Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Corporate Plan 2022-2026

1. AN ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATOR .............................................................. .

2. AN ENVIRONMENTAL ADMINISTRATOR ..................................................... .

3. AN ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISOR .................................................................... .

4. AN ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE ................................................................ . OUR WORKFORCE............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 GOVERNING FRAMEWORK AND STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................... 6 HOW WE WORK AND WHAT WE DO?................................................................................................................. 7 PRINCIPLE OF ENVIRONMENT......................................................................................................................................................13 GOALS .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 STRATEGIC FOCUS AND DIRECTION............................................................................................................................................ 8 EXPECTED OUTCOMES .................................................................................................................................................................... 8 PRIORITIES........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 CHALLENGES ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 LONG TERM OUTCOME (LTO) ................................................................................................................11 END OF SECTOR PLAN OUTCOMES (ESPO) .........................................................................................11 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK – STRUCTURE .........................................................................................................................11 WHERE YOU CAN FIND US ..........................................................................................................................................................12 ANNEX 1: LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY MANDATES ...............................................................................................................13 ANNEX 2: INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS/ ..................................................................................................15 ANNEX 3: IMPLEMENTING/DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS .................................... . ANNEX 4: CONVENTIONS/AGREEMENTS ADMINISTERED BY MNRE ..............................................................15 1 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ACEO Meteorology Division ACEO Forestry ACEO Spatial Information Agency ACEO Environment & Conservation ACEO Water Resource ACEO Disaster Management Office Chief Executive Officer ACEO Information Communication & Technology Minister ACEO Corporate Service ACEO Climate Change & GEF Services ACEO Land Management ACEO Environment Coordination Division ACEO Water & Sanitation Sector ACEO Renewable Energy ACEO Legal Services 2 Division Objectives The following objectives reflect the specific functions and responsibilities of each of the divisions aligned with budget outputs. The achievements of these objectives are dependent on the financial provisions in the annual budget. Land Management Water Resources Services Forest Services To facilitate and implement To integrate and implement To ensure sustainable sustainable land management sustainable water resource development and management of practices and administration of management across all relevant forest resources across related land and land-based resources. sectors. sectors. Water and Sanitation Sector Renewable Energy Environment Coordinating Unit Coordination To promote climate change Ensure coordinated efforts To strengthen water sector mitigation through energy amongst all stakeholders for governance and orientation. efficiency and renewable energy. optimum results. Environment and Conservation Technical Services Legal Services To implement sustainable To provide quality assurance, To provide sound and timely development and management of survey and spatial information legal services for the Ministry to biological resources and the services to support the support the sustainable environment including waste sustainable development and development of natural management. management of natural resources and the environment. resources and the environment. Information and Communication Global Environment Facility Technology Disaster Management Office Services To provide effective and efficient Mainstreaming the disaster risk donor Support Assist with information, communications, management framework in all finalizing Samoa’s priorities for and technology to support the sectors to ensure sustainable risk environmental protection and sustainable development and reduction and preparedness, restoration through the GEF- management of the country’s effective response and durable Pacific Alliance of Sustainability natural resources and recovery from any disaster. Framework and other funding environment. sources. Meteorological Services Corporate Services To provide meteorological, geo-science, climate To provide efficient Human Resource Management, change and disaster risk management services in Financial services, effective capacity building and support of sustainable development of natural public awareness to support sustainable resources. development of natural resources and the 3 Purpose Our purpose is to improve our environment and do more for the people and wildlife with the resources we have, while supporting the Government’s drive for economic and sustainable green growth. We have a responsibility to make sure that the benefits of sustainably managing of natural resources and the environment now and for future generations are understood and shared effectively. Who we are? MNRE leads the management of Samoa’s environment and natural resource. We work across a diverse range of issues as reflected in the core functions undertaken by the 14 Divisions. We work hand in hand with a number of resource management Boards such as Environment, Land, Forestry, Water Resource and Geographic Names Board, to advise, inform and support community and Government decision making and deliver a better service to the people of Samoa. We also work in partnership with Government ministries, CSO/NGOs, the