Cook Islands make History by Establishing World’s Largest Marine Park

Cook Islands, one among the string of micro-nations set in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, made headlines after announcing the largest sea conservation management projects at the Pacific Islands Forum. The Marine Park is spread 1.065 million square kilometers of territory over the Pacific Ocean, and will be solely managed under the federal administration of Cook Islands.

The Pacific Ocean is considered one of the largest marine ecosystems existent on earth. Cook Islands regard the Marine Park as its contribution in the global efforts of humanity serving for natural sustainability. The efforts will involve protection of the ocean’s biodiversity alongside commercial and industrial activity. Along with tourism and fishing, deep-sea mining is also carried out within territorial jurisdiction of Cook Islands.

The Marine Park project will extend responsibility of the entire ocean-related industry to participate in the well-being of the marine ecosystem. The Park’s perimeters will cover the entire southern half of the 15-island nation, containing coral reefs and fisheries vital to economic prosperity.

Other Pacific Islands have taken their individual initiatives over the past. Kiribati Island and Tokelau Island have national reserves at sea. New Caledonia is under progress of establishing a 1.4 million square kilometer park in the next few years. Australia eminently remains prominent of establishing 3.1 square kilometers worth of marine territory surrounding its coasts as a series of protected marine parks. This park will by far become the largest marine reserve in history.