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Samoa's National Implementation Plan (NIP) for POPs was initiated and developed in partnership with the Government of Samoa and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). With funds made available from GEF through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Samoa's Enabling Activity for POPs began, with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) as the National Execution Agency.

Biotechnology has been used by Samoan farmers for many years to crossbreed plants and animals. However, modern biotechnology, where genes are transferred between species, is a relatively new concept in Samoa. The products of modern biotechnology are often referred to as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Bio-safety is a way of reducing the potential risks that may result from modern biotechnology and its products. It is a way of protecting a country’s biodiversity, or its environment and human health from any possible adverse effects of GMOs.