Earth Sciences New Zealand and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) have formalised their long-standing cooperation with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 1 September 2025.
The five-year agreement sets a framework for advancing climate science, ecosystem protection, and environmental monitoring across the Pacific.
MoU Strengthens Capacity Building and Indigenous Knowledge Integration
The MoU formalises a decades-long relationship and calls for stronger use of Indigenous knowledge in managing resources.
It also supports the Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Both parties said the agreement would help build capacity, deliver projects, and coordinate scientific services for Pacific Island countries.
“This recommitment of our existing partnership, which has stood the test of time and covers the whole area of the work that SPREP does, has untapped potential which will allow us to venture into newer areas of joint work. The timing is perfect for both institutions, seeing SPREP has established the new Climate Science and Information Programme, whilst Earth Sciences New Zealand has gone through a restructure – strategic moves which strengthen confidence among our partners and the countries we serve.” SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra said.
Coordinated Action on Climate and Environmental Challenges
The agreement introduces mechanisms for joint work planning, regular meetings, and collaboration across regional programmes. It includes the Weather Ready Pacific initiative, the Pacific Climate Change Science and Services Research Roadmap, the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Centre Network, and the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service.
Connon Andrews, Pacific Centre Manager at Earth Sciences NZ, said formalising the partnership would amplify impact.
“Formalising our partnership with SPREP allows us to better align our strengths and resources to meet the urgent environmental challenges facing the Pacific. Together, we can deliver more coordinated, impactful science and services to support Pacific communities.”
The MoU will guide collaboration over the next five years, underpinned by commitments to integrity, sustainability, and shared values.