08:29, 20 September 2023
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
A small, Pacific Island nation has a new way to tackle ocean conservation.
The nation of Niue is a small one, surrounded by a vast, beautiful ocean - one they are determined to protect. The new idea is this: to protect their oceans, they will be selling it off.
In a sense, at least - sponsors will be able to pay $148 to protect one square kilometre of ocean from issues like illegal fishing and plastic waste.
The protection lasts for 20 years, thanks to the funding provided by each ‘purchase’ - and they are hoping to raise $18 million this way, protecting the ocean around them.
Niue will get the ball rolling by buying 1,700 units - one for each of its citizens.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Blue Marine Foundation. A charity dedicated to restoring the ocean to health by addressing overfishing, one of the world's biggest environmental problems. Support them here.
The Ocean Conservation Trust. A charity of Ocean optimists taking action to protect and restore nature for a thriving Ocean. Find out more here.
Marine Conservation Society. This charity is fighting for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean: one we can all enjoy. Learn more here.
