Who we are
Niue Ocean Wide is Niue's first Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Niue and Tofia Niue, a local non profit organisation. After 7 years of working successfully together to protect Niue's ocean, NOW is evolving into a Trust - the Niue and Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust which forms the basis of a fit for purpose financing mechanism to enable long-term predictable and sustainable funding to support Niue's Ocean conservation, resilience and sustainability into the future. In addition to contributions from NOW Trust Contributors and other funding mechanisms, a principal means to raise funding to capitalise the Trust will be through the first-of-its-kind 'Ocean Conservation Commitments' (OCCs).
1. Global responsibility
Niueans and all members of the global community share the values and benefits of our oceans and its ecosystems.
Through this shared perspective, we also have a shared responsibility to act with urgent, tangible impact to protect our oceans against growing threats.
2. Country-driven conservation
NOW Trust will enable Niue to shift from donor-dependent, project-based activities to country-driven, holistic sustainable implementation.
This approach to sustainable financing and country-led conservation efforts aims to act as a catalyst for other SIDS.
Our objectives
Establish EEZ-wide Marine Spatial Management Plan (MSMP) inclusive of our Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas (LSMPA) Niue Moana Mahu
Integrate compliance and implementation strategy in conservation and production practices
Support value of ocean conservation and other social, economic and cultural benefits through sustainable financing
Niue is like no other place on Earth
Niue is a small island developing state (SIDS) with a population of 1,700 located in the South Pacific Ocean and in free association with New Zealand. With a large ocean area and an economy driven by tourism, fisheries and exports, Niue is one of the first countries to commit to protecting 100% of waters in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Its unique waters are home to globally significant marine ecosystems, including
- World’s largest raised coral atoll with 100+ observed coral species
- Katuali, a vulnerable venomous sea snake, that can only be found in Niue’s sea caves
- Major breeding grounds for humpback whales
- One of the highest number of grey reef sharks in the world
- Niue is recognised as a top sustainable tourism destination
- Niue is the world's 'first Dark Sky Nation'
- Niue wins Global Green Destinations Award
Our board
NOW Trust Board will be represented by members across local government, nonprofit and private institutions who possess significant expertise and rigorous oversight to ensure and monitor effective performance of the NOW Trust and its endowment.
Our Project Advisory Team (PAT)
Our team consists of individuals – many of whom are from Niue – with a strong passion for conservation. They have played a critical role in establishing Niue as a global leader in protecting our oceans. See below to get to know our team.
President
Coral Pasisi
Vice President
Avi Rubin
Tofia Niue
Catherine Papani
Project Manager
Brendon Pasisi
NOW Project
Carmen Fuhiniu
Minister of Natural Resources - GON
Dr J. Tamate
GON
Richard Siataga
Director of Fisheries - GON
Poi Okesene
Niue Tourism
Micah Fuhiniu-Viviani
FINSEC - GON
Doreen Siataga
Our partners
As a public-private partnership, NOW Trust works closely with partners across government, ocean and conservation organizations, universities, and regional institutions to establish and implement marine initiatives. In addition to these partners, NOW Trust works on the ground with Niuean village leaders, schools, businesses and organizations to develop education programs and ensure activities support community values.
