The recent establishment of the Pacific Ocean Initiative—Sustainable Protection and Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems for Community Resilience—signals a significant collective effort to enhance ocean resilience and support community well-being throughout the Pacific region. This initiative was formalized through an agreement between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Backed by a generous €8 million grant from AFD, signed in December 2025, this regional program aims to protect coastal and marine biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and foster sustainable development in Pacific Island nations and territories. SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra highlighted the initiative’s scope, emphasizing a unified commitment to safeguarding the vital ecosystems that underpin the cultures, economies, and communities of the region.
Nawadra also stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration among Pacific nations, which this initiative seeks to promote. By strengthening regional capabilities, it will aid in the sustainable management and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems while advancing regional frameworks like the Pacific Coral Reef Action Plan and the Pacific Islands Regional Marine Species Programme.
Elodie Vitalis, Head of AFD in Fiji, echoed this sentiment, stating that protecting the Pacific Ocean is fundamental to preserving the region’s life force. She expressed pride in being part of a Pacific-led initiative that aims to restore crucial ecosystems, support ocean-dependent communities, and enhance the resilience of Pacific Island nations against climate change impacts.
This collaborative effort aligns SPREP and the Pacific Community (SPC) with various Pacific governments, organizations, and civil society stakeholders to tackle ocean challenges, protect biodiversity, and ensure food and economic stability for Pacific communities. The initiative encompasses 18 eligible countries and territories in the region, including Fiji, Kiribati, and Papua New Guinea, with the potential to create lasting benefits for their populations.
Overall, the Pacific Ocean Initiative represents a hopeful step towards sustaining the ecological and cultural heritage of Pacific Island communities, pledging a commitment to future generations through meaningful environmental stewardship.