private sector, more closely with our key partners and communities and deliver our own work more efficiently. Our work is guided by the Government priorities under the Sustainable Development of Samoa (SDS), community values, aspirations, the state and condition of natural resources, even our legislative and policy mandates. Significant work has been achieved under previous Plans and much focus will be placed on evaluating the beneficial impacts from these efforts including the development of a robust Monitoring & Evaluation framework to track any changes in the status of the environment. As the Ministry commences delivery of this Plan, the main challenge and commitment to be progressed include the effective implementation of the NESP. This puts in place a framework to allow MNRE to work with all line Ministries, Sectors, and stakeholders to work towards achieving a healthy, safe, productive and diverse environment for Samoa. Samoa State of the Environment The 2023 State of the Environment Report provides the most recent health check on the threats, state and impacts on Samoa’s environment. The SOE 2023 utilizes the DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact and Response) framework. The SOE Report assessed four thematic areas and thirty indicators and sub-indicators (Table 1). Samoa’s environment continues to change, due to several drivers such as increasing population, climate change and economic inequity. Table below provides a list of drivers that are causing changes to Samoa’s environment. These drivers affect the environment directly, or interact together to cause immediate, but often long-term irreversible changes. Species extinction is one of the irreversible consequences of some of these driving forces. Internal migration from rural areas towards Apia urban centre is having an impact on sensitive sites such as coastal and upland areas. Settlement expansion is affecting natural water flows and wetland sites, which can lead to the degradation of coast and marine environment. Land and coastal erosion around new settlement areas are becoming increasingly common, especially during floods and heavy rainfall. The use of technology has improved lives, but also accelerated land- clearing and over-harvesting of resources. The SOE 2023 highlights Samoa’s environment as in a fair state, although mostly transitional, where there are parts that are in a good state, and others, which are in a poor state. Samoa’s terrestrial environment continues to be challenged by climate change, invasive species, and land-use. Biodiversity assessments have improved the knowledge and understanding of the state of some of the species, but there are areas that remain unknown. Some of Samoa’s endemic species remained highly vulnerable to extinction, and others are now confirmed extinct. The trend for many of the species is not positive unless serious interventions are put in place to halt their decline. Protected areas and community conservation areas are important interventions that have been proven effective in helping preserve biodiversity. In the 4 context of Samoa, the engagement and leadership of the Alii ma Faipule, ensures that these conservation areas are accorded the protection that they need. Legislative support is also an important intervention that strengthens local authority rule and ensures that any transgressions can be prosecuted as a deterrent. Samoa’s marine environment continues to provide for many households, and importantly for economic prosperity of the country. The overall state of the marine environment is fair to good, however, some of the challenges relate to coastal wetlands, quality of coastal water and sediments, which ultimately impacts coastal fisheries. Land development and use is the main pressure for the coastal environment. Effective legislative oversight is needed to ensure the integrity of the coastal environment remains secure, and resources are safe for human consumption. Marine conservation areas continue to raise the profile and awareness on the importance of safeguarding marine resources. A healthy marine and coastal environment can help minimise the impacts of climate driven crises and land-based pollution. Continuous monitoring of these coastal and marine resources and habitats will help provide an early warning, which can assist with early response. Table 1. Thematic areas and indicators. (SOE 2023) Thematic Indicators areas NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Terrestrial species (avifauna, mammals, reptiles, insects, plants, threatened  Terrestrial and inland and endangered species) waters Water catchments and water resources (water resources demand and abstraction; water-related ecosystems; water quality; watershed management) Inland wetlands Forests Soil resources and management Lands and land resources (land tenure; land resources and management; land use; agriculture; land degradation and restoration) Terrestrial conservation and protected areas Invasive species management Coral reef health (live coral cover)  Marine and coast Marine species of national significance (cetaceans; turtles; sharks; seabirds) Coastal water and sediment Coastal wetlands Coastal fisheries Offshore pelagic fisheries Marine conservation and protected areas BUILT ENVIRONMENT Waste management (solid waste; chemical and hazardous wastes) Sanitation Potable water management Apia urban environment Environmental compliance and monitoring ATMOSPHERE, CLIMATE Green House Gas emissions AND DISASTER Consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances MANAGEMENT Energy and renewables Physical climate (temperature; rainfall; ocean acidification; sea level rise) Natural disasters (climate driven natural disasters; natural geotechnical hazards; disaster risk management and preparedness) Climate adaptation and mitigation funding 5 ENVIRONMENTAL Government budget allocation for the environment GOVERNANCE Multilateral Environmental Agreements Gender equality Table 2. The key drivers and pressures to Samoa’s environment. (SOE 2023) Environment Environmental Pressures Drivers Population growth Climate Variability and disasters Climate change and natural Land development and use disasters Economic and technological Resource Economic use and extraction technological development development Global economics and geographic Consumption and waste constraints Traditional and cultural values Agriculture and rural development systems 6 National Vision Improved quality of life for all. Sector Vision Samoa’s natural and built environments are well protected and resilient to natural and human-induced hazards, and supporting a sustainable and healthy human population.

