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Deal struck to conserve 30 per cent of Samoa's ocean

Samoa coastline

Apia, SAMOA — Samoa this weekend signed a groundbreaking new agreement to conserve 30 per cent of its ocean area and sustain its resources for the long-term.

Some 36,000 square kilometres of new fully-protected Marine Protected Areas inside Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone is expected to result from the agreement. 

The partnership between the Government and the Blue Prosperity Coalition - a network of scientists, activists, experts, and governments - and environmental advocacy group Conservation International was announced this weekend.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the parties is focused on preserving and creating a future Blue Economy, to help guard the community’s long-term use of the nation’s fisheries resources.  

“Samoa is a large ocean state. Ninety-eight percent of our domain is ocean. Our waters hold exceptional marine habitats, from seamounts to biodiverse coral reefs, mangroves, and oceanic basins.,” said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele  Dr. Malielegaoi and the acting Minister of Natural Resources of Environment. 

“The Samoa Ocean Strategy will ensure the effective management and conservation of these rich waters, not only for a resilient and prosperous Samoa now, but for generations to come.”

The partnership will work toward the implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy, a set of goals established to plan and manage Samoa’s entire ocean, marine inland waters, territorial sea, and seabed for the coming decade.

The partnership intends to support the implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy, which is designed to protect ecological habitats, marine wildlife, and cultural heritage while safeguarding important sources of food, income and economic growth.

The Founder of the Blue Prosperity Coalition, American billionaire philanthropist and conservationist, Ted Waitt, lauded Samoa for taking the initiative to protect its ocean resources to secure their future use by Samoans.

Read more at Samoa Observer