The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) has signed an agreement with the U.S. nonprofit Conservation International (CI) to conserve the ocean. 

The agreement will guide collaboration between the Ministry and the American environmental organisation to support the sustainable development and management of coastal marine and fisheries resources of Samoa’s ocean. 

The agreement was signed on Tuesday between the M.A.F. Chief Executive Officer, Tilafono David Hunter and the Ocean Director for CI Samoa, Leilani Duffy.

According to Ms Duffy, Pacific civilisations were built on a symbiotic relationship with the ocean and it continues to play that role in Samoa today.

“It remains a pillar of Samoa’s prosperity, providing food and driving our economy,” she said. 

Ms. Duffy added that it is vital the country manages the vital and shared resource sustainably citizens today as well as the wellbeing of future generations.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry to signify the agreement's signing, the collaboration recognises the intent of CI and M.A.F. to secure sustainable development and management of coastal marine and fisheries resources, sustain marine biodiversity, increase climate change adaptation, and raise general public awareness and stewardship of the ocean. 

The Ministry also emphasised that the partnership with CI provides another opportunity for it as the relevant Government agency to work with genuine partners, who have a shared interest in ensuring the country manages its ocean in a way that will sustain the livelihoods of the people.

The agreement further supports the Samoa Ocean Strategy Vision of maintaining a healthy and abundant ocean for Samoa, through a multi-sectoral approach to protect 30 per cent, and sustainably manage 100 per cent of Samoa’s ocean by 2030.

"The partnership is committed to building a genuine partnership that champions ambitious and innovative efforts focused on ocean positive solutions, ensures the uses of Samoa’s marine resources are sustainable, and continues to support employment, economy, and maintain our fisheries."

The  CI works to highlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides for humanity. The non-profit has worked in the Pacific Islands region for more than 20 years. 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, CI partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.