THE signing of the Pacific Ocean Initiative- Sustainable Protection and Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems for Community Resilience marks a collective effort to strengthen ocean resilience and community well-being across the Pacific.
The Initiative was signed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Supported by an €8 million AFD grant signed in December 2025, the Pacific Ocean Initiative is a regional programme to protect coastal and marine biodiversity, boost ecosystem resilience, and promote sustainable development in Pacific Island countries and territories.
“The Pacific Ocean Initiative represents a bold and collective commitment to safeguard the ecosystems that sustain our communities, cultures, and economies,” said Sefanaia Nawadra,
SPREP Director General.
“Together with AFD and SPC, SPREP is committed to ensuring our coastal and marine resources continue to support the well-being of Pacific people for generations to come.”
While commending and acknowledging this new partnership, he said that by fostering knowledge sharing and regional collaboration, the programme aimed to strengthen the capacity of Pacific nations.
“To protect, sustainably manage and restore their coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, contributing to advance our Members’ regional priorities and frameworks such as the Pacific Coral Reef Action Plan, the Pacific Islands Regional Marine Species Programme, and the Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas,” Nawadra said.
Elodie Vitalis, Head of AFD in Fiji, said Protecting the Pacific Ocean meant safeguarding the beating heart of the region.
“Together with SPREP and SPC, we are joining forces to restore vital ecosystems, support communities whose livelihoods depend on the ocean, and strengthen Pacific Island countries’ capacity to address the impacts of climate change,’’ she said.
“AFD is proud to support an initiative that is truly Pacific-led and Pacific-grown, ensuring that the ocean remains a source of balance, prosperity, and intergenerational transmission for years to come.’’
This regional Initiative unites SPREP and the Pacific Community (SPC) to coordinate activities with Pacific governments, partners, NGOS, and Civil Society to address Ocean challenges, protect biodiversity, and secure food and economic stability for Pacific communities.
This will benefit 18 eligible Pacific Island countries and territories: Fiji, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tokelau, Timor-Leste, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna.