The Government of Samoa through its Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is pleased to
announce the official launch of Samoa’s Fourth State of Environment (SOE) 2023 Report and the
National Environment Sector Plan (NESP) 2023-2027. This milestone underscores Samoa’s unwavering
commitment to safeguarding its unique environment and promoting sustainable development in
alignment with global and regional goals.
The State of Environment 2023 provides an in-depth assessment of the current condition of Samoa’s
natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity showing a mix of good, fair and poor conditions. It
highlights both the progress made and the critical challenges faced in four key thematic areas of i)
Natural Environment, ii) Built Environment iii) Atmosphere, Climate & Disaster iv) Environmental
Governance. Some of the key indicators assessed the vital environmental components including
Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Inland Waters, Forests, Soil and land resources, Invasive species
management, Marine and Coastal ecosystems and fisheries, Waste generation and management,
sanitation access, potable water management, environment compliance and monitoring, Greenhouse
Gas emissions, consumption of Ozone depletion substances, Energy and renewables, physical climate,
natural hazards and climate change impacts. Furthermore assessed environment governance and
management by looking at the overall government allocation for environment initiatives, gender
equality and MEA and international reporting obligations.
With these findings, the SOE using the DPSIR Model identifies the Drivers – underlying factors that lead
to environmental changes, Pressures – actions that directly stress the environment, State – the
condition of the environment as a result and Impacts – the effects on the environment. The R of the
DPSIR Model is the Response – which are the measures taken to address environmental impacts and
improve or manage the state of the environment. Responses include policies, regulations, technological
innovations, research, public awareness and so forth.
The National Environment Sector Plan 2023-2027 is the response framework to address the
recommendations and outcomes of the SOE and provides the platform and impetus needed for
coordinated action and responsibility amongst us to achieve environmental sustainability, climate and
disaster resilience.
With its overarching goal of, “Securing environmental sustainability and enhanced climate and disaster
resilience”, Four Long Term Outcomes (LTO) are prioritized in its pursuit. Within the four LTO’s are

thirteen (13) End of Sector Plan Outcomes developed to progress the implementation of the NESP over
the five year period.
Hon. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Afioga Toeolesulusulu Cedric Salesa Pose Schuster
in his keynote address, stressed the importance of this dual launch as a significant milestone in Samoa’s
journey towards environmental sustainability.
The government is confident that through continued cooperation and proactive measures, Samoa can
meet the challenges posed by environmental degradation and climate change.
The Ministry acknowledges with gratitude the continuous technical and financial support from SPREP
and UNEP, the close collaboration and exceptional contribution of all Environment Sector stakeholders
and partners which made this feat possible.