Niue continues to step up on the world stage when it comes to protecting the ocean.
Niue’s Oceans Conservation Commitments (OCC) is an innovative financing mechanism that helps fund the protection of 1 square kilometre of Niue’s ocean waters via sponsorship for up to 20 years, as well as leverage the development of Niue’s broader climate resilient natural environment and blue economy. The OCC’s is managed by the Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) trust which is Niue’s first public-private partnership between the Government of Niue and local non-profit organisation Tofia Niue and manages the funds raised through the sponsorships. NOW Trust aims to establish an NZD $32 million (USD $18M) endowment, which will directly fund annual investment in ongoing robust conservation, resilience, and a sustainable blue economy and well on its way to that target with significant contributions from Conservation International, the Blue Nature Alliance and Oceans 5, as well as numerous individual sponsorships from 21 countries.
It has won the ‘Nature’ category of the Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards this week and also received an honourable mention in the ‘Water’ category.
This year’s World Changing Ideas Awards showcase 50 winners, 127 finalists, and 172 honourable mentions. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners from a pool of more than 1,300 entries across climate, social justice, wellness, politics, technology, corporate social responsibility, and more. The 2024 awards feature entries from across the globe.
“Maintaining the protection of this large natural asset at the same time as fighting the impacts of climate change is not easy for a small country. That is why we developed the Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs)”, said Brendon Pasisi.
Visitors to Niue enjoy ocean centric holidays with small private beaches, lagoons and swimming caves that are great for snorkelling. Add world class fishing, diving, and bucket list experiences like swimming with Niue’s resident Spinner Dolphins or Humpback Whales as they migrate to Niue in July to October annually to give birth and nurture their calves it is clear this Blue economy needs to stay in pristine order to also drive Tourism in Niue.