Samoa can now access millions in funds for better ocean protection projects through a facility announced by the Commonwealth.

It was also announced that the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration will be signed in Samoa during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.

According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, this week the Republic of Cyprus will host the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting, where ministers will discuss the principles, priorities and actions needed for the adoption of a new Commonwealth Ocean Declaration at CHOGM 2024.

Commonwealth countries who are responsible for over a third of national ocean waters globally, can now access newly updated databases offering a compendium of ocean-related finance sources and training opportunities. 

This can help Samoa achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14.

Of all the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 14, on the ocean, is by far the least funded. Additionally, there are clear inequalities between countries around access to marine knowledge and scientific capacity.  Together, the two updated platforms can help to bridge these gaps, which are essential for protecting the ocean and reaching global commitments by 2030. 

The Ocean Funders Database details more than 100 funds with over £125 million available to ocean projects related to the Commonwealth Blue Charter’s 10 Action Areas, which range from the protection of coral reefs and mangroves to managing ocean acidification and transitioning to sustainable blue economies. Users can refine their search based on geographical area, type of activity, the size of grant or investment, eligibility criteria, and type of funding.  

Likewise, the Training Database lists nearly 200 courses covering ocean topics also linked to the Blue Charter Action Areas that can be searched according to theme, frequency, geography, type of resource, level, and training institution.  

Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC said: “The Ocean Funders and Training Databases form part of our comprehensive range of tools focused on the Commonwealth’s environmental resilience. They are easily accessible and provide an invaluable resource for our member countries, seeking to help them protect and sustainably manage their ocean.” 

In 2018 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), leaders called for more consolidated action on the ocean and adopted the Commonwealth Blue Charter. In doing so, they committed to work together on tackling ocean issues and to take action to safeguard the ocean for future generations.  

In the six years since then, the Commonwealth Secretariat has expanded its work in this area, through establishing and supporting country-led Blue Charter Action Groups, establishing an ocean project incubator, and through technical assistance, including accessing ocean-climate finance.