Samoa has launched three national instruments to guide disaster preparedness and resilience work over the next decade.
The launch was held at Taumeasina Island Resort on Thursday, 21 May 2026, as part of Day 4 of National Environment Week 2026, focused on Disaster Preparedness and Waste Management.
In his keynote address, Honourable Ale Vena Ale said the Samoa Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024–2034, the National Disaster Management Plan 2025–2035, and the Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All Roadmap 2026–2036 will work together to strengthen Samoa’s national resilience.
He said the policy sets the national direction for disaster risk management over the next ten years, while the National Disaster Management Plan provides the implementation framework, including roles and responsibilities across sectors and communities.
The Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All Roadmap aims to ensure that communities receive timely warning information to protect lives and livelihoods.
As part of the day’s programme, a tsunami drill was scheduled for 2pm in Lotofaga, Lepa, and Aleipata along the south-eastern coast of Upolu. The exercise is aimed at strengthening community preparedness and response arrangements in tsunami-prone areas.
Samoa will also launch the Tsunami Ready Programme in partnership with UNESCO IOC to support tsunami awareness, preparedness, and resilience at community level.
On waste management, the Household Waste Segregation Pilot Project in Tanoaleia was also recognised as a practical step towards improving recycling practices. The pilot encourages households to separate recyclable materials at source and will help guide future recycling systems.
The Ministry also launched its Plastic-Free Policy, which prohibits the use of single-use plastics at all Ministry events. Other Government ministries and agencies were encouraged to support the effort towards a cleaner Samoa.
The Waste Management Division also received a new truck to strengthen operational capacity and improve staff safety in responding to waste management issues.
The programme also included the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding with the Samoa Tokelau Association of Recyclers, the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association, the Waste Recycling Environment Network, and Conservation International.
Honourable Ale said progress depends on strong partnerships and shared responsibility between Government, communities, partners, and stakeholders.
He acknowledged the support of JICA, New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency, UNDRR, STAR, SRWMA, WREN, Conservation International, UNESCO, USAID, and the communities of Lotofaga, Lepa, Aleipata, and Tanoaleia.
This article is based on the keynote address delivered by Afioga Honourable Ale Vena Ale at the Disaster Preparedness and Waste Management Day programme held at Taumeasina Island Resort on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
