Manila, Philippines – Yesterday, the Bezos Earth Fund announced grants of more than $25 million to help Pacific nations protect and manage over 625,000 square miles of ocean. Rare is the recipient of one of the grants to support the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) in bringing Pacific governments together to develop some of the first marine protected area proposals under the UN High Seas Treaty.
“Rare is honored to support the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner in advancing its work with Pacific nations to implement the BBNJ Treaty in the region. We’re looking forward to working with the region towards meaningful conservation and management of the High Seas, in alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” said Rocky Sanchez Tirona, Managing Director of Regional Programs for Rare.
The grants, which will support efforts by the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Vanuatu, mark the second round of funding under the Bezos Earth Fund’s $100 million commitment to Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity, a Pacific-led initiative to sustainably manage 100% of the region’s ocean, protect 30% by 2030, strengthen food systems, and mobilize sustainable finance.
Read more about the Bezos Earth Fund initiative here.
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