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This study explores the potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) processing in Samoa as a sustainable pathway for waste management and economic development. With increasing global concerns over plastic pollution and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives, PHA emerges as a promising biodegradable polymer. Samoa, like many other small island nations, faces challenges in waste management and environmental conservation.

This Roadmap outlines strategies and plans to improve plastic circularity in Tonga. The Roadmap is based on scientific, social and economic literature review and developed through an inclusi8ve approach, involving public consultations to establish the guiding principles and mechanisms of a circular for Tonga.

‘Le rapport d'étude sur les déchets marins produit avec le soutien financier de l'Agence Française de Développement (AFD) dans le cadre du projet SUSTAINABLE WASTE ACTIONS IN THE PACIFIC (SWAP) du PROE, avec le soutien associé du Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) et du projet Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island Developing States (GEF ISLANDS) fournit des informations détaillées sur les déchets marins collectés sur certaines plages du Pacifique et audités au cours d’activités menées tout au long de la mise en œuvre du projet.’

The factsheet outlines the fundamental components necessary for successful composting, focusing on achieving a balanced mix of carbon-rich (brown) and nitrogen-rich (green) materials. It introduces the 4Rs of composting - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot - as a framework for sustainable waste management. Additionally, the document offers practical tips for composting in various settings, from small urban gardens to larger community plots, and highlights the positive impacts on soil health and local ecosystems. This publication serves as a valuable tool for individuals and communities