Country-based and locally-based protected area partnerships are gradually becoming more wide-spread throughout the Pacific Islands. This is partly due to the successful work of the Locally Managed Marine Area Network (LMMA) which now has networks in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Palau and Pohnpei. In addition to these arms of the LMMA network, several countries have developed their own community-based organisations to manage other local networks. For example, Palau has its own network of protected areas that includes terrestrial and marine areas and has been established by national law. There are also larger networks such as the French MPA Network and the U.S. system of MPAs that extend into the Pacific Islands.
Below you can find descriptions of the key country-based networks and partnerships working specifically on protected areas (including LMMAs). However, there are also a number of other networks and partnerships that provide conservation and technical assistance in various forms. See below for more information on these.
American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency
The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency is a trusted leader and environmental steward using innovation, quality service and public involvement to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all Samoans.
Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA)
The FLMMA Network was the first country-level network to operate independently of the overall LMMA Network.