
PROGRAM
PARTNERS
The Independent State of Samoa has partnered with the Waitt Institute through the Blue Prosperity Coalition and Conservation International to protect 30% of its ocean area and support the implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS). The SOS will continue to build partnerships with local, regional and international partners to accomplish the complex tasks outlined in the SOS for the protection of Samoa’s ocean and building sustainable blue economies.


OUR
TEAM

Francine Elisaia
Communications Coordinator
As the Communications Coordinator for Conservation International Samoa, Francine Elisaia merges two of her greatest passions together: communications and media, and environmental science. In this position, she works to amplify conservation narratives and community engagement efforts across the country and Pacific region. She focuses on raising awareness about projects in Samoa to showcase the progress being made across the country and inspire others to get involved and take action to promote environmental conservation.
Francine Elisaia is a passionate environmental advocate from Samoa, dedicated to championing environmental conservation and climate action nationally within Samoa and across the Pacific region, too. A proud graduate of Monash University, she earned her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Conservation Biology and Ecology.
Francine has had a broad work history ranging from local and freelance journalism to on the ground fieldwork and more. Directly following her academic journey, Francine took on the role of Terrestrial and Biodiversity Conservation Officer at Samoa's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, contributing to critical work within the Division of Environment and Conservation.
Recognized as the first High Seas Ambassador for the Oceania-Pacific Region with EarthEcho International and the High Seas Alliance, Francine has also become a vocal advocate for the High Seas Treaty, using social media and regional forums like the Small Islands Developing States meeting and Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, as well as international conferences like the Our Ocean Conference to build awareness. Her impactful advocacy has earned her the title of a Samoa Ocean Champion as part of the Samoa Ocean Strategy Awareness Campaign.
As part of the Gaualofa Crew and as the Environmental Manager at the Samoa Voyaging Society, Francine is dedicated to restoring Samoa's beloved traditional voyaging va'a tele, Gaualofa, and to also advocating for the sustainable management of Samoa's environment and ensuring traditional Samoan knowledge is integrated into long lasting protections for Samoa's environment and ecosystems.

Danita Strickland
Marine Programme Manager | Conservation International
Danita Strickland is from Samoa and is working as the Marine Programme Manager with Conservation International Pacific Island Programme based in Samoa. In this role she helps support the Samoa Ocean Strategy.
She has an academic background in geography from the University of Otago in New Zealand and conservation and development from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. Her dissertation focused on evaluating the performance of Samoa's first national multi-sectoral project addressing land degradation.
Danita has also completed the Pacific Island Conservation Co-management Course at the University of the South Pacific. Her research there explored the underlying factors and values that move individuals to engage in ocean management through marine protected areas.
PROGRAM
GOVERNANCE
The National Ocean Steering Committee (NOSC) is established to provide high level advisory role and decision making in the coordination and implementation of all thematic areas and integrated management solutions for the SOS.
Members
1. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE)
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
3. Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
4. Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI)
5. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)
6. Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
7. Ministry of Police (MOP)
8. Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO)
Observers
A body or agency who is not a NOSC member may be represented at the meeting by observers who shall have the right to participate in an advisory role in the plenary sessions, but not to engage in any decision making.
1. National University of Samoa (NUS)
2. Conservation International (CI)
3. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
WORKING
GROUPS
The NOSC is supported by two Working Groups composed of technical officials of Ministries, inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies approved by the NOSC to provide technical support to inform the coordination and implementation of the Strategy on the ground.
Governance and Policies Working Group
Supports Integrated Management Solutions numbers 1, 3, 6, 9, 11
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Co-Chairs – ACEO MPMC and MNRE
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Membership: MNRE, MFAT, MPMC, MWTI, MAF, MOF, STA, CI, SPREP
Technical Working Group
Supports Integrated Management Solutions numbers 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13
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Co-Chairs – ACEO MAF and NUS
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Membership: MESC, MWTI, MCIT, NUS, MNRE, MAF, MFAT, STA, MWCSD, FESA, CI, SPREP