August 26, 2026
Mataʻafa joins as 8th Arnhold Distinguished Fellow
ARLINGTON, Va. (August 26, 2026) – Conservation International today welcomed the Honorable Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa as the newest member of its Arnhold Distinguished Fellowship Program.
The Arnhold Distinguished Fellowship Program enlists world leaders to elevate the climate and conservation dialogue to the highest levels of government and industry, helping to create the political space for diplomacy and bold action to protect nature for people and promote peace.
In her role as an Arnhold Distinguished Fellow, the Honorable Fiamē will continue her longstanding focus on policy and advocacy for Pacific and climate vulnerable communities. She will support the advancement of Conservation International’s commitment to protect ocean and coastal ecosystems regionally and around the world, with a particular focus on Large Ocean States also known as Small Island Developing States. She will also help ensure that these efforts are guided by and grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, recognizing their vital role in conserving biodiversity and sustaining communities for generations.
The Honorable Fiamē joins Conservation International from her most recent role as the prime minister of Samoa. She previously served as Samoa’s deputy prime minister and, prior to that, as minister of education for 15 years. She has also represented Samoa on the Executive Board of UNESCO, served as pro-chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, and currently serves as president of the Samoa National Council of Women.
“I’ve spent the past five years serving the people of Samoa as prime minister, building on nearly four decades of public service and leadership. Together, these experiences have given me a unique perspective on the conservation challenges and opportunities facing Pacific communities,” said the Honorable Fiamē. “Across our region, the ocean and its rich biodiversity are central to people’s livelihoods, cultures and ways of life. As an Arnhold Distinguished Fellow at Conservation International, I am looking forward to continuing the work I have always been passionate about — calling for the protection of the ecosystems that sustain our communities while elevating Pacific voices in global conversations during the process.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Honorable Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa to our cohort of Arnhold Distinguished Fellows,” said Conservation International CEO Sebastian Troëng. “Her decades of leadership in public service and diplomacy, coupled with her commitment to people and nature, will bring tremendous value to our work and the coastal communities and island states facing immediate impacts of our warming climate. We look forward to working together to advance ocean conservation and climate resilience across the Pacific and globally”
Named for one of Conservation International’s most dedicated and beloved board members, Henry Arnhold, the Arnhold Distinguished Fellowship Program was established in 2018 to honor his memory and lifelong dedication to peace, human rights and conservation.
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About 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. Go to Conservation.org for more.