1. Key Priority Area 15: Build Climate Overarching Goal Resilience Enhanced environment sustainability and improved climate and disaster resilience

2. Key Priority Area 16: Effective Mission environmental Working together in close partnerships with communities and stakeholders for the protection and pursuit of sustainable development. Management Frameworks Our Values

3. Key Priority Area In accordance with our role as public servants, we observe the Code of Conduct 17: Enhanced and Values ( Public Service Act 2004 ), we are passionate and proud of what we Conservation and do and will strive to conduct work through: Sustainable use of Natural Resources  Christian principles  Equity and Fairness  VaTapuia  Innovative

4. Key Priority Area  Effectiveness and Efficiency  Respect 18: Sustainable  honesty &Integrity  Faasamoa Energy Development  Team Work  Trust Enhanced  Gender Equity and Inclusiveness Samoa’s Natural and built environment are well Principle of Environment protected and resilient to The people of Samoa are at the center of concerns for sustainable development. natural and human They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. induced hazards and Women have a vital role in environmental management and development, and supporting a sustainable their full participation is essential to achieve sustainable development. and healthy human population. Our Workforce Our success is dependent on the concerted efforts and commitments of all staff. We employ 421 people who are located in our main office at the Tui Atua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) Building and at other nine (9) different stations in Upolu and Savaii. Resilient Development Safe and Secure Samoa 7 Our Mandatory Roles  An Environmental  We are an environmental regulator – we target our efforts to maintain Regulator and improve environmental standards and to minimize unnecessary burdens on the environment.  An Environmental  We are an environmental administrator – we are a national ministry. Administrator We work with people and communities to protect and improve the environment in an integrated way.  An Environmental  We are an environmental advisor – we compile and assess the best Advisor available evidence and use these to report on the state of the environment. We provide technical information and policy advice to the government to support their roles in decision making.  An Environmental  We are environmental stewards advocating for better environmental Advocate outcomes.  Development of a communication strategy is to strengthen communication and knowledge management, and to ensure a cohesive and coordinated communication approach to achieve environmental sustainability and climate and disaster resilience in Samoa. 8 Governing Framework and Structure (by Paradise Consult Nov 2016) MNRE is governed by the twenty one (21) legislations and twenty one (21) regulations, including the thirty one (31) Conventions and Multilateral Environment Agreements (please refer Annex 5). Given that MNRE is the focal point of about 31 Conventions it has a governing interface with multilateral and regional organizations as well as development partners. MNRE is also accountable to Parliament through Cabinet and the Audit Office provides oversight to ensure compliance with laws of Samoa. How we work and what we do? The Ministry continues to evolve and will continue to change over the period of this Plan. We will also change our approach to reporting on the state of Samoa’s environment and prioritizing environmental issues with a more integrated position being presented in our partnerships. This is in support of the SAMOA Pathway adopted during the Third Global Conference of the United Nations on Small Island Developing States that took place in our shores in September 2014 which highlighted partnerships that are based on the principle of national ownership, mutual trust, transparency and accountability. The right approach will help us transfer challenges into opportunities. Our approach focuses on interconnection of people, environment, production and conservation. Thus, in delivering our work we will:  Seek to protect the environment through integrated regulatory systems prioritizing monitoring and enforcement;  Use our knowledge and expertise to contribute to environmental policy development;  Engage and involve the communities, private sector government, corporations to help share responsibility for the environment, natural resources and encourage informed decisions;  Raising awareness and understanding of impacts on the environment;  Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources;  Strive to conserve natural systems for the long term needs of future generations. 9 Strategic Focus and Direction Key areas of strategic focus and direction for the current period:  Enabled institutional structure with sector plans to deliver environmental improvements;  Empowered and engaged workforce to deliver the services;  Enhanced infrastructure;  Balanced financial resources allocation and support;  Enabling, efficient and operative system of regulatory, enforcement and recovery Environment;  Create supportive and resilient stakeholders groups, particularly community groups and Government; Expected Outcomes  Samoa’s environment is protected and improving - Compliance & Enforcement  Samoa’s environment is understood – Report on the state of the environment  Updated Management Plans - Targets  Capability and Workforce Plan - Strengths  Revised MNRE Organizational Structure - Affordability  Performance Management Framework - Budget  Annual Reporting - Timeliness, Evidence-based  Code of Ethics, Staff Attitude and Respectful relations ( Internal& External ) - Day to day  Prepare for a sustainable future and take steps to limit climate change; Goals There are 7 overarching goals that cut across and link all the Divisions of the Ministry. In addressing the Ministry's mission, the first five (5) goals contribute to sustainable development and environmental management and the need for adequate resources and information that facilitate improved quality of life and to support decision-making choices. The last two goals identify the need for effective organizational standards and resources to support the implementation of programmes to benefit communities. It would provide for a more structured implementation that helps optimize the use of the environment and socio- economically resources.

