The EU and IUCN congratulates Samoa on the launch of its Ocean Strategy

The purpose of the Samoa Oceans Strategy is to set out principles, provide an indicative framework for the relevant Ministries, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, private sector and members of the public to coordinate oceans’ work.

The EU is pleased to support the Government of Samoa, through IUCN, in providing technical support towards the Marine Spatial Planning component under the SOS. The four year project begun in November 2018 and will run until December 2022.

While congratulating the Government of Samoa on the launch of their Oceans Strategy, the Ambassador of the European Union for the Pacific, HE Sujiro Seam said, “The small Island States of the Pacific are big Ocean States. More than anywhere else, oceans are essential for food, livelihoods, biodiversity and resilience, but threatened by unsustainable practices and climate change. The EU is pleased to collaborate with IUCN to provide technical support towards the Government of Samoa’s Oceans Strategy 2020-2030. Marine spatial planning is a key tool to promote the sustainable development of the maritime and coastal economies. The ambition of Samoa and the Pacific on Oceans strongly echoes the European Green Deal”.

“IUCN is pleased to provide technical support to Samoa as they develop their marine spatial plan. Samoa is a world leader and IUCN is privileged to join them in their journey to sustainably manage and protect their ocean biodiversity and heritage”, said Mr Mason Smith, Regional Director of IUCN Oceania.

This launch event was hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with funding support from the European Union GCCA+ project and technical support from IUCN.