The sustainable blue economy is vital for the Pacific Islands, where the ocean is central to life. The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs, while preserving the health of marine ecosystems. This concept focuses on balancing economic growth, like fisheries and tourism, with the health of marine ecosystems. By adopting sustainable practices, these islands aim to protect their ocean resources while boosting their economies and improving livelihoods for future generations.

At the heart of a thriving Pacific region is a sustainably managed blue economy. Without one in place, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands face further vulnerability from climate shocks, poverty, lack of income and other connected devastating impacts. 

Across generations, Pacific peoples have determined time-tested and context-specific strategies to ensure that resources can recover and thrive in order to fuel their blue economy. But growing pressure from offshore fisheries, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, climate-induced shocks and other threats are jeopardizing the very balance of what has fueld lives in the Pacific for millenia. 

But by pouring back into the blue economy through community-led, sustainable approaches to recover precious marine resources, it's not too late to turn the tide. 

We work to support a sustainable blue economy hand-in-hand with local communities, with a focus on enabling investments that will help deliver benefits for people and nature.

• WWF-Pacific is making steady progress towards securing at least USD 30 million for this effort. In 2023, WWF Fiji signed the preparation grant with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to develop a full proposal over 16 months. A full team is now engaged and an inception workshop at the end of October 2023 kicked off the process with government, private sector and other partners.
• A major sustainable blue economy proposal for Solomon Islands is also making good progress and is due to be submitted to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs in 2024.
• An initial assessment for Project finance for permanence in Fiji was completed towards the end of 2023 and will help inform future sustainable blue economy and conservation investments in Fiji.