Niue's pioneering model for financing long-term ocean conservation is winning global support at the COP31 climate summit, with more than half of its conservation commitments now sold to backers in 37 countries.

The initiative was presented at a high-level COP31 session in Antalya, Turkiye, titled "From Commitment to Action: Custodians of the Blue Pacific Continent", which examined how the Pacific can secure recognition and financing for the 28 million square kilometres of ocean under its stewardship.

How Niue's ocean commitments work

Under the model, each Ocean Conservation Commitment covers one square kilometre of ocean and costs 150 US dollars, guaranteeing its protection for 20 years or more. Niue has 127,000 square kilometres of ocean commitments to sell, and is now more than halfway towards that target.

Coral Pasisi, vice president of the New Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust, explained that the scheme links ocean protection directly with investment in the resilience and livelihoods of local communities, rather than treating conservation as a cost with no return.

A Pacific-wide ambition

The session also showcased the Pacific Ocean Wide Ambition, a Pacific-owned framework designed to recognise, value and finance ocean conservation across the region, building on Niue's experience. The initiative has been selected as an Earthshot Prize finalist.

Niue's prime minister, Dalton Tagelagi, has used COP31 to call for sustainable and predictable financing for long-term ocean protection. Through the NOW Trust, the commitments support the 127,000-square-kilometre Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area, while strengthening climate resilience and community stewardship.

Source: Pacific Islands News Association