Samoa Climate Change Policy 2020.

Samoa Climate Change Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The objectives of this Policy are: (I) strengthened framework and support systems for effective response to climate change impacts, (II) implementation of adaptation measures against the impacts of climate change, (III) implementation of mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, (IV) sustainable financing mechanisms, (V) integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation into national planning, implementation and monitoring processes, (VI) improved data and information management on climate change for informed decision making, (VII) strengthened and effective coordination and representation at the national, regional and international level, and (VIII) capacity building on the impacts of climate change.
This Policy lays down strategies and interventions needed across all sectors, civil society, the private sector and communities, in order to build resilience to the impacts of climate change while achieving sustainable development goals. A National Climate Change Council will be established to ensure effective coordination between the ministries, institutions, the private sector, civil society and local communities. Public participation to the decision-making processes will be promoted, with a special emphasis on vulnerable groups including women, persons with disability, youth, children and the elderly. Capacity building and research will be enhanced on effective national responses to climate change. Public awareness will be raised on climate hazards, resilience building and risk related reduction processes. Climate change adaptation and mitigation will be mainstreamed into sectoral policies, such as agriculture, health, forestry, and tourism. Climate change monitoring and evaluation framework will be established for effective implementation of adaption and mitigation measures. Adaptation approach will be enhanced to increase the resilience of ecosystems, biodiversity, health, soil, sanitation, oceans, agriculture, food security, forests, protected areas, and water resources. Mitigation measures will be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in key sectors in consistency with the Nationally Determined Contribution. Financial incentives will be provided for research and development of climate change adaption and mitigation measures. Data and information management will be developed to ensure proper planning and sound decision making on effective climate change action. To this end, climate change database will be established and the access to climate change information will be improved. Traditional knowledge will be integrated into information facilities. Effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework will be developed for climate change reporting at the national and international level. The obligations under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement will be fulfilled through the collaboration with international development partners.