Conservation International’s team in Samoa is proud to have played a key role in advancing global ocean conservation efforts at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024, the first to be hosted by a Pacific Small Island Developing State.

The meeting witnessed the adoption of the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, paving the way for all 56 Commonwealth nations to take robust and transformative action towards shared ocean prosperity, in the face of severe climate change, pollution and the impacts of over-exploitation.

Another highlight was the Samoan government’s launch of the nation’s Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), a key milestone in the Samoa Ocean Strategy, developed with Conservation International and other partners. This ten-year plan will secure the sustainable management of Samoa’s 120,000 sq km ocean domain, with 30% fully protected by 2030. Supported by the Blue Nature Alliance, the MSP incorporates the best available science and extensive community consultations across all of Samoa.

CEO of Conservation International Dr. M. Sanjayan at the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in Samoa at CHOGM 2024

Conservation International’s presence at the meeting culminated in a tree-planting and carbon offset event co-hosted by Conservation International and Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, attended by King Charles III.

CI’s Vice President of the Pacific Region, Susana Waqainabete-Tuisese, meets King Charles