<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Noo Raajje]]></title><description><![CDATA[Noo Raajje works to protect and value the ocean and its resources in the Maldives.]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/news</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:20:16 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.samoaocean.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Government of Samoa Secures USD 2.5 Million to Protect Samoa’s Ocean ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Additional funding to protect 30% of the ocean and support Samoa’s economy  Apia, Samoa — The Government of Samoa has secured USD 2.5 million to implement its Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), a legally adopted framework that fully protects 30% and sustainably manages 100% of the country's 120,000-square-kilometre ocean.  The MSP establishes nine new fully protected Marine Protected Areas covering 36,000 square kilometres, 32 times the size of the entire island of Upolu. These protections will allow...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/government-of-samoa-secures-usd-2-5-million-to-protect-samoa-s-ocean</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e65e83e30ec41b7d05899f</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/410940_94148aa9c1e746539d556ec20a53efb4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Samoa Legally Protects 30% and Sustainably Manages 100% of its Ocean]]></title><description><![CDATA[4 June 2025 — Apia, Samoa -  Samoa becomes one of the first Pacific nations to legally protect 30% of its ocean, ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Hon. Toeolesulsulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, credit of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa became one of the first Pacific Island nations to adopt a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan — a milestone step to fully protect 30% and ensure sustainable management of 100% of its vast ocean 120,000-square-kilometer...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/samoa-legally-protects-30-and-sustainably-manages-100-of-its-ocean</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e65bfce30ec41b7d05841c</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/410940_4fa47f30491d483c92b932a5bf8f70a7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Samoa Releases Plan to Fully Protect 30% and Sustainably Manage 100% of Ocean by 2030]]></title><description><![CDATA[24 October 2024  — Apia, Samoa - Created by and for the people of Samoa, the Marine Spatial Plan will support the sustainable management of Samoa's 120,000 square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to bolster ocean health and support sustainable economic development.​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Samoa’s Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Cherie Prothro-Shea, Managing Director of the Waitt Foundation, Dr. Richard Jeo, Senior Vice President,...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/samoa-releases-plan-to-fully-protect-30-and-sustainably-manage-100-of-ocean-by-2030</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e65aaf0544c5fd86755d5b</guid><pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9b5940_845887e392614958b42380191aaf9d7f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Preserving Samoa's Whale Migration Route: A Cultural Lifeline]]></title><description><![CDATA[Protecting Samoa’s Special Unique Marine Areas, where endangered whale species migrate, allows Samoa’s culture and marine ecosystems to thrive for generations to come.    Samoa is home to several endangered whale species, which play significant roles in indigenous Pacific culture. For centuries, these whales have been believed to be totem species, known indigenously as guardian spirits that have guided ancestors safely while navigating the Pacific Ocean.   Recognizing the importance of whales...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/preserving-samoa-s-whale-migration-route-a-cultural-lifeline</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e658ebe30ec41b7d057df9</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/dbc245_b8a8c6f4f21c499088ed56ba21bf2b1c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[“To’atugā” Five Mile Reef: A vital resource for the people of Samoa]]></title><description><![CDATA[In Samoa, the ocean is our identity. It is our past, present, and future. The ocean connects us and keeps us deeply rooted in our culture and our history as voyagers, islanders, and people of the sea. The ocean has always been known to protect our livelihoods and food security and contribute to Samoa’s economy. Because the biodiversity and productivity of Samoa’s marine ecosystems underpin the resources that people rely on, protecting these ecosystems has been important in ensuring their...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/to-atug%C4%81-five-mile-reef-a-vital-resource-for-the-people-of-samoa</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e65739456a102cf0504217</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 2024 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9b5940_39a80564ea85412692a2546a440fed42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_500,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Samoa Ocean Strategy Newsletter: A Milestone Year for Ocean Protection and Sustainable Management in 2023]]></title><description><![CDATA[December 21, 2023 —  In 2023, the Samoan Government, alongside partners, stakeholders, and communities, advanced efforts to protect 30% and sustainably manage 100% of its ocean space through the Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS). These efforts laid the groundwork for a healthier ocean, thriving communities, and a brighter future for the people of Samoa. Below are some highlights from this year. Watch Our New Short Film 'Samoa Ocean Strategy: Preserving Our Lifeline for the Future' Image: Gaualofa, a...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/samoa-ocean-strategy-newsletter-a-milestone-year-for-ocean-protection-and-sustainable-management-in</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e6483d8c5d52014aa2cfee</guid><pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9b5940_9e6a0cb7ce5a4077be9be7dcaad087b6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_900,h_505,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Launch of Short Film ‘Samoa's Ocean Strategy: Preserving Our Lifeline for the Future’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Short film 'Samoa Ocean Strategy: Preserving Our Lifeline for the Future' Apia, Samoa — Talofa Lava! Today, we are excited to announce the premiere of the short film ‘Samoa's Ocean Strategy: Preserving Our Lifeline for the Future,’ which captures the essence of our collective identity and responsibility. This insightful film delves into our journey as Samoans, showcasing our enduring commitment to the ocean, which has nurtured us for countless generations.   The film takes you on a journey to...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/launch-of-short-film-samoa-s-ocean-strategy-preserving-our-lifeline-for-the-future</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e6477fa96d49e56ec58b0f</guid><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://video.wixstatic.com/video/9b5940_0a25d3678b4346be9e0cb72aa8867b5a/720p/mp4/file.mp4" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Community Provides Feedback to the First Draft Plan of the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Apia, Samoa – Samoa successfully completed its second round of national consultations for the First Draft of the Marine Spatial Plan. Over 11 weeks, the first MSP draft was presented to key sectors namely Fisheries, Tourism, Government, and NGOs/CSOs and to all 51 electoral districts across Savaii, Upolu, and even Manono Island for the communities' feedback and especially on the 11 proposed No Take Zones (NTZ) making up the 30% ocean protection goal for Samoa by 2030. ​ The MSP is one of...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/community-provides-feedback-to-the-first-draft-plan-of-the-marine-spatial-plan-msp</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e646708e63193b95d32564</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47d1fd_13cbc6334c0341a89df52e6df8532549~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Researchers Return from 8 Day Expedition to Study Samoa's Marine Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Apia, Samoa – Local and international researchers have just completed an 8-day expedition across Samoa’s coral reefs. While they were met with bad weather, including high winds and rough seas, they were able to complete 490 dives sampling 36 sites across the nearshore waters of both islands to collect information on the status of Samoa’s coral reefs, fish populations, and water quality. Today, researchers held an event in Apia to share their initial findings and takeaways with the Government....]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/researchers-return-from-8-day-expedition-to-study-samoa-s-marine-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e63ecf8c5d52014aa2bc61</guid><pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/410940_d185132ebb3749afacc710b5f9422e1c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Marine Expedition Confirmed to Help Implement the Samoa Ocean Strategy]]></title><description><![CDATA[An initial meeting between the Ministry of Natural Resources &#38; Environment (MNRE), Ministry of Agriculture &#38; Fisheries (MAF) and the National University of Samoa (NUS), through their partnership with the Conservation International (CI) and Waitt Institute, was conducted on the 26 th July 2022, to discuss the Marine Research Expedition for Samoa, expected to take place in September 2022. This Expedition provides an opportunity for Samoa to collect and update information to address data gaps on...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/marine-expedition-confirmed-to-help-implement-the-samoa-ocean-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e63d57247930afa8041f18</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47d1fd_dd075b616cce4c8c8394e7c47fab3211~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Marine Science Strategy – Consultation Workshop]]></title><description><![CDATA[The National University of Samoa - Faculty of Science hosted the second national consultation for the development of the Marine Science Strategy (the Science Strategy) on Friday the 22nd of July 2022. The Science Strategy contributes to the ongoing implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS) and specifically addresses the goals under the SOS Integrated Management Solution (IMS) Number 4: Improve scientific research, data collection and monitoring within Samoa’s ocean. To date, there has...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/marine-science-strategy-consultation-workshop</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e63be70c8d230c9e954f38</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47d1fd_d44f3a53e812471dbce849ebaf886a4f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Samoa Secures a Sustainable Future with New Ocean Strategy]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Honourable Prime Minister and partners launched the Samoa Ocean Strategy to effectively conserve long-standing economic, subsistence, and cultural benefits from our ocean into the future. Apia, Samoa (October 16, 2020) – The Samoa Government, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), have launched the Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS) a plan that will manage Samoa’s entire ocean, and protect important ecological habitats, marine wildlife, and cultural heritage, enhance...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/samoa-secures-a-sustainable-future-with-new-ocean-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e63acf8c5d52014aa2b460</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/410940_bb8ccfe706f14eb690261f500cfd135b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Samoa Takes a Big Step for Oceans with a New Partnership with Blue Prosperity Coalition]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Independent State of Samoa  has partnered with the Blue Prosperity Coalition  and Conservation International  to protect 30% of its ocean area and support the implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy. The partnership was formed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will create a plan to help sustainably manage ocean resources, support a Blue Economy for community livelihoods, and improve fisheries management.   The partnership will work toward the...]]></description><link>https://www.samoaocean.org/post/samoa-takes-a-big-step-for-oceans-with-a-new-partnership-with-blue-prosperity-coalition</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e62d1ca96d49e56ec555c6</guid><pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/410940_28af3e3eb9cd46c68360911ffdbc1408~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Samoa Ocean Strategy</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>