57 communities across Samoa have secured new funding under the Small Grants Programme, supporting locally led projects focused on environmental protection, resilience and community development.
The successful projects were selected through the Small Grants Programme funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Funding for the projects is being provided by the Government of Australia through the Samoa CARES (Climate Adaptation Resilience and Enhancement of Samoa) program.
The program is delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
A grant award ceremony and inception workshop was held to support communities in implementing approved workplans and meeting financial reporting requirements.
The latest funding round followed strong interest from communities, with 113 applications submitted during the call for proposals.
One of the successful recipients was the village of Faletagaloa Safune in Savai'i.
Faletagaloa village and project representative, Tologataua Sioeli Alofaifo, said their project will support environmental sustainability through the use of renewable solar energy.
The project will also improve lighting in parts of the village that are not connected to the main electricity grid, with a focus on safety and community wellbeing.
Mr Alofaifo acknowledged the support behind the project.
"We extend our profound gratitude to the Government of Australia, GEF, UNDP, and the Small Grants Programme National Steering Committee for their leadership, commitment, and careful consideration in reviewing and approving our proposal," he said.
"We look forward to the successful implementation of this project in partnership with all stakeholders."
The Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Claire McGeechan, highlighted the broader impact of the program.
"What has always stood out to the Australian High Commission is the way that the Small Grants Programme projects innovatively combine elements of environmental protection with resilience building, economic opportunities, and social inclusion efforts - leading to holistic sustainable development outcomes," she said.
UNDP Officer In Charge, Paolo Dalla Stella, congratulated the successful community-based organisations and highlighted their role in shaping locally driven solutions.
"These projects show that meaningful solutions to climate change and environmental challenges are best led by communities themselves," he said.
