AN ISLAND NATION AT RISK
In 2005 tropical cyclones Meena and Nancy destroyed Mangaia Harbour in the Cook Islands, stripping the country of a vital source of trade and economic prosperity. The natural disasters cut off trade to the island, leaving the community vulnerable and hindering economic development. The 300 people that previously depended on the harbour for essential goods were now forced to use expensive air freight to transport products on and off of the island.
A NEW ADDRESS: AVARUA LANDING
In April 2014, Mangaia Harbour, or Avarua Landing as it is known to locals, received a second chance. Mangaia Harbour started operating in full again after nine years of reduced capacity. A group of scientists , economists and engineers teamed up to design a more climate-resilient harbour infrastructure with improved ability to withstand rough seas.
The idea of reducing risks from cyclones and rough seas was tested in the design of the new Mangaia Harbour. Our team of engineers worked with climate scientists to improve not only the strength and durability of the harbour structure, but to improve its operational features. — Hon. Mark Brown, the Cook Islands Minister for Infrastructure
MINOR ADJUSTMENTS YIELD POWERFUL RESULTS
By using smart design, only minor adjustments to Mangaia Harbour were able to dramatically improve its resilience to natural disasters. The harbour ramp was moved to a more sheltered location, and the harbour platform was extended to reduce the wear and tear of backwash.
A MORE RESILIENT WAY FORWARD
Sustainable economic development, modern infrastructure and coastal management planning will reduce the climate change risks that the Cook Islands are facing. With modern engineering methods, which take climate change into account, coastal infrastructure such as Mangaia Harbouran can be improved and made ready for the future. In addition, authorities are including the risk of climate-related disasters such as floods into rules for building and community development. They are also are working on improving evacuation infrastructure in case disaster does strike.
An operational and efficient harbour is one of the most important features for an island community. Mangaia harbour has been built back better after it was destroyed, to withstand extreme weather and rough seas. The harbour is an example of what “climate proofed infrastructure” means in reality, and hopefully, it will also be a harbour for increased trade and economic prosperity for the Cook Islands. - Gabor Vereczi, UNDP-GEF Regional Technical Advisor
A REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR A MORE CLIMATE-READY REGION
The Cook Islands is one of many small island developing states that has faced, and will be facing, more extreme weather and increasing sea levels as a result of climate change. The Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change project, covering 14 countries, has brought national representatives together to share experiences and solutions. The Cook Island experience is one UNDP encourages to be shared, and we hope will be replicated by more countries. - Lizbeth Cullity ,UN Resident Coordinator & UNDP Resident Representative, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa & Tokelau.
UPSCALING SUCCESS: A REGIONAL APPROACH
The methods used to rebuild and protect Mangaia Harbour can be used on other harbours in the Cook Islands. For example, upgrades to Manihiki Island Harbours, Tukao & Tauhunu, are currently under construction, and the proposed upgrade for the Omoka harbour on the island of Penryhn has also used the technical guidelines from Mangaia. Furthermore, lessons learned can be shared regionally and globally, with and by the 14 countries participating in the PACC project, to protect other island communities from economic isolation.
For more information on the project, please visit PACC Cook Islands Project Profile. Additional information can be found at www.sprep.org/pacc/cookislands and www.pacificclimatechange.net.
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© 2026 United Nations Development Programme
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