The Pacific Ocean Initiative—an ambitious program focused on the sustainable protection and management of coastal and marine ecosystems for community resilience—has been formally established through a collaboration between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). This initiative marks a significant stride towards enhancing ocean resilience and ensuring the well-being of communities throughout the Pacific region.
With a substantial funding boost of €8 million from AFD, cemented in an agreement made in December 2025, the initiative aims to safeguard coastal and marine biodiversity while promoting sustainable development across Pacific Island nations and territories. SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra emphasized the initiative’s critical role in protecting the ecosystems that are vital to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the region.
Nawadra highlighted the necessity for knowledge sharing and collaboration among Pacific nations, which this initiative seeks to foster. By building regional capabilities, it aims to facilitate the sustainable management and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, supporting existing regional frameworks such as the Pacific Coral Reef Action Plan and the Pacific Islands Regional Marine Species Programme.
Elodie Vitalis, Head of AFD in Fiji, expressed the importance of this initiative, asserting that the protection of the Pacific Ocean is essential to preserving the essence of the region. She conveyed pride in being a part of this Pacific-led effort that aims not only to restore critical ecosystems but also to empower ocean-dependent communities and bolster the resilience of Pacific Island nations in the face of climate change challenges.
The Pacific Ocean Initiative brings together SPREP, the Pacific Community (SPC), various Pacific governments, organizations, and civil society stakeholders to address ocean-related challenges, protect biodiversity, and secure food and economic stability for Pacific communities. It encompasses 18 eligible countries and territories, including notably Fiji, Kiribati, and Papua New Guinea, and stands to produce lasting benefits for their populations.
This initiative signifies a promising commitment to the ecological and cultural heritage of Pacific Island communities, emphasizing a sustainable, collective approach to environmental stewardship that aims to benefit future generations.