A groundbreaking effort led by Pacific Island leaders to safeguard the ocean took a major step forward today, with the Bezos Earth Fund announcing $37.5 million USD in grants to support marine protection across 12 countries and territories. The funding advances implementation of national and regional plans, including the Pacific’s shared vision to sustainably manage 100 percent of its ocean and protect areas of high biodiversity and cultural significance. These efforts also contribute to the global goal of protecting 30 percent of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030. If fully realized, the region’s work would form the world’s largest coordinated network of marine protected areas.
The announcement is part of the Bezos Earth Fund’s $100 million commitment to support Pacific Island nations and territories in safeguarding their ocean. This initial $37.5 million sets that vision in motion by funding the design of marine protected area networks, enforcement at sea, and long-term financing to ensure protections last. It advances “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity" (UBPP), an initiative endorsed by Pacific leaders to sustainably manage 100 percent of their waters and protect at least 30 percent by 2030.