1. Policy - Appropriate policies to guide sustainable development and management of natural Development resources and the environment;

2. Programme - Efficient and cost effective services towards project planning and development Planning mechanisms to promote sustainable development;

3. Scientific and - Encourage data and products sharing and put in place mechanisms to access and Technological disseminate in a timely fashion the scientific and technological information, and Information traditional knowledge that supports the sustainable management of natural Transfer. resources and livelihoods;

4. Mainstreaming of - Ensuring climate change adaptation and disaster risk management requirements climate change and are mainstreamed into plans, strategies and budget 1 0 disaster risk management.

5. Compliance and - Ensuring effective enforcement and monitoring of compliance of legislative enforcement. instruments in collaboration with communities;

6. Organizational - Effective organizational structure with adequate resources for MNRE to support Support operational and management functions and the monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness of services and;

7. Resource - Optimum benefits from the sustainable use of natural resources; Management Priorities Some of the key priorities for the long term:

1. Enhancing integrated land-use planning (in line with NESP under Environment Sustainability.

2. Develop a map to integrate all existing developments/land-use within the Ministry.

3. Enforce Environmental Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement (CEM)

4. Engagement of community representatives

5. Increase institutional awareness of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)

6. Increase Protected Areas

7. “2 million Tree Plant” Challenge in close collaboration with all its partners and stakeholders by 2017.

