NIUE TO ADVANCE OCEAN PROTECTION WITH $4M BEZOS EARTH FUND GRANT
NIUE TO ADVANCE OCEAN PROTECTION WITH $4M BEZOS EARTH FUND GRANT
US$4M Grant to Niue Ocean Wide Trust from the Bezos Earth Fund Will Help Deliver Government and Community Partnership-Led Ocean Protection and Community Stewardship Priorities
Alofi, Niue (15th September , 2025) A US$4 million investment from the Bezos Earth Fund will support the permanent protection and sustainable management of Niue’s ocean through the Niue Ocean Wide Trust – a sustainable finance mechanism – designed to help safeguard Niue’s marine environment, ecosystems, and support long-term, community-led ocean protection.
The funding will support the Niue Ocean Wide Trust in delivering ocean conservation through marine spatial planning and strengthening marine management plans ,as well as management compliance, working closely with key stakeholders within our government, Non-Government organizations , Village Councils and Resource Management Advisory groups in our communities.
This work contributes to the vision outlined the Niue Ocean Wide Initiative (NOW), to build a resilient, blue economy that is reinforcing of long term ocean protection, climate resilience and sustainable development for Niue, and supports “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity,” a regionwide strategy endorsed by Pacific leaders to sustainably manage 100 percent of the ocean and protect sites of ecological and cultural importance.
“I really appreciate this very significant contribution to the NOW Trust and OCC’s. In addition to the significant volume of funding, the respect Bezos has accorded us by using our own home grown sustainable financing mechanism to deliver these resources through is a game changer. Moving away from traditional funding paradigms that have not worked with crippling merry-go-rounds of unsustainable and administratively burdensome project development and reporting primarily driven by donor interests. This marks a turning point in respect for the custodians of the blue Pacific Continent, the largest healthy blue lung on the planet and cradle of Noah’s Ark in marine diversity” President, Tofia Niue -Coral Pasisi
Niue Ocean Wide Trust is supporting this work as part of a larger $37.5 million initiative announced by the Bezos Earth Fund to accelerate early implementation of marine protection across 12 Pacific Island countries and territories. The Earth Fund has pledged $100 million to support Pacific-led conservation, ocean governance, and durable finance solutions.
For further information: Shanta Viviani – Hekau
Communications Manager and Funding Grants Officer
+64 22 321 4172
Shanta Viviani-Hekau: shanta.viviani-hekau@nowtrust.org
Niue Ocean Wide Trust
The Niue and Ocean Wide Trust (NOW Trust) was created in 2023. The Trust emerged from the Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Project, a public-private partnership between the Government of Niue and the local NGO Tofia Niue. The NOW Trust has a bold vision: to respond more rapidly and equitably to environmental, cultural, and economic challenges by putting communities, especially indigenous peoples, at the center of conservation financing and governance. It represents an innovative partnership between philanthropy, indigenous peoples, local and international resources and government. It exemplifies a growing commitment to culturally informed giving, especially among those seeking to support indigenous-led solutions and community-led development with humility and respect.
Bezos Earth Fund
Founded in 2020 by Jeff Bezos with a commitment of US$10 billion, to be disbursed by2030, with the goal of fighting climate change and protecting nature. It is a philanthropic grant-making organization. It awards grants to scientists, activists, NGOs, community groups, etc. Its philosophy is that big, systemic, bold interventions are needed incremental change alone is not sufficient. It’s interested in ideas that can lead to transformational change. It emphasizes working in coalition: partnering with governments, local communities, NGOs, science bodies etc., and focusing on justice (environmental justice) so that those most affected by climate/nature crises are included. As of 2025, the Bezos Earth Fund has granted approximately US$2.3 billion of its $10 billion commitment.
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A Moment of Royalty & Legacy
Niue’s Groundbreaking OCCs | Presented to King Charles III – Mobilizing Frameworks and Finance Event
Hon. Mona Ainu’u, Minister of Natural Resources, and Coral Pasisi, Vice President of NOW Trust, honored His Majesty King Charles III with a symbolic Ocean Conservation Commitment (OCC) in his name. A gift of purpose and protection for our shared ocean. A 20-year promise to protect and build resilience for generations to come.
In addition, he received a special edition bottle of Niue Honey from our Bee Sanctuary and a WWI commemorative coin honoring Niuean soldiers who bravely stood beside and in support of the United Kingdom. The King was moved and deeply grateful and congratulated Niue for the fantastic work they are doing. He noted how small Niue was but how significant our efforts were in paving the way towards protecting nature.
“We are on the front line of the triple planetary crisis, but we are also holding that front line. Our large swarths of pristine ocean space (half the size of the UK) under strict protection are invaluable contributions to global planetary stability. The OCC is a way that any stakeholder can help us, becoming a care-holder in the longevity of this incredible natural asset, and providing an invaluable gift of intergenerational equity,” Coral Pasisi, in the quick fire café-style Roundtable sessions.
