Press Release – Launching of the Samoa State of Environment 2023 and the National Environment Sector Plan 2023-2027

(September 13, 2024 - Taumeasina Island Resort)

The Government of Samoa through its Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is pleased to announce the official launch of Samoa's Fourth State of Environment (SOE) 2023 Report and the National Environment Sector Plan (NESP) 2023-2027. This milestone underscores Samoa's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its unique environment and promoting sustainable development in alignment with global and regional goals.

The State of Environment 2023 provides an in-depth assessment of the current condition of Samoa's natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity showing a mix of good, fair and poor conditions. It highlights both the progress made and the critical challenges faced in four key thematic areas of

i)Natural Environment,

ii) Built Environment

iii) Atmosphere, Climate & Disaster

iv) Environmental Governance.

Some of the key indicators assessed the vital environmental components including Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Inland Waters, Forests, Soil and land resources, Invasive species management, Marine and Coastal ecosystems and fisheries, Waste generation and management, sanitation access, potable water management, environment compliance and monitoring, Greenhouse Gas emissions, consumption of Ozone depletion substances, Energy and renewables, physical climate, natural hazards and climate change impacts. Furthermore assessed environment governance and management by looking at the overall government allocation for environment initiatives, gender equality and MEA and international reporting obligations.

With these findings, the SOE using the DPSIR Model identifies the Drivers - underlying factors that lead to environmental changes, Pressures - actions that directly stress the environment, State - the condition of the environment as a result and Impacts - the effects on the environment. The R of the DPSIR Model is the Response - which are the measures taken to address environmental impacts and improve or manage the state of the environment. Responses include policies, regulations, technological innovations, research, public awareness and so forth.

The National Environment Sector Plan 2023-2027 is the response framework to address the recommendations and outcomes of the SOE and provides the platform and impetus needed for coordinated action and responsibility amongst us to achieve environmental sustainability, climate and disaster resilience.

With its overarching goal of, "Securing environmental sustainability and enhanced climate and disaster resilience", Four Long Term Outcomes (LTO) are prioritized in its pursuit. Within the four LTO's are thirteen (13) End of Sector Plan Outcomes developed to progress the implementation of the NESP over the five year period.

Hon. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Afioga Toeolesulusulu Cedric Salesa Pose Schuster in his keynote address, stressed the importance of this dual launch as a significant milestone in Samoa's journey towards environmental sustainability.

The government is confident that through continued cooperation and proactive measures, Samoa can meet the challenges posed by environmental degradation and climate change.

The Ministry acknowledges with gratitude the continuous technical and financial support from SPREP and UNEP, the close collaboration and exceptional contribution of all Environment Sector stakeholders and partners which made this feat possible.

END.

SOURCE - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

September 27, 2024

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