8. Move towards low carbon economy and greater use of Renewable Energy Sources;

9. Resources managed and used sustainably and waste is managed as a resource. Challenges: There are a number of challenges in managing Samoa’s environment and natural resources. They include: increasing demand for natural resources, Climate Change, building community & cross-sector collaboration, best use of knowledge, our Ministry workforce etc  Competing demands for natural resources - Samoa's population is growing and thus the expansion of its economy. Both will increase the demand for and pressure on natural resources. To meet this challenge the Ministry will provide advice and responses that will address economic, social and environmental considerations.  Climate Change - Climate change will be one of our biggest challenges. Such as increased risk of severe weather events ( ie., storms, flooding, droughts etc ) all of which are likely to have social, economic and environmental impacts. Preparing for CC will need our coordinated and integrated approach by all of government, the communities and the private sectors to identify risks and help us adapt.  Building community and cross-sector collaboration - collaboration between government, private sector and the communities will be the key driver for effective natural resource management. We will continue to ensure that our national priorities and our strategies promote collaboration and help build awareness of the importance of a healthy environment and natural resources to our quality of life and the economy. 11  Knowledge and information - to effectively manage demand on our resources, we will need to make well- informed decisions. We will need to make the best use of existing information, incorporate community input and traditional knowledge, and consider the scientific information that supports decisions.  An empowered workforce - The public expect better government services. Our efficiency to deliver will be directly tied to our skills, motivation, flexibility of our staff, and our ability to operate as an efficient Ministry.  Lack of compliance to environmental legislation - Monitoring and Enforcement of existing Legislation remains a challenge due to social behavior and financial constraints. There is a real need for compliance of environmental legislation to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and improved quality of life for now and into the future. 10 OVERARCHING GOAL: ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND IMPROVED CLIMATE AND DISASTER RESILIENCE LONG TERM OUTCOME (LTO)

1. Sustainable Management 2. More Sustainable and 3. Climate Change and 4. Effective and Development of Resilient Built Disaster Risk enabling Environment Management environment Natural Resources and mainstreamed in all Environment Improved sectors END OF SECTOR PLAN OUTCOMES (ESPO) 1.1 Sustainable management and 2.1 Sustainable 3.1 Integration of climate 4.1 Sector development of water management of solid change across all sectors governance resources improved waste improved Improved and cross‐ sectoral 1.2 Sustainable management and 2.2 Sound management 3.2 Public leadership, coordination development of forests improved of chemicals and coordination, Strengthened hazardous waste development and 1.3 a Sustainable management improved implementation of and development of lands activities for disaster improved 2.3 Management of risk management wastewater improved improved 1.3 b Spatial information and technical services to 2.4 Low carbon 3.3 Meteorological, support sustainable land developments atmospheric and geo‐ developments improved through energy scientific information efficiency and and data improved 1.4 Protection and conservation renewable energy of terrestrial biological increased diversity strengthened 2.5 Sustainable 1.5 Sustainable management1 development planning and and environmental development of oceans monitoring improved improved Institutional Framework – Structure The successful implementation of the Corporate Plan depends strongly on the availability of adequate human resources with relevant capacity, skills and qualities. Thus, recruitment is the key to a strengthened workforce and to be responsive to the ever-increasingly competitive market to secure suitably qualified and capable staff at all levels. In support of the Ministry’s corporate vision, its employees are assets whose values are enhanced by development in order to foster creative and innovative contributions to Samoa’s national 1 Full details in National Environment Sector Plan 2017-2021 11 productivity. The current organizational structure comprised of 14 divisions with an increased workforce of 421 staff. Where You Can Find Us Upolu Location Office Contact FMFM II Building  Minister’s Office 20410 5th Floor 25857 TATTE Building  Office of the CEO 67201 -3rd Floor  Corporate Services Division 67200  Information, Communication & Technology  Legal Services Division  Land Management Division  Water Resource Division  Technical Services (Spatial Information Agency)  Environment & Conservation Division  Forestry Management Division  Climate Change & GEF Division  Renewable Energy Division - 1st Floor  Water & Sanitation Sector Coordination Division 67200  Land Management Division Samoa Post Office  Environment Sector Coordination Division Matafelefele  Customary Land Advisory Committee (CLAC) Tuanaimato  Disaster Management Office (2nd Floor Post Office) 32759 National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) 27307 Mulinuu  Meteorological Services 20855 Vaitele  Workshop at Vaitele 20856 Vailima  Forestry Operations (Forestry Division) 21054  Watershed Nurseries (Water Resource Division) 22729  National Parks & Reserve Section (Environment & 28680 Conservation Division) Tafaigata  Waste Management Unit 22267 22281 Togitogiga  Forestry Operations 24294 Savaii: Vaiaata  Waste Landfill Asau, Maota & Vaipouli  Forestry Operations 51444 Salelologa  Rangers- Environment &Conservation Division 12

