A voyaging canoe has departed from the Cook Islands today on a journey to Sydney marking climate change issues.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature says the vessel, Marumaru Atua, is the first of four canoes expected to sail to Australia for the World parks Congress in mid November.
The Vice President of the Cook Islands Voyaging Society, Tua Pittman, says he hopes to convey a message to the world on protecting the environment and mitigating rising sea levels.
He says he hopes all Cook Islanders will embrace the legacy left by their ancestors and peacefully advocate for healthy oceans.
Marumaru Atua departing Rarotonga Photo: Cook Islands Voyaging Society
Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna is expected to arrive on board the Marumaru Atua when it sails into Sydney Harbour.