Each OCC serves as an innovative financing mechanism that helps to fund the protection of 1 km2 of Niue’s ocean waters for 20 years through sponsorships costing NZD 250 for one OCC, allowing sponsors to become direct contributors to Niue’s marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development efforts. 

Last month, Niue’s OCCs were announced as the winner of the Nature category in Fast Company’s prestigious World Changing Ideas Awards. The innovative OCC mechanism was rolled out late last year, with each OCC sponsorship representing the ecological protection of one square kilometer of ocean for up to 20 years, The OCCs concept also received an honorable mention in the World Changing Ideas Awards’ Water category, Congratulations to the Government of Niue and Alliance partners, Tofia Niue and the NOW Trust, on this well-deserved recognition. 

Learn more about Niue’s OCCs through Niue Ocean Wide and on the Blue Nature Alliance website here. 

About the project

The Blue Nature Alliance, a global partnership to catalyze the conservation of 18 million square kilometers of ocean area, collaborates with governments, NGOs, Indigenous peoples, local communities, and scientists worldwide to catalyze the creation, expansion, and improvement of ocean conservation areas. To date, the project is proud to support the work of more than 60 partners in 38 global engagements who are collectively working toward conserving more than 18 million square kilometers of ocean. From Colombia to Ireland, to Tristan de Cunha in the Atlantic, to Africa’s Western Indian Ocean region, these marine champions are working to sustainably, equitably, and effectively manage the ocean for the benefit of people and nature. 

For more information, please contact Madeline Beattie [mbeattie@conservation.org] or visit the project website