Annex 1: Legislative and Policy Mandates Legislation National Policy Regulations 1 Samoan Market Ordinance 1 Cultural & Natural Heritage & Conservation 1 Waste Management (Importation of 1927 Policy 2000 Waste for Electricity and Energy Recovery) Regulations 2015 2 Building Alignment Ordinance 2 Integration of Climate Change Risk and 2 Waste (Plastic Bags) Management 1932 Resilience into Forestry Management Regulations 2018 (+ 2020 (ICCRIFS) 2011-2015 Amendment) 3 Stevenson Memorial Reserve 3 National Chemical & Hazardous Waste 3 Forestry Management Act 2011 – and Mount Vaea Scenic Management Policy 2012 Order for Fees 2013 Reserve Ordinance 1958 4 Taking of Land Act 1964 4 National Drought Policy (Tendered 4 Land Titles Registration Act 2008 – Documents-Yet to be finalized) Order / Notice of Fees 2009 5 Leasing and Licensing of 5 National Forestry Policy 2007 5 Land Titles Registration Regulations Customary Land Act 1965 2010 6 Land Titles Investigation Act 6 National Invasive Species Action Plan 6 Marine Wildlife Protection 1966 Regulations 2009 (+ Amendments) 7 Alienation of Freehold Land 7 National Policy for Licensing Surveyors 7 Ozone Layer Protection Regulations Act 1972 1999 2006 8 National Parks and Reserves 8 National Sanitation Policy 2009 8 Protection of Wildlife Regulations Act 1974 2004 9 Land Surveys and Environment 9 National Sanitation Policy 2010 9 Water Resource Licensing Act 1989 Regulation2013 10 Samoa Trust Estates 10 National Urban Policy 2013 10 Survey Regulations 2011 Corporation Reconstruction Act 1990 11 Land for Foreign Purposes Act 11 National Waste Management Policy 2001 11 Unit Titles Regulations 2014 1993 12 Disaster and Emergency 12 National Water Resource Management 12 Water Resources Management Management Act 2007 Policy 2010 Regulation 2013 13 Land Titles Registration Act 13 National Water Services Policy 2010 13 Water Resources Management 2008 Amendment Regulations 2020 14 Water Resources Management 14 National WRM Policy 2009 14 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) By- Act 2008 Laws 2007 15 Unit Titles Act 2009 15 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency 15 Survey Regulations 2011 Policy Framework 2016 16 Land Valuation Act 2010 16 The National Upland Watershed 16 Water Resource Licensing Conservation Policy (NUWCP) 2015. Regulation2013 17 Waste Management Act 2010 17 Water Allocation Policy 2013 17 Piu/Sapunaoa Water Resources By- Laws 2020 18 Spatial Information Agency Act 18 Water for Life: Water & Sanitation Sector 18 Safua Water Resources By-Laws 2010 Plan for 2012-2016 2020 19 Survey Act 2010 19 National Implementation Plan for Persistent 19 Tapueleele Water Resources By- Organic Pollutants (to be reviewed) Laws 2020 20 Forestry Management Act 2011 20 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action 20 Tafitoala Water Resources By-Laws Plan 2015 – 2020 2020 21 Customary Land Advisory 21 National Disaster Management Plan 2017 – 21 Palauli Water Resources By-Laws Commission Act 2013 2020 2020 22 Gasegase Water Resources By-Laws 2020 23 Aufaga Water Resources By-Laws 2020 24 Faleaseela Water Resources By- Laws 2020 25 Fuluasou Water Resources By-Laws 2020 26 Vailoa Palauli Water Resources By- Laws 2020 13