“In the first year of implementation, funds raised are already having great impact on the ground high school students getting PADI certification, territory scholarships in ocean related qualifications, and Niue’s first parametric insurance product against cyclones amongst the many other highlights,” Hon. Mona Ainu’u, responding to audience questions on the use of OCC proceeds.
In the final wrap-up reporting, Niue’s OCCs were acknowledged by the facilitator Dr. Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE, Chief Executive of the Green Finance Institute, as an inspiring example of leadership in the nature-type credits space (video recorded).
Niue, through the NOW Trust, now joins a network of international stakeholders led by Dame Amelia Fawcett, Co-Chair of the International Advisory Panel for Biodiversity Credits, who will continue to progress advancing innovative nature financing including nature-type credits.
Niue hopes to help ensure that ocean conservation does not come at a disproportionate burden to small island developing states, but rather can have real benefits to island communities’ resilience and sustainable development as well as to the rest of the world.
Oue tulou tulou Coral Pasisi and Hon. Mona Ainu’u for, with such a quick turnaround from UNOC3 in Nice, setting sail again to harness this opportunity for Niue.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16mbSYQdMy/
NOW Trust & OCC – Maintenance of traditional knowledge at FestPAC (Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture)
Regenerating Oceania was the main theme at the this years FestPAC (Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture).The NOW Trust & OCC initiative was complementary to the theme of the festival through its support of the maintenance of traditional knowledge and practices – a crucial aspect in the value drivers of the OCC- which addresses the linkage of people and the ocean. We captured Niue’s traditional knowledge holders at FestPAC sharing their views emphasizing the significance of maintaining our cultural practices. Leading up to and coinciding with FestPAC a special acknowledgement was made by Maria Fuata (Deputy Director General, SPC) which highlighted Niue’s leadership in ocean conservation through the OCC financing mechanisms and its astonishing impact in the region.
NOW Trust & OCC had the privilege of sharing our story in a Pacific Way segment (featured above) raising awareness of its sustainable measures/practices which underpins not only in-country but regional and World level mitigation of climate change issues affecting our oceans and people – which livelihoods are dependent on for survival, and their connection to traditional practices on land as well.
Niue’s Ocean Conservation Commitments Wins International Award!
Niue Ocean Conservation Commitments Win Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Ideas Award for Nature Category
Alofi,Niue (May 14, 2024) – The winners of Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards were announced today and the Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs) concept was named the winner of the contest’s Nature category, with Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust and Conservation International honoured on behalf of the project. OCCs were rolled out in the South Pacific nation of Niue late last year, with each OCC – available for sponsorship from anyone around the world – representing the ecological protection of one square kilometre of ocean for up to 20 years.
While critical for both climate and biodiversity, ocean conservation can often be expensive. And for a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) like Niue, where the square kilometres of ocean outnumber the human population by almost 75-to-1, supporting the ongoing management and protection of so much marine territory is a significant financial challenge. The OCC funding structure help ensure adequate and reliable funding for the next two decades.
“It’s exciting to see the project recognized for its ingenuity and potential, and I hope it will bring more international attention to the some-110 thousand OCCs still available for sponsorship,” said Maël Imirizaldu, Senior Regional Program Officer at the Blue Nature Alliance within Conservation International’s Center for Oceans. Imirizaldu supported the development and launch of the program alongside the NOW Trust and OCCs architects Coral Pasisi and Brendon Pasisi, President of Tofia Niue and Project Manager of the NOW Project and NOW Trust administration, respectively. The Chair of the NOW Trust, is Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, who is also the current Premier of Niue and is championing ocean protection in the region.
The Pasisi siblings, working together with other passionate local stakeholders through their nonprofit organization Tofia Niue, and Imirizaldu, through the Blue Nature Alliance, worked alongside the government of Niue lead by Dr Josie Tamate and several technical partners to bring the OCCs project instrument to fruition and facilitate the initial 1,870 OCC sponsorships from sponsors in 21 countries. The NOW Trust, Niue’s first public-private partnership organization, will continue to hold and manage the funds raised through OCC sponsorships. OCC sponsorship is facilitated through the NOW Trust website, and many more are available to sponsor now.
Fast Company’s Spring 2024 issue (on newsstands Tuesday, May 21) will profile the project in greater detail, including insights from Imirizaldu and the NOW Trust team and updates on the project’s progress, now six months along. The OCCs concept also received an honorable mention in the World Changing Ideas Awards’ Water category.
This year’s World Changing Ideas Awards showcase 50 winners, 127 finalists, and 172 honourable mentions. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners from a pool of more than 1,300 entries across climate, social justice, wellness, politics, technology, corporate social responsibility, and more. The 2024 awards feature entries from across the globe. “I was struck this year by the global sweep of the honorees,” says Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “It’s endlessly inspiring to see how the world is coming together to devise inventive solutions to our most challenging problems. We need ideas from everywhere, and this year’s World Changing Ideas Awards are an extraordinary encapsulation of the innovation and creativity that is so abundant around the globe.”
