Samoa has launched new biodiversity, invasive species and environmental communication tools as part of National Environment Week.
The week was held under the theme "Local Actions for Global Impact" and included biodiversity, forests, water, wetlands, waste management, disaster preparedness and climate action activities.
Samoa's Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ale Vena Ale, told the National Environment Forum that local action remained central to environmental protection.
"The triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution demand urgent action at all levels of society," he said.
A Biodiversity Learning Centre, Samoa National Invasive Alien Species Database and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Media Studio were launched.
The Biodiversity Learning Centre will support awareness about Samoa's biodiversity, while the database will act as a central repository for invasive species data.
Both initiatives were funded under the GEF-7 Samoa Invasive Alien Species Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the ministry in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The new Media Studio will support environmental storytelling and public awareness.
Mr Ale said communities, young people and civil society had a central role in Samoa's environmental response.
"Today's dialogue recognises the contribution of local communities, our youth and civil society in the protection of the environment and building our resilience to climate change, disasters, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution," he said.
The week also included a career open day, national tree planting, school awareness programs, disaster preparedness activities, a tsunami drill, waste management and climate action programs, with the final day launching meteorology service initiatives, the Tuutuu Laau Faamanuiti Environment Youth Engagement Framework and the National Adaptation Plan.
The Government acknowledged the UNDP GEF Small Grants Program, which has supported 341 community initiatives and disbursed more than USD $6 million over 21 years.
