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Samoa Marine Spatial Plan

WHAT IS THE
SAMOA MARINE SPATIAL PLAN?

The Samoa Marine Spatial Plan 2024–2034 establishes an ocean management system designed to protect, conserve, and manage marine resources within Samoan waters. Developed as part of the Samoa Ocean Strategy, the Plan reflects Samoa’s commitment to implementing sustainable ocean governance and protecting marine biodiversity.​

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The Marine Spatial Plan was developed by the people for the people of Samoa. It includes the establishment of nine new fully protected Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which will be formally designated pending passage of legislation. The Plan also incorporates existing nearshore managed areas. It aims to ensure that various ocean activities are managed holistically.
 

Implementing the Marine Spatial Plan contributes to sustaining ocean health, preserving ecosystem services, and achieving socio-economic priorities.


It also supports Samoa’s global commitment to the 30x30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of Samoa's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by 2030. 

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Click to read The Plan

WHY IS THE SAMOA MARINE SPATIAL PLAN
IMPORTANT?

The Samoa Marine Spatial Plan ensures that Samoa’s ocean remains healthy for current and future generations, protecting vital

marine habitats while allowing for sustainable

economic activities like fishing and tourism. 

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It aims to balance conservation with

livelihoods and economic growth.

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Fa'asamoa is the respect for others,

devotion to family, and a deep appreciation

for preserving our natural resources. The Samoa

Marine Spatial Plan follows this cultural concept.

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HOW WAS THE PLAN
DEVELOPED?

Between 2019 and 2024, the Government of Samoa conducted a comprehensive planning process to create a marine spatial plan for its marine waters. This planning process was guided by the Samoa Ocean Strategy and incorporated traditional science and knowledge, cultural values, and the most up-to-date biodiversity, economic, and biophysical data.

 

Led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the planning process was divided into three main phases that served as the foundation for developing the marine spatial plan: 

  1. Securing a commitment from the entire government for the work plan. 

  2. Collecting data and developing relevant spatial planning data and tools. 

  3. Conducting extensive community consultation and engagement across government agencies and private sector to collaboratively build the marine spatial plan.

WHO WAS
INVOLVED?

From 2019-2024 the Plan’s development was guided by extensive consultations with government ministries, industry representatives, local communities, and other stakeholders under the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the National Ocean Steering Committee.

 

In 2020, the Marine Spatial Planning Support Working Group was established to oversee the development of the Plan. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Chief Executive Officer chaired the Marine Spatial Planning Working Group and guided the Marine Spatial Planning process. 

 

The Marine Spatial Planning Working Group members were represented by: 

  • Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) 

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)

  • Ministry of Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services (MOPPC)

  • Ministry of Women, Community Service and Development (MWCSD)

  • Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI)

  • Samoa Ports Authority (SPA)

  • Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC)

  • Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)

  • Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations Inc. (SUNGO)

  • National University of Samoa (NUS)

  • Conservation International (CI) 

  • Waitt Institute (WI)

  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

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Communities were also involved in developing the Samoa Marine Spatial Plan 2024-2034  through thorough and detailed consultations with national stakeholders.

 

Throughout the consultation phase, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment consulted with all sections of the village communities, including the Village Fono (seating of chiefs/titled men and women), women, men, and youth, regarding ocean activities, cultural perceptions, and monitoring and enforcement.

 

In addition to community consultations, key sectors were targeted for ongoing engagement. These key sectors included fisheries, tourism, government ministries and organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civil society organisations (CSOs).

 

During each phase, more than 1,500 individuals were consulted through 96 workshops across 185 coastal village communities.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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