“We are certain that the value of intact healthy ocean ecosystems today, will be worth more tomorrow. That value is multidimensional in nature and well beyond just financial, it includes planetary stability, food security and many others. This certainty is unfortunately underpinned by the global projections and rate of climate change, pollution, population growth and resource extraction. So put simply, as the global environment deteriorates, the value of conserved areas increases.
This has been a joint effort but very much driven by local thought leaders and the community of Niue who have grown up in the ocean and continue to explore the best ways we can support its longevity, not just for our children but all children around the world. It has also been made possible with the support from a range of international partners, with particular thanks to Oceans5, National Geographic Pristine Seas, Blue Nature Alliance, Conservation International, McKensey’s, GLISPA, SPC, CROP, OPOC, WIPO, friends and family! – Coral Pasisi, President of Tofia Niue
About Conservation International: Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. 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.
About the Niue & Ocean Wide Trust, (NOW Trust): The NOW Trust is a charitable Trust operating as partnership between the Government of Niue and local NGO leaders. Through world class ocean conservation and marine spatial management, it is supporting a resilient, blue economy that is reinforcing of long term ocean protection, climate resilience and sustainable development for Niue. By Niue, for Niue and a New-way of inspiring global ocean leadership and action.
About the World Changing Ideas Awards: World Changing Ideas is one of Fast Company’s major annual awards programs and is focused on social good, seeking to elevate finished products and bold concepts that make the world better. Judges choose winners, finalists, and honourable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact. With the goals of awarding ingenuity and fostering innovation, Fast Company draws attention to ideas with great potential and helps them expand their reach to inspire more people to work on solving the problems that affect us all.
About Fast Company: Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.
Links to Articles of Niue’s OCC Initiative – Winning International Award
https://www.meetingnewz.co.nz/news/asia-pacific/item/3536-niue-wins-2024-world-changing-idea-award
National Geographic Pristine Seas 2024 recaps on extensive science survey conducted in 2016 and followed up in 2023
Join us as we embark on the next leg of The Global Expedition! In a harmonious collaboration with the Government of Niue and Tofia Niue, the National Geographic Pristine Seas team has returned to this breathtaking Pacific island nation. Our mission? To build upon the extensive science survey conducted in 2016, supporting community-led efforts for sustainable management.
An esteemed National Geographic Society, a global non-profit organization dedicated to exploring, illuminating, and safeguarding the marvels of our world, Pristine Seas represents a beacon of conservation and scientific exploration.
Come along on this enthralling journey of science and discovery as we delve into Niue’s pristine seas. Follow our updates and be part of the movement to protect and cherish the natural wonders of our planet.
NOW Trust & OCC Impact at COP28- Dubai 2023
NOW Trust & OCC Impact at COP28
November – December 2023
At COP28, our initiative made waves with its powerful impact on ocean conservation and sustainability. People from all walks of life were inspired by our dedication to preserving marine ecosystems and promoting a sustainable blue economy. The overwhelming positive reaction from attendees has ignited a wave of support, with many expressing a strong desire to join our cause and contribute to a brighter, more resilient future for our oceans. Join us in making a difference and be part of this incredible journey towards a healthier planet!
Dive into our videos where passion meets purpose, driving meaningful change in the region and worldwide. Explore how every commitment in OCC sponsorship, no matter how small, ignites a ripple effect, shaping a brighter tomorrow. Join us as we celebrate the power of collective action and the enduring impact of each inspiring story.
Key Events Featuring the OCC initiative at COP28
OCC Sponsorship and Pledges Fulfilled at COP28
Interviews & Insights-COP28
Links to Articles-COP28
NOW Trust & OCC Launch in New York – UN Climate Week
President of Tofia Niue – Coral Pasisi, Project Manager of Niue Ocean Wide – Brendon Pasisi together with Premier of Niue Hon. Dalton Tagelagi launched a World First – Smart financing mechanism – the NOW Trust and Ocean Conservation Commitment (OCC) initiative in New York during climate week. Showcasing Niue’s contribution not only in the pacific but globally towards sustainability measures and climate action and adaption.
September 2023
Links to Articles of the NOW Trust and OCC launch in New York
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/niue-ap-prime-minister-new-zealand-pacific-b2414300.html
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sponsor-ocean-tiny-island-nation-131958832.html
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5003026
https://carbon-pulse.com/223448/
https://tvniue.com/2023/09/niue-leads-the-way-through-ocean-conservation-commitments/
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/pacific/niue-sponsorship-09212023020436.html
https://www.morning-times.com/business/article_ba0b02c7-1b95-590d-8610-7752df6c155c.html
Niue launches plan to protect Pacific Ocean by sponsoring sections of it – NZ Herald
Guardians of the Niue Moana Mahu – Empowering Locals to Protect Our Oceans
Meet some of our amazing Ocean Stewards! Supporting the OCC initiative
Witness the incredible locals taking ownership , showing leadership, and expressing immense interest in the OCC initiative. They are not just participants but passionate ocean stewards and guardians of Niue Moana Mahu , dedicated and committed to protecting our marine ecosystems leading the way towards a sustainable future for our oceans and people.