The agreement will guide collaboration to support the sustainable development and management of
coastal marine and fisheries resources for Samoa’s ocean.
Apia, Samoa (26

th April, 2022) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today
between Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and non-governmental organisation
Conservation International. The collaboration recognizes the intent of Conservation International and
MAF to secure sustainable development and management of coastal marine and fisheries resources,
sustain marine biodiversity, increase climate change adaptation and raise general public awareness
and stewardship of the ocean.
The MAF emphasized that the partnership with Conservation International provides another
opportunity for MAF as one of the relevant government agencies to work with genuine partners who
have shared interest in ensuring we manage our ocean in a way that will sustain us.
Leilani Duffy, the Ocean Director for Conservation International Samoa said, “Pacific civilizations were
built on a symbiotic relationship with the ocean. It remains a pillar of Samoa’s prosperity, providing
food and driving our economy. It is vital we manage this vital and shared resource sustainably now for
ourselves and the wellbeing of future generations.’
The MOU further supports the Samoa Ocean Strategy Vision of maintaining a healthy and abundant
ocean for Samoa through a multi-sectoral approach to protect 30%, and sustainably manage 100% of
Samoa’s ocean by 2030. The partnership is committed to building a genuine partnership that
champions ambitious and innovative efforts focused on ocean positive solutions, ensures the uses of
Samoa’s marine resources are sustainable, and continues to support employment, economy, and
maintain our fisheries.
[ends]
For more information, contact:
Emmeline Johansen, Communications Director ejohansen@conservation.org (+) 64 27 779 3401) or
MAF Chief Executive Officer, Tilafono David Hunter on email tilafono@maf.gov.ws.
Note to editors:
About The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is the principal organisation which provides regulatory
and technical advice, training, and support for subsistence and commercial farmers, agri-processors,
and exporters. The Ministry effectively manages and uses the potential in agriculture and fisheries for
food security, income generating opportunities, commercial development, and sustainable
management of resources.
About Conservation International
Conservation International is a non-government organisation that works to spotlight and secure the
critical benefits that nature provides for humanity. The non-profit has worked in the Pacific Islands
region for more than 20 years. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and
secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices
in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with
governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and
nature thrive together. Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation
News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.