A Moment of Royalty and Legacy at the Nature Action: Mobilizing Frameworks and Finance Event

Lancaster House, London – 25th June

On the 25th June 2025 in London, marked a special occasion as Hon. Mona Ainu’u, Minister of Natural Resources, and Coral Pasisi, Vice President of NOW Trust, honored His Majesty King Charles III with a symbolic Ocean Conservation Commitment (OCC) in his name. A gift of purpose and protection for our shared ocean. A 20-year promise to protect and build resilience for generations to come.

In addition, he received a special edition bottle of Niue Honey from our Bee Sanctuary and a WWI commemorative coin honoring Niuean soldiers who bravely stood beside and in support of the United Kingdom. The King was moved and deeply grateful and congratulated Niue for the fantastic work they are doing. He noted how small Niue was but how significant our efforts were in paving the way towards protecting nature.

In an impactful roundtable session, Coral Pasisi and Hon. Ainu’u captivated global leaders in the nature finance space, with Niue’s story presenting the OCC and the Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust. Niue’s global leadership in ocean conservation, and its holistic approach to sustainable financing, driven by local experts and experienced practitioners, drew admiration and curiosity from all stakeholders. An example of how courage, culture, and commitment can shape an inclusive and lasting future for conservation and resilience.

“We are on the front line of the triple planetary crisis, but we are also holding that front line. Our large swarths of pristine ocean space (half the size of the UK) under strict protection are invaluable contributions to global planetary stability. The OCC is a way that any stakeholder can help us, becoming a care-holder in the longevity of this incredible natural asset, and providing an invaluable gift of intergenerational equity,” - Coral Pasisi, in the quick fire café-style Roundtable sessions.

“In the first year of implementation, funds raised are already having great impact on the ground – high school students getting PADI certification, territory scholarships in ocean related qualifications, and Niue’s first parametric insurance product against cyclones amongst the many other highlights,” - Hon. Mona Ainu’u, responding to audience questions on the use of OCC proceeds.

In the final wrap-up reporting, Niue’s OCCs were acknowledged by the facilitator Dr. Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE, Chief Executive of the Green Finance Institute, as an inspiring example of leadership in the nature-type credits space.

Niue, through the NOW Trust, now joins a network of international stakeholders led by Dame Amelia Fawcett, Co-Chair of the International Advisory Panel for Biodiversity Credits, who will continue to progress advancing innovative nature financing including nature-type credits.

Niue hopes to help ensure that ocean conservation does not come at a disproportionate burden to small island developing states, but rather can have real benefits to island communities’ resilience and sustainable development as well as to the rest of the world.

Oue tulou tulou Coral Pasisi and Hon. Mona Ainu’u for, with such a quick turnaround from UNOC3 in Nice, setting sail again to harness this opportunity for Niue.

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