April 16, 2026
Additional funding to protect 30% of the ocean and support Samoa’s economy
APIA, Samoa (April 16, 2026) – The Government of Samoa has secured USD 2.5 million to implement its Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), a legally adopted framework to fully protect 30% and sustainably manage 100% of the country's 120,000-square-kilometre ocean.
The MSP was developed under the 2020 Samoa Ocean Strategy, a multi-sectoral approach to sustainable ocean management that secures continued food security, livelihood benefits and cultural prosperity that Samoans have enjoyed for generations.
It establishes nine new fully protected Marine Protected Areas covering 36,000 square kilometers, 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 consultations with our industries and private sectors, 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 Internation and the Waitt Institute, who contributed technical expertise in ocean governance, marine science and community engagement. Both organizations are committed to supporting the Government of Samoa as the Plan is implemented.
Kelvin Alie, Deputy Chief Conservation Officer 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.
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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, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.