10 July 2025, Apia, Samoa – Government officials and development partners have convened in Apia, Samoa this week to reflect on the achievements and lessons learned during the implementation of the Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific (SWAP) Project, and to chart the way forward as the project enters its second phase.
Funded by the Agence Francaise de Développement (AFD) to the tune of Euro 3 million, Phase I of the SWAP project was implemented from 2020 – 2025 by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna. With Phase II, for which the financing agreement was signed in December 2024, the Steering Committee Meeting will provide a platform for countries and territories to discuss how they can scale up successful activities, strengthen regional collaboration, and reinforce their commitment to a cleaner Pacific.
Phase II sees the inclusion of three additional countries and territories, with French Polynesia, Kiribati, and Tuvalu joining the fold, and is backed by a budget of Euro 4.3 million to further strengthen existing efforts to address marine litter, used oil management, solid waste management, and regional collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the AFD, Ms. Sophie Soejitno, AFD’s Regional Policy Officer, highlighted some of the achievements under Phase I of the SWAP project, which included the setting up of used oil management infrastructure in Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu and the successful completion of 70 beach clean-ups and 60 waste audits involving more than 2000 volunteers and 40 communities across Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu and Wallis.
“This result demonstrates that SWAP 1 was more than a project, it was a regional momentum that combined action, collaboration and innovation in the waste sector,” Ms. Soejitno said.
“With SWAP II, we are entering a new chapter, and we are pleased to continue working with the six initial countries and territories involved in Phase I and we warmly welcome three new partners – French Polynesia, Kiribati, and Tuvalu – whose inclusion strengthens the regional dimension and relevance of the project.”
Ms Soejitno stated that AFD strongly believes in the importance of local ownership and synergies with other initiatives, adding that one of the key values of SWAP2 is its ability to complement existing efforts.
“This Steering Committee is a valuable opportunity to exchange, clarify and align where necessary to ensure that our combined actions are clearer, mutually reinforcing and truly impactful for the Pacific,” she concluded.
Fuimaono Ms. Katenia Rasch, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Waste Management and Pollution Control division within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Samoa, welcomed the opportunity for Pacific island countries and territories to reaffirm their collective commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable Pacific through their efforts under the SWAP project.
She acknowledged the support of the AFD through SWAP Phase I, which allowed Samoa to address key waste management challenges through practical, community-based initiatives. These included a series of beach clean-ups and waste audits, the development of a National Used Oil Management Plan, awareness around promoting better practices, and capacity building.
“As we review progress, refine strategies and map our way forward, let us also reflect on the deeper purpose behind our efforts – the wellbeing of our communities, the protection of our natural environment, and the legacy we leave for future generations.”
“This meeting is crucial for ensuring that SWAP Phase II stays aligned with our national priorities and regional commitments. It provides a platform to monitor progress, share lessons, discuss challenges, and coordinate activities across participating countries.”
Speaking on behalf of SPREP, Mr. Anthony Talouli, Director of SPREP’s Waste Management and Pollution Control Programme reiterated SPREP’s gratitude for the continued partnership and support from the AFD, allowing the beneficiary countries and territories to build on the successes of SWAP Phase I.
“Our waste problem across the Pacific continues to grow as part of the triple planetary crisis and we need all the help we can get to progress our aspirations for a Cleaner Pacific. SWAP2 is one of the many initiatives that will make it happen,” he said.
“This extension of the SWAP project to include nine beneficiary countries and territories is indeed a welcomed development. The broader geographic coverage will enhance the project’s reach, and its impact will enable us to address critical environmental challenges particularly with regards to marine litter, including plastic pollution, used oil, solid waste management through circular systems approach while enhancing regional cooperation.”
Officials and development partners will use the two days of the Steering Committee Meeting to report on activities carried out during Phase I and share their experiences and lessons learned from their own country experiences. This will then lead into the presentation of the SWAP2 implementation process and allow countries and territories to finalise and endorse their work plans under Phase II.
The Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific Phase II (SWAP2) Project is funded by the Agence Francaise de Développement (AFD) and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
SWAP2 contributes to the goals of the Cleaner Pacific Strategy by improving waste infrastructure, building capacity, and fostering regional collaboration. The nine SWAP Pacific islands are Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna.
For further information, please visit the SWAP website or contact Ms. Julie Pillet, SWAP Project Manager, at juliep@sprep.org.
