The Bezos Earth Fund has announced $37.5 million in grants to support Pacific Island nations and territories in safeguarding over 835,000 square miles (2.16 million km²) of ocean across 12 countries. This funding is part of a broader effort to implement national and regional marine protection plans aligned with the Pacific’s shared vision of sustainably managing 100% of its ocean and protecting areas of high biodiversity and cultural importance. These efforts contribute to the global 30 by 30 target of protecting 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030, potentially creating the world’s largest coordinated network of marine protected areas.
This initial grant is part of the Bezos Earth Fund’s $100 million commitment to Pacific Ocean conservation. The funding will support activities like designing marine protected area networks, enforcing protections at sea, and establishing long-term financing to ensure these protections are sustainable. The grants advance the “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” (UBPP) initiative, endorsed by Pacific leaders to manage their waters sustainably and protect at least 30% by 2030.
Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, emphasized the vital role of the Pacific Ocean and praised the leadership of Pacific Island nations in this ambitious protection effort. She highlighted the Fund’s commitment to matching that ambition and enabling large-scale ocean protection.
The initiative addresses diverse needs across the Pacific region. For example, in the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, new protected areas will be identified through community consultation and careful planning. In Samoa and Fiji, existing marine protection plans will be expanded and put into action. Meanwhile, countries like Niue and Palau will focus on strengthening enforcement, ecological monitoring, and securing long-term funding for existing protections.
Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. described UBPP as a “Pacific-made finance and investment program,” emphasizing its roots in local communities’ solutions that protect the ocean, support food security, and preserve traditional knowledge. The effort is unique in its regional coordination, as each country retains sovereignty but collaborates across borders to support migratory species, enhance climate resilience, and respect local leadership.
The grants will support marine conservation across Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. Projects were co-designed with national governments and local leaders, coordinated regionally by the Pacific Community (SPC). Together, these efforts aim to protect more than 835,000 square miles of ocean through new protections, stronger enforcement, and sustainable financing.
Dr. Stuart Minchin, Director General of SPC, highlighted that the initiative is about effective implementation, financial durability, and honoring Pacific communities’ traditional stewardship of the ocean, rather than just mapping protected areas.
The Bezos Earth Fund is working closely with other funders supporting marine protection in the region, including the Global Environment Facility, the Australian Government, and several philanthropic organizations, ensuring a collaborative approach.
Finally, the grants are designed to catalyze further support as countries achieve legal protections and community readiness. This phased approach aims to expand the network, inviting more countries and partners to join, thereby strengthening the resilience and reach of Pacific marine conservation.
