TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan has signed an agreement with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to invest NT$34.21 million (US$1.1 million) in ocean management over the next three years, reports said Friday.

The project includes educational programs to teach youths about sustainable ocean management, per CNA. The signatory for Taiwan was the country’s envoy to Fiji, Joseph Chow (周進發).

The agreement fits in with the aims of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent mapped out by countries in the region. The plan promotes sustainable and resilient development due to climate change threatening some of the smaller islands.

Chow said the new agreement is a new milestone for cooperation between Taiwan and Pacific island nations. He emphasized the importance of empowering young people and the acquisition of professional know-how.

Taiwan’s contributions to the region include education, agriculture, fisheries, basic infrastructure, and economic growth, according to Chow. Senior executives of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat thanked Taiwan for its assistance.