Francine, a recent graduate of Monash University, achieved her Bachelor of Science with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Conservation Biology and Ecology. Embracing her passion for environmental conservation post-graduation, she embarked on a career journey as a Terrestrial and Biodiversity Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Samoa, within the Division of Environment and Conservation.

Growing up in a diplomatic household and inspired by her father, His Excellency Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, Fran has long been attuned to global issues, particularly those surrounding climate challenges. Engaged in environmental initiatives from a young age, she has actively participated in various projects and clubs, advocating for sustainability and youth involvement in shaping a greener future. Notably, she served as a Youth Speaker and Representative, contributing to discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals and its declaration. Fran also attended several Climate Action marches in New York alongside other passionate youth.

Driven by a deep connection to her oceanic roots and a desire to give back to her community, Fran aspires to further her impact through the Youth Ambassador Program. She aims to honor the ocean's significance to herself and the people of Samoa, continuing her stewardship of climate action and environmental preservation.

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.”