Samoa is committed to protecting 30 percent of our waters under the Samoa Ocean Strategy 2020 – 2030.
This is through the establishment of marine protected areas to protect biodiversity, preserve ecosystem services, promote sustainable fisheries management and promote the cultural and socio-economic prosperity of our people, says a statement issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a practical way of organising the human use of marine areas to balance the demands of human activities with the need to protect the health of the ecosystems on which those activities depend. MSP involves establishing zones or boundaries in which certain activities may or may not be carried out.
“For that purpose, a multidisciplinary team representing Government Agencies, SUNGO, CI and IUCN has gathered together for 3 days to validate the final draft of the community consultation report from the 1st Phase of the Samoa Marine Spatial Plan and prepare for the second round of community engagement to finalise.”
The Phase 1 consultation conducted last year aimed at collecting as much information as possible from the community to inform on the use and management of Samoa’s ocean spaces for the future. Consultations began in Upolu from August to September covering at least 28 Districts on the island.
Through the four-year project funding (2019 – 2022) provided by the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Initiative (GCCA+), the national consultations are being undertaken with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Samoa, the Samoa Umbrella of Non-Government Organisation and with further support from Conservation International Samoa and Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute. Consultations were initially scheduled for 2020, however, was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As national community consultations are rolled-out, the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Division of Environment & Conservation of MNRE Seumaloisalafai Afele Faiilagi, highlighted that “the national planning process is a relevant and essential step towards soliciting information and input on the proposed management and zonation of Samoa’s EEZ from community members whose lives and livelihoods depend on the ocean.”