Annex 2: Institutional Arrangements 14

Annex 3 : Implementing/Development Partners  European Union,  World Bank  United Nations Development Programme,  German Development Agency Adaptation Fund,  United States Aid  Green Climate Fund,  Conservation International,  The Australian Department of Foreign  Affairs and Trade,  New Zealand Government,  Secretariat to the Pacific Community,  International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the,  Secretariat of the Pacific Regional  United Nations Environment Programme,  Food and Agriculture Organization,  Global Environment Facility,  The People’s Republic of China,  Government of Japan,  Japan International Cooperation Agency,  Asian Development Bank, 15

Annex 4 : Conventions/Agreements administered by MNRE N Convention/Agreements No Convention/Treaty/Protocols/MOUs o International 1 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 13 International Convention for the Protection of Pollution from (UNCLOS) 1982 Ships (ICPPS) 2002 2 Montreal Protocol on Substances that depleted the 14 Rotterdam Convention 2002 Ozone Layer 1992 3 Vienna Convention for the protection of the Ozone 15 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants Layer 1992 (SCPOP) 2002 4 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity 16 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands 2004 (CBD) 1994 5 World Forest Charter (WFC) 1994 17 Cnvention for the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 6 UNCLOS relating to the Conservation and Management 18 United National Framework on Forestry 2003 ( UNFF ) of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks 1996 7 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 19 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Change (UNFCCC) 1994 Wild Animals Nov 2005 8 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 20 International Civil Aviation Chicago Convention 2003 (UNCCD) 1998 9 Kyoto Protocol (KP) 2000 21 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ( CPTC ) 10 World Heritage Convention on Cultural and Natural 22 International Renewable Energy Agency 2010 Sites (World Heritage Convention) 2001 11 Basel Convention for the Control of Transboundary 23 Paris Agreement 2016 Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their disposal 2002 12 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) 2002 Regional 1 Convention on the Conservation of Nature in the South 5 Convention for the Prohibition of Fishing with Long Pacific (Apia Convention) 1976 Driftnets in the South Pacific Region ( Wellington Convention ) 1989 2 South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Rarotonga 6 Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources & Treaty) 1985 Environment of the South Pacific Region (SPREP/ Noumea Convention 1990) 3 Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution in the South 7 Convention to Ban the importation and to Control the Pacific by Dumping 1986 Transboundary Movement of Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes in Forum Island Countries (Waigani Convention) 2001 4 Protocol Concerning Cooperation in Combating 8 MOU for the Convention of Management of Marine Pollution Emergencies in the South Pacific Region 1986 Mammals & their Habitats in the Pacific Region 2005

Annex 5 : Environmental SWOT ANALYSIS The Environment Sector has identified the key factors and threats that influence the environment and its services (NESP2017-2021) STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Sector Coordination  Alignment of policies and plans  Increased focus on renewable energy  Impact studies and assessments Increased awareness on environment and clima  Accessibility to information/data te change  Evidence based policy planning  Invasive species control programs  Institutional capacity  Replanting and rehabilitation  Coordination  Baseline data collection  Enforcement  Community engagement and outreach  Procurement  Open and regular dialogue with Development  Monitoring and Enforcement Partners Partnership with private sector and NGOs OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Green jobs  Loss of technical expertise and institutional  Samoa as a Green destination knowledge Tax reforms (tax rebate for car batteries) and fo  High staff turnover r energy efficient appliances  Climate Change and natural disaster  Greater participation of churches and communi  Project fatigue ‐ too many projects Cross‐ ties sectoral coordination  Cross‐sectoral coordination Declining external funding and government  Public private partnerships budget  Research through USP and NUS  Overwhelming reporting, monitoring and  International and regional support evaluation process Monitoring and Evaluation  Maintaining community engagement, trust  Centralized database for sector statistic and interest Uncoordinated communication with communities ‐ Community fatigue Contradicting government priorities  Pressure from economic sectors 