Reef sharks. Humpback whales. Groupers. Moray eels and more swimming through and across the vibrant coral reefs, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the marine diversity and beauty that Niue has to offer. Niue is home to approximately 2,000 people divided among 14 villages. Though limited in number, the people of Niue are making significant strides in ocean conservation, fueled by an unwavering commitment to preserve the environment.

Sustainability and conservation have been an integral part of Niue’s culture. The marine park mirrored the ancestral traditions of taking only what is needed from the ocean. Against the backdrop of depleting ocean resources, the people of Niue were determined to go back to their roots and rise against the external influences and economic pressures resulting in over-exploitation of their oceans.

In April 2022, Niue announced plans to safeguard the whole of Niue’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ and Territorial seas) spanning across 317,500 square kilometers, through the establishment of the Niue Nukutuluea Multiple-Use Marine Park. Going beyond the previous commitment to protect 40% of its oceans, Niue has raised the bar higher than ever before, setting new standards of ocean stewardship.

The enhanced commitment puts people and village communities of Niue at its center, promoting resilient lives for all. The decision is the result of a consultative and collaborative marine spatial planning process enabled by the culminative efforts made through the Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) public-private partnership between the Government of Niue and Tofia Niue, supported by Oceans 5, National Geographic Pristine Seas and the United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility, via the Niue Ridge to Reef Project.

Following the commitment to protect 100% of Niue’s EEZ and Territorial seas, Niue is now working to bring the sustainable financial mechanism that will translate the conservation efforts into action.

Niue continues to lead by example and ‘walk the talk’ while urging other nations and relevant stakeholders to follow suit and take real action towards ocean conservation. The ocean’s health is directly linked to the survival of all life on Earth. essential to the survival of all life on Earth. As the renowned oceanographer, Jacques Yves Cousteau rightfully said, "The sea, the great unifier, is man's only hope. Now, as never before, the old phrase has a literal meaning: we are all in the same boat.”

Niue has set sail towards sustainable oceans but for the boat to not sink, we need all hands on deck.