Samoa Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Ocean Management at Strategy Retreat

2026-02-23 - 06:37

The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), convened a two-day Mid-Term Review (MTR) Retreat for the Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS) 2020–2030, bringing together representatives of the National Ocean Steering Committee (NOSC) responsible for advancing sustainable ocean management in Samoa. The retreat marked an important milestone at the halfway point of the Strategy, providing an opportunity for participants to reflect on progress since its launch in 2020, assess challenges encountered, and identify priorities to strengthen implementation through to 2030. Developed as Samoa’s national framework for integrated ocean management, the SOS outlines 13 Integrated Management Solutions (IMS) across six strategic priority areas: Ocean Governance and Coordination, Ocean Financial Sustainability, Research and Data, Monitoring and Surveillance, Policy and Legislation, and Awareness and Capacity. Each area was reviewed against the best available data and information to assess progress and implementation outcomes. Discussions highlighted several areas of progress, including strengthened partnerships, growing community engagement, and increased availability of scientific and monitoring data supporting evidence-based decision-making. Participants also acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the need for stronger coordination mechanisms, clearer reporting systems, sustained resourcing, and enhanced capacity to translate data into implementation outcomes. Outcomes from the retreat will inform updated implementation priorities and timelines, strengthen monitoring, reporting and coordination mechanisms, and provide strategic recommendations to support effective delivery of the Samoa Ocean Strategy through to 2030. The retreat also provided space for collective reflection on how the SOS aligns with national development priorities, sectoral policies, and Samoa’s regional and international ocean commitments. The Mid-Term Review discussions have helped shape a more coordinated and informed pathway forward, ensuring that efforts across sectors contribute more effectively to the goals of the Samoa Ocean Strategy. The Ministry acknowledges the valued support of Conservation International and the Waitt Foundation for their partnership and contribution toward convening the Mid-Term Review Retreat and supporting the ongoing implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy. The Mid-Term Review represents an important step in ensuring Samoa’s ocean governance remains adaptive, coordinated and responsive to emerging priorities.