The Blue Pacific Continent and 30x30: Sustaining the Biodiversity and People of the Pacific Islands ($100M)
Bezos Earth Fund
(
Philanthropic organization
)
#OceanAction58626
Description
With a pledge of $100 million in grants, the Bezos Earth Fund is backing the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative, which aims to safeguard and revitalize over one (1) billion hectares of ocean territory across the Blue Pacific Continent (Pacific Islands Region). This initiative aligns with global biodiversity and climate goals and showcases strong regional leadership in ecosystem protection and climate resilience.
The primary objective of the initiative is to implement sustainable management across 100% of the Blue Pacific Continent, with 30% designated as protected areas. These efforts aim to:
• Enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change,
• Protect critical biodiversity hotspots such as coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal habitats,
• Promote sustainable coastal food systems,
• Strengthen food security, livelihoods, and cultural preservation for Pacific communities, and
• Demonstrate global leadership by the Pacific Islands in climate adaptation and ocean stewardship.
Governance of the initiative will be regionally coordinated and locally implemented:
• Pacific Island state leaders and ministers will provide strategic direction and oversight.
• Local governments, community organizations, and Indigenous leaders will play central roles in planning and implementation.
The Bezos Earth Fund’s contribution will be governed through grant agreements and strategic partnerships, ensuring that funding is aligned with measurable impacts and accountable processes.
This commitment exemplifies bold environmental leadership from the Pacific Islands, supported by global philanthropic backing. It aims not only to protect the largest ocean continent but also to model how inclusive, science-based, and resilient conservation can be achieved at scale in the face of a changing climate. It represents one of the most ambitious marine conservation efforts in history.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
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Contact Information
Nicola, Senior Program Manager, Blue Pacific