16 July 2026, Apia - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is working with the Government of Samoa to assess the carbon storage capacity and verify the condition of selected mangrove sites and ecosystems in Upolu and Savai’i.
The initiative supports Samoa’s climate commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and contributes to strengthening national greenhouse gas accounting and climate resilience efforts.
SPREP though the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, in partnership with the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), are doing this through community consultations on the “Ground truthing of Mangrove areas in Samoa for Carbon Stock Management” project.
The first community consultation held on Thursday 9 July 2026 at the MNRE Conference Room, was attended by representatives from Falelatai, Vaitoloa, Vaiusu, Asaga, Palauli and Safata, who actively engaged in the discussions.
Mangroves and its ecosystems are among the world’s most effective natural carbon sinks, storing significant amounts of carbon, while also protecting coastline, supporting biodiversity and sustaining local livelihoods.
Mr Su’emalo Talie Foliga, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Division of Environment and Conservation (DEC) highlighted the importance of this work for Samoa.
He said the success of this initiative depends on strong partnerships between government, communities and development partners/organisations.
“Our mangroves are not only important ecosystems for carbon sinks, but they are also an integral part of our local community livelihoods.”
Through this project, scientific field assessments will be combined with community knowledge to develop a clearer understanding of the role Samoa’s mangrove forests play in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
SPREP – Regional Pacific NDC Hub representative, Ms Toiata Apelu-Uili highlighted that reliable data on mangrove carbon stocks will assist Samoa in improving climate reporting, informing conservation planning, and identifying opportunities for nature-based climate solutions.
Ms Apelu-Uili echoes: “The project also contributes to regional efforts to strengthen climate action across Pacific Island countries.”
During the consultation, representatives from MNRE, SPREP, and the project consultancy team discussed the project objectives, implementation activities, expected outcomes and opportunities to strengthen the partnerships.
Amongst the implementation activities are field activities that will focus on priority mangrove areas across Samoa.
A key feature of the project is the active participation of local communities. Community survey, consultation will gather traditional and local knowledge on mangrove ecosystems, species identifications, ecosystem services, environmental changes and management practices.
SPREP, the Regional Pacific NDC Hub and MNRE acknowledge the invaluable contribution of participating communities and reaffirm their commitment to working collaboratively to protect Samoa’s mangrove ecosystems and environment for future generations.
Ms Apelu-Uili also acknowledged SPREP’s valued partners for this work, including, SPC (Pacific Community), the Government of Australia and Sabrina Virly Consulting team.
For more information, contact Ms Vanda Faasoa Chan-Ting, Climate Change Mitigation Advisor vandac@sprep.org or Ms Toiata Apelu – Uili, Pacific NDC Technical Officer toiatau@sprep.org
Main photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority