The Government of Samoa in its efforts to align its national environmental programs with international initiatives have been celebrating the World Water Day, World Wetlands Day and the International Day of Forests and Biodiversity for more than a decade, through the coordination of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE).
These global programs aim to promote the protection of water, wetlands, forests and biodiversity through annual targeted themes that highlight various priority issues pertaining to their sustainable management worldwide. This year, the MNRE facilitated commemoration activities targeting the youth and communities, and their significant role as vehicles of change, bringing about effective water resources management, sustainable forest development and protection, as well as wetland and biodiversity conservation.
The National Theme for this year’s commemorations is; “Protecting Samoa’s Water, Wetlands, Forests, and Biodiversity Resources for Our Resilient Common Future” (Lātasi le Folauga Samoa mo le Puipuia o Punaoa o Suavai, Laufanua Vailaloa, Vaomatua ma le Ola Faanatura). This theme reflects a national commitment to resilience, sustainability, and collective stewardship of our natural heritage. It highlights the critical role of Samoa’s ecosystems in supporting livelihoods, safeguarding biodiversity, and building resilience in the face of climate change and socio-economic pressures.
This message is particularly significant given Samoa’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem degradation. Our water sources, wetlands, and forests are not only essential for daily survival but also serve as natural buffers against climate impacts. Biodiversity underpins these systems, contributing to food security, cultural identity, and ecological stability.
By calling for the protection of these interlinked resources, the theme encourages coordinated action at all levels, from community-based conservation efforts to regional partnerships, and reflects Samoa’s vision of a resilient and inclusive future for all.
This year’s celebration involved two-days of Action and Awareness.
Day 1 (22 May): Official Opening and Student Forum
The official opening ceremony was held at the Apita o Pisaga Hall in Salelologa on Thursday, 22 May 2025. It was attended by over 200 students and stakeholder representatives. The Honourable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, delivered the keynote address.
A key highlight was the launch of the National Drought Policy and the National Drought Management Plan 2025–2035, which was developed under European Union funding support. The JICA Representative Ms. Yumiko Asakuma launched the documents on behalf of the Government and the EU. Three Memorandums of Understanding were also signed between the Ministry and community farmers, who are involved in agroforestry and sustainable land use practices, an important step to engage community leaders in the reforestation and rehabilitation of degraded forest and watershed areas.
Day 2 (23 May): Three Million Planting Campaign and Forestry Management Workshop & Educational Tours
A workshop for farmers and foresters was conducted as part of the second day of celebrations to raise awareness on the progress and issues pertaining to the 3-Million Tree Planting Campaign as well as the provisions of forestry management legislation governing the sustainable harvesting of forest plantations. Moafanua Tolusina Pouli (ACEO Forestry Division) delivered the key note address to open day-2, noting the importance of forests in delivering the ecosystem services vital to the development of Samoa’s social, environmental, and economic sectors.
A parallel program was also held as part of Day 2, for selected colleges from around Savaii and the National University of Samoa. Approximately 100 students participated in field tours and visits to local conservation projects related to water, wetlands, forests and biodiversity conservation.
Activities during these tours looked at the following areas:
The MNRE expresses sincere thanks to all the development partners for their continued support in water, wetlands, forests and biodiversity management in Samoa. Special acknowledgements are extended to the main sponsors of the 2-day event : the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) at SPREP, the European Union (EU), the Pacific Community (SPC), the Government of Samoa and all the implementing agencies of the Environment, and the Water and Sanitation Sectors.
The Ministry also conveys sincere gratitude to the colleges around Savaii and the communities supporting sustainable natural resources management initiatives, and to SWA and EPC for granting access to their water treatment and hydropower generation facilities.
