Francine Elisaia is a passionate environmental advocate and emerging leader from Samoa, dedicated to championing ocean conservation and climate action across the Pacific. A proud graduate of Monash University, she earned her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Conservation Biology and Ecology.

Following her academic journey, Francine took on the role of Terrestrial and Biodiversity Officer at Samoa's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, contributing to critical work within the Division of Environment and Conservation. She is now stepping into an exciting new role as the Communications Coordinator for Conservation International Samoa, where she will amplify conservation narratives and community engagement efforts across the region.

Recognized as the first High Seas Youth Ambassador for the Oceania-Pacific Region with EarthEcho International and the High Seas Alliance, Francine has become a vocal advocate for the High Seas Treaty, using social media and regional forums like the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to build awareness. Her impactful advocacy has earned her the title of Samoan Ocean Champion as part of the Samoa Ocean Strategy Awareness Campaign.

Rooted in a diplomatic family and inspired by her father, His Excellency Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, Francine’s global outlook and environmental consciousness began early. She has represented youth voices in discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals, spoken at high-level international events including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and marched in climate rallies in New York City.

As founder of ‘Pasefika for High Seas’, Francine leads a project that empowers Pacific peoples in ocean advocacy, bridging science and indigenous knowledge for marine conservation. Through her work, she continues to uplift youth leadership, promote ocean stewardship, and champion the resilience of Pacific Island communities in the face of climate change.

Now entering her second year as a High Seas Youth Ambassador, Francine remains deeply committed to her mission: honoring the ocean’s profound significance to Samoa and the Pacific, and protecting it for generations to come.

Campaign Impact

Francine Elisaia's time as a High Seas Youth Ambassador has been an incredibly fulfilling and inspirational journey. As the first Youth Ambassador from and for the Oceania-Pacific Region, Francine wanted to find a way to best share valuable knowledge and information across the Pacific in an efficient and successful way -- after a few months of brainstorming, Francine started 'Pasefika for High Seas', a project which aims at "Empowering Pasefika peoples for ocean advocacy whilst bridging science and tradition for marine conservation".

Since founding the project, Francine has had the immense opportunity to reach audiences all over the world through her project's social media outreach. Francine kickstarted her role as an Ambassador as a panelist at the High Seas Alliance - Small Island Developing States' (SIDs) virtual press briefing where she presented on 'The Ratification of the High Seas Treaty on SIDs though the Improvement of Ocean Equity and Resilience'.

In August of 2024, Francine and Olive Vaai, the Oceania-Pacific Region Coordinator for High Seas Alliance, traveled to Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga to attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM). There, Francine attended the Pacific People's Forum where she had the pleasure of serving as a panelist for the 'Ocean Panel', emphasizing the importance of youth and civil societies in the push for ratification and eventual implementation of the Treaty's components. This work trip also saw Francine reuniting with familiar faces such as Tonga's Minister of the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), Her Honourable Minister Fekita Utoikamanu, as well as the current Chief of Staff for the Federated States of Micronesia, Her Excellency Jane Chigyal. Not only was the trip a great chance to reconnect with old friends and mentors but it also allowed for the sharing and exchanging of valuable knowledge regarding their countries' current positions on the Treaty and ways forward.

October 2024 saw Samoa, a Pacific country, hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting for the first time in history. Francine participated in the Opening Ceremony of the Meeting which was an incredible event that connected delegates from various Commonwealth countries to witness Samoan culture and hospitality. The entire meeting was a very proud week for Francine as she represented both her work and her country of Samoa, too. Francine shared meaningful "talanoas" (conversations) with representatives from numerous ministries, organizations, non-government organizations, civil societies, and more.
As part of her Pasefika for High Seas Project, Francine started an Art Competition called 'Pacific Horizons: Celebrating and Safeguarding the Ocean's Heart'. In a few months time, Francine will host an Art Exhibition to showcase the submitted art pieces to the public. She looks forward to celebrating the importance of the High Seas through artistic representations and celebrating the artists and their artwork, too.

Going forward, Francine has several small and big projects planned in the pipeline and is excited to kick off the new year planning and bringing her ideas to reality.

"The High Seas Ambassador Program has been such a great opportunity for me to grow as an environmentalist, conservationist, and ocean advocate. I am eternally grateful for all of the doors that have been opened, opportunities, and new friends made, and the chance to deepen my appreciation for and understanding of our sacred ocean. My role as an Ambassador does not conclude with the program and I look forward to continuing my ocean stewardship until all of the High Seas are completely protected.”