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United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development

Avoid Intercept Redesign our ocean plastics

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    Description
    Description
    The Government of Samoa (GoS) through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is vested with the authority for the development and implementation of regulations, strategies and policies in regards to waste management. The MNRE manages various waste management activities mainly, litter, rubbish collection services, landfill maintenance and the sludge treatment facilities through various private contractors appointed by the GoS via the government tender process. These contractors provide household waste collection, transportation and disposal services in the various zones designated to them in the Upolu, Savaii, Manono and Apolima areas of Samoa. The contractors scope of work does not include collection and disposal of commercial, institutional, industrial and hazardous waste.

    Marine litter is a key environmental challenge for Samoa. Around 70% of all litter in our urban coastal wasters is made of plastics (packages, containers, bottles, nappies etc) during our National Cleanup Campaign in October 2016. Most of these plastics are single-use items which presented a huge threat to Samoas marine wildlife.

    Samoas preferred approach to solid waste management is waste minimization by applying the 3R + Return (reduce, reduce, recycle and return) approach. Not only it does make a good environmental sense, it makes good economic and business sense. Further, there has been also a great concern about the effects of unusual weather conditions such as floods, cyclones and other natural disasters producing a massive amount of debris and post disaster waste.

    The government of Samoa has legislation i.e., the Waste Management Act 2010 (WMA 2010) as well as a Plastic Bag Prohibition on Importation Regulations 2013 that have provided a formal legal framework for the management of waste. Administration of the WMA 2010 is the responsibility of the MNRE.

    Despite the ongoing efforts being made by the government of Samoa and its key partners, there are still gaps and lessons learned to be filled in for further collaboration and genuine partnerships with PARLEY A.I.R to address Ocean and marine plastic pollution.
    Partners
    PARLEY for the Oceans (Private)

    Goal 14

    Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

    Goal 14

    14.1

    By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

    14.1.1

    (a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density

    14.2

    By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

    14.2.1

    Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas

    14.3

    Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels

    14.3.1
    Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations

    14.4

    By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics

    14.4.1
    Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels

    14.5

    By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information

    14.5.1
    Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

    14.6

    By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation

    14.6.1

    Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

    14.7

    By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

    14.7.1

    Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries

    14.a

    Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries

    14.a.1
    Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology

    14.b

    Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets

    14.b.1

    Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries

    14.c

    Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"

    14.c.1

    Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

    Name Description
    14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
    Raise awareness on ocean health and plastic pollution
    Intercept plastic waste
    Redesign our approach to plastic usage and plastic management
    In-kind contribution
    Community based organisation support
    Staff / Technical expertise
    MNRE will provide staff and technical expertise to implement deliverables
    Staff / Technical expertise
    PARLEY will provide technical support
    In-kind contribution
    Private sector and NGO support
    No progress reports have been submitted. Please sign in and click here to submit one.
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    Timeline
    01 January 2018 (start date)
    01 January 2022 (date of completion)
    Entity
    Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
    SDGs
    Geographical coverage
    Apia, SAMOA
    Ocean Basins
    South Pacific
    Communities of Ocean Action
    Marine pollution
    Website/More information
    N/A
    Countries
    N/A
    Contact Information

    Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade