Government of Samoa Secures USD 2.5 Million to Protect Samoa’s Ocean
- Samoa Ocean Strategy
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
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 the ocean ecosystems to recover, benefitting communities by restoring fish stocks and strengthening food security, building climate resilience for coastlines and communities, expanding sustainable tourism, and deepening cultural connections to the sea.
Developed over five years, the MSP reflects the voices of every district and key industries.
“This Marine Spatial Plan was built through thorough consultations with our industries and private sector, and every community in all districts were engaged, including the fishers, women, youth, and matais. This plan reflects the commitment of the Government and the people of Samoa to protecting our oceans," stated Hon. Ale Vena Ale, Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Samoa's MSP was developed in partnership with Conservation International and the Waitt Institute, who contributed technical expertise in ocean governance, marine science, and community engagement. Both organisations are committed to supporting the Government of Samoa as the Plan is implemented.
Kelvin Alie, Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs at Conservation International, said, “Samoa’s commitment to ocean management is world-leading. The implementation of the Marine Spatial Plan will not only safeguard globally significant marine ecosystems but strengthen food security, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for the Samoan people.”
The Waitt Foundation will provide up to 2.5 million USD to support the implementation of Samoa’s MSP, which will support monitoring, enforcement, communications, and capacity building.
“Samoa has done the hard work, building a plan grounded in community voices, the best available science, and generations of traditional knowledge. We are honored to continue to support Samoa as this vision becomes reality," said Mike Goldman, President of the Waitt Institute.
Under the MOU, the Government of Samoa will develop an Implementation Plan built around six priority areas: policy and legislation, governance, financial sustainability through a dedicated funding strategy, monitoring and surveillance, research and data collection, and stakeholder communications and capacity building. These identified areas will work together, allowing for adaptable and durable implementation of the Marine Spatial Plan that delivers long-lasting benefits.
The MSP was developed under the 2020 Samoa Ocean Strategy, a multi-sectoral approach to sustainable ocean management to improve livelihoods, food security, economies and benefit all Samoans.
Learn more at samoaocean.org .
Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is committed to promoting sustainable management of Samoa’s natural resources, protecting its rich biodiversity and addressing environmental challenges to ensure the well-being of current and future generations. Through strategic policy development, environmental monitoring and community engagement, MNRE plays a vital role in safeguarding Samoa’s land, water, marine ecosystems and natural heritage.
Conservation International
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Visit Conservation.org for more, and follow us on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Waitt Institute
The Waitt Institute is a non-profit that partners with committed governments and local communities to create and implement sustainable ocean plans to benefit people, the economy, and the environment. The Waitt Institute brings technical expertise, funding, and tools to support each country’s vision for their ocean, including Marine Spatial Planning, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Fisheries. The Waitt Institute is the founding member and organizing body of the Blue Prosperity Coalition, which currently has Blue Prosperity partnerships with the Azores, Bermuda, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
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