The Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna has told the UN climate change conference in Morocco that his country's marine reserve zone will now encompass its entire exclusive economic zone.
The Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna Photo: RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
This will mean the Marae Moana sanctuary will span 1.8 million square kilometres, after initially being intended for the management of the EEZ's around the southern islands only.
A number of international agencies are offering support for Marae Moana, with Conservation International confirming it will be the Pacific region's flagship project for its Conservation Equity offshoot.
Mr Puna will also be speaking with other prospective sponsors during the COP22 in Morocco to seek help with the project which is expected to cost millions to implement.