National Environment Sector Plan 2017 -2021.

The National Environment Sector Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Plan is 5 years between 2017 and 2021. The purpose of this Plan is to achieve: (I) sustainable management and development of natural resources and environment; (II) environmental sustainability and resilience; (III) integration of climate change and disaster risk management into all sectors; and (IV) strengthened environmental compliance.
Sustainable management and development of water resources, forests, oceans and land resources will be strengthened to ensure protection and sustainable use of natural resources. The sustainability of water resources will be ensured through on-going rehabilitation of degraded watershed areas; protection of critical riparian zones from unsustainable practices; and regulation of water abstraction activities. Water catchment systems will be developed to collect water and at the same time to lessen the pressure on oceans and its marine resources by reducing contamination. Sustainable use and management of oceans will be developed to sustain coastal management, inshore and offshore fisheries management. Forest management and conservation will be developed by carrying out reforestation and monitoring of forestry activities, such as logging. The management of Samoa's wetlands and national parks will be strengthened through effective planning, monitoring and enforcement. In addition, protected area network will be expanded. Sustainable land management will be developed through spatial information and technical services in order to increase productivity in agricultural lands, to conserve key biodiversity areas, and to protect indigenous species and ecosystems of global value. Sustainable and alternative agricultural methods and environmentally friendly agricultural practices will be promoted, such as agro‐forestry and organic farming, in close collaboration with key stakeholders, and farmers in particular. Biodiversity conservation will be ensured in marine and terrestrial ecosystems with an integrated ecosystem approach. Measures will be taken against the introduction of invasive alien species into the critical ecosystems through close monitoring of their status and impacts.
Pollution control will be strengthened through sustainable management of solid waste, sound management of chemicals and hazardous waste, and improved wastewater management. In addition, sustainable development planning and environmental monitoring will be developed. Economic developments will be monitored through environmental impacts assessments. Forest research and development opportunities will be explored to carry out forest assessments and monitoring of key forest indicators. Sector governance and cross-sectoral coordination will be strengthened for environmental sustainability and resilience. Coordinated public education and awareness programs on sustainable management of forests, water resources and land will be encouraged. Moreover, research and scientific and technical training will be promoted and supported to enhance the sustainable use and management of key biodiversity areas.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation will be integrated across all sectors. Disaster risk will be reduced through meteorological, atmospheric and geo‐scientific information and data collection. The coordination, development and implementation of activities for disaster risk management will be strengthened. Low carbon developments will be mainstreamed through energy efficiency and renewable energy. Measures will be taken against flood and the relevant actions specified in the Integrated Water Management Plan for the Apia Catchment will be implemented.
As the lead implementing agency, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for sector-wide coordination. Additionally, the Ministry shall be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the implementation of this Plan.