• The Solomon Islands will protect up to 24 million hectares of ocean through a new marine spatial plan.
• The project is supported by a $4 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund and is a collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society.
• A key focus is to create long-term, community-led conservation by strengthening governance and establishing a trust fund.
• This initiative contributes to the regional “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” strategy for ocean management.

The Solomon Islands is embarking on a significant and positive marine conservation initiative, with a new partnership and a generous $4 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund. This funding is dedicated to a national marine spatial plan that will lead to the protection of up to 24 million hectares of ocean, an area approximately 27 times the size of Yellowstone National Park. The project is a collaborative effort led by the government of Solomon Islands and implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society, ensuring that the work is aligned with national priorities for biodiversity, management, and community engagement.

The grant will support the development of a long-term, community-driven approach to ocean stewardship. Key activities include strengthening enforcement frameworks, building national capacity for ocean governance, and piloting a trust fund to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts. This work is a direct contribution to the region’s “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” strategy, a broad initiative aimed at sustainably managing 100 percent of the Pacific Ocean and protecting important ecological and cultural sites.

The project emphasizes local leadership and the central role of coastal communities in conservation efforts, ensuring that the benefits of a healthy ocean are secured for both present and future generations of Solomon Islanders. This initiative is part of a larger $37.5 million investment by the Bezos Earth Fund to accelerate marine protection across 12 Pacific Island nations, reflecting a strong commitment to Pacific-led conservation and durable finance solutions. It is a powerful example of how partnerships can lead to large-scale, impactful positive change for both people and the planet.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world’s largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth’s known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. Its four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium ) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org. Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: +1 (347) 840-1242. Listen to the WCS Wild Audio podcast HERE.