New York, NY (September 16, 2025) — A new effort to advance Solomon Island’s ocean protection goals is moving forward with $4 million in support from the Bezos Earth Fund. The work is being implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at the direction of the Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), in alignment with national priorities to protect biodiversity, strengthen marine management, and support community stewardship.

The funding will support WCS in delivering marine spatial planning, designation of new marine protected areas, development of enforcement and monitoring systems, and piloting of a national trust fund for long-term conservation, working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and coastal communities.

“This partnership marks another significant step forward for Solomon Islands,” says Agnetha Vave-Karamui, Deputy Secretary Technical for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology in Solomon Islands. “Support from the Earth Fund will help us strengthen the capacity and tools needed to secure our marine and coastal resources, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure that present and future generations of Solomon Islanders continue to benefit from the rich waters of Temotu, Makira, and the Kavachi Seascape. We are encouraged by the leadership of Provincial Governments in ocean protection and look forward to building stronger coordination and collaboration with the three Provinces.

This work contributes to the vision outlined in Solomon Islands’ forthcoming National Marine Spatial Plan 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.

“We are grateful to the Earth Fund for prioritising investment in our region,” said Alec Hughes, Country Director for WCS Solomon Islands. “With this support, we will work hand in hand with the Solomon Islands Government, Provincial leaders, and communities to strengthen marine planning, governance, and sustainable management. Our goal is to create practical approaches that protect biodiversity while strengthening community resilience and livelihoods.”

WCS 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.

This initiative reflects Solomon Island’s commitment to protecting the ocean for future generations and ensuring that communities remain at the heart of marine conservation.

###