tourism, and sustainability into tourism governance.

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP) can support community-led initiatives that contribute to the Cook Islands' national and global environmental commitments.

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Support community-based marine and coastal conservation, biodiversity protection in the Pa Enua (outer islands), and the sustainable management of fisheries and marine resources.

• Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Promote decentralized renewable energy solutions, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage, on outer islands; climate-proofing of community infrastructure; and coastal protection and ecosystem restoration through nature-based solutions.

• National Action Plan (NAP) under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): Reduce land degradation and promote sustainable land management on fragile atolls, including soil and water conservation, agroforestry and climate-resilient agriculture.

• National Implementation Plan (NIP) under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants: Promote the sound management of chemicals and waste, including the safe disposal of hazardous waste and the reduction of plastic pollution in marine environments.

• Community management of threatened ecosystems and species: Support communities in the sustainable management of marine and terrestrial protected areas, invasive species management, coral reef and ecosystem restoration, and coastal biodiversity conservation.

• Sustainable agriculture and food security: Promote climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable value chains, home gardening, farmer capacity development and traditional food crops to enhance food security and nutrition on outer islands.

• Access to low-impact energy and co-benefits: Support community-scale solar energy projects for schools, health centres and community facilities, reducing dependence on diesel and lowering energy costs.

• Local-to-global coalitions for chemicals and waste management: Work with communities to reduce plastic pollution, improve waste management practices and protect marine ecosystems.

• Sustainable urban solutions: Support sustainable tourism initiatives, green infrastructure and local food systems in Rarotonga and other populated islands.