SPREP & Conservation International Strengthen Partnership To Accelerate Nature Conservation & Climate Resilience
by SPREP · SCOOPThe new five-year partnership will strengthen collaboration on regional leadership, conservation science and innovative finance to accelerate Pacific-led solutions that protect nature, strengthen climate resilience and support thriving communities.
Palau – [2 September, 2026] — The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Conservation International (CI) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration on nature conservation, climate resilience, sustainable development, conservation finance, and community-led solutions across the Pacific.
The agreement, signed during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, brings together SPREP’s regional mandate and convening role across 26 Pacific Island countries and territories with Conservation International’s global expertise in biodiversity conservation, science, sustainable finance, and locally led conservation approaches.
Together, the two organisations will work to support Pacific-led solutions to some of the region’s most urgent environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressures on marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
The MOU was signed by SPREP Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, and Dr. Sebastian Troëng, the Chief Executive Officer of Conservation International.
“The Pacific’s future depends on protecting the natural systems that sustain our communities, cultures and economies,” said Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra. “SPREP is responsible with supporting our members to protect and manage their environment and natural resources. This partnership with Conservation International strengthens our collective ability to support Pacific countries and communities in achieving their environmental priorities through science, innovation, partnerships and locally driven action.”
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The Pacific is home to globally significant ecosystems, from vast ocean territories and coral reefs to forests and coastal wetlands. These natural resources underpin food security, livelihoods, cultural identity and resilience, but face growing threats from climate change, habitat loss, and unsustainable pressures.
“Pacific communities have long been leaders in nature conservation, guided by generations of Indigenous knowledge and traditional stewardship,” said Dr. Troëng. “By combining SPREP’s regional leadership with Conservation International’s conservation science, technical expertise and global partnerships, we can help scale solutions that protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable futures for Pacific peoples.”
The partnership will support implementation of key regional priorities, including the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas 2026–2030, and the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific.
Importantly, the MOU establishes a framework for action, with both organisations committing to develop a joint work programme, conduct regular progress reviews, identify collaborative projects and together unlock investment into nature-based solutions for the region.
By working together, SPREP and Conservation International will build on their prior decades of dedication and support to the Pacific Islands region and people in protecting nature while building resilience, strengthening livelihoods and advancing a sustainable blue and green future.
ABOUT SPREP:
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), based in Samoa, is the regional organisation established by the Governments and Administrations of the Pacific charged with protecting and managing the environment and natural resources of the Pacific. Its mandate is to promote cooperation in the Pacific region and provide assistance in order to protect and improve its environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations. SPREP is comprised of 26 Members, consisting of 14 Pacific Island countries, seven territories and five metropolitan states with a direct interest in the region.
For more information, visit www.sprep.org.
ABOUT CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL:
For over 30 years Conservation International has worked in the Pacific Islands region to protect nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Visit Conservation.org for more, and follow us on Conservation News,Facebook,Twitter,TikTok,Instagram and YouTube.
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