KEY POINTS:
Samoa has been commended by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as one of the leaders in climate change adaptation by least developed countries (LDCs).
Samoa was singled out as having one of the more successful national plans for tackling the problem.
"Let's give credit to the LDCs like Samoa who are ahead and really pioneers and leaders around the world on the NAPA and implementation, let's not only share the frustration about what we need to do and the finances we need.
"Samoa is ready to implement adaptation to reduce vulnerability to increase resilience in their country, and that is to be applauded," said Bonizella Biagini, senior program manager of climate change adaptation for GEF.
Chief Executive Officer of Samoa's Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment, Tuu'u Ieti Taulealo, acknowledged the comment by the GEF and said Samoa is committed to ensuring the priorities of the local communities are taken into account in adaptation programmes.
"We conducted extensive consultation programmes with the communities and as a result identified the priority issues addressed by local leaders and members of the Samoan community," Tuu'u said.
Tuu'u said Samoa's priorities include water community supply, forests, health and climate change-related diseases, early warning systems, agriculture, coastal eco systems, coastal protection and disaster risk reduction.
Samoa's NAPA report was filed in 2005. According to the report, Samoa, like other LDCs, experiences high vulnerability to natural disasters and to external economic and trade developments over which it has no control.
These natural disasters include tropical cyclones, prolonged periods of drought, extreme flooding, pests and sudden outbreak of diseases, storm surges and sea level rise. Climate change and sea level rise are serious concerns given that 70 per cent of Samoa's population and infrastructure are located on low-lying coastal areas. Samoa's economy largely depends on its natural resources, which must rely on favourable climatic conditions for growth and sustenance.
Tuu'u who is currently leading the Samoan delegation said more effort is needed in capacity building and strengthening existing systems of adaptation in Samoa.
Samoa will now move on to the second phase of the national plan, which is the implementation of projects.
The GEF currently brings together 178 countries in partnership with international institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives.
It has been assisting developing countries since 1991 providing $3.3 billion in grants.
The implementation of the Samoa adaptation plan is expected to cost more than US$2million.
- Pacific Communications Team
