American billionaire businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute visited Samoa this week and pledged ST$6.8 million tala (USD$2.5 million) in support of Samoa’s Ocean Strategy.
Waitt arrived in his private jet at Faleolo International Airport with the President of the Waitt Institute on Thursday 16 April 2026.
A tripartite MOU was signed between Ted Waitt’s foundations, the Government of Samoa and Conservation International.
The signing ceremony, held at Samoa’s Taumeasina Island Resort was well attended by Samoa Government officials, and led by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Hon. Ale Vena Ale.
In the Minister’s keynote address, he acknowledged Mr. Ted Waitt, as Founder and Chairman of the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute, as well as Mr. Mike Goldman, President of the Waitt Institute, and Kelvin Alie, Senior Vice President of Conservation International.
“We acknowledge with gratitude the Waitt Foundation’s generous pledge of 2.5 million US dollars to support the implementation of the Marine Spatial Plan 2025–2035 one of 13 Integrated Management Solutions under the Samoa Ocean Strategy, and we look forward to the realisation of this commitment.”
Hon Ale Vena said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding represents a shared commitment to our ocean, to our people, and to the future of Samoa.
“Our people have always been stewards of the ocean — it is part of who we are..
“Long before any formal plan was put in place, our communities protected and managed the ocean through traditional knowledge and practice passed down through generations.”
The Minister said Samoa’s recently launched Marine Spatial Plan formalises that protection, giving it the legal and institutional foundation, it deserves.
The Minister confirmed Samoa now protect 30 percent of its ocean space and sustainably manage 100 percent of its ocean domain.
He reiterated that Samoa does this not to follow a global trend, but because it is the right thing to do for our people, our food security, our coastlines, and for future generations.
“This MOU strengthens our resolve to see that commitment through,” said the Minister.
“To get here to this point has taken years of dedication, collaboration, and hard work from many..
“Our Government Ministries, development partners, the private sector, the fishing industry, and our communities have all played a part,” said Ale.
The Minister extended Samos’s sincere appreciation to the Waitt Foundation, Waitt Institute and Conservation International for their continued support, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to Samoa’s ocean journey.
“This MOU marks not the beginning of our partnership, but the strengthening of an existing one.”
“Implementation lies ahead and will require continued courage, commitment, and strong partnerships..
“Let us move forward with purpose to ensure that Samoa’s ocean remains healthy, resilient, and abundant for generations to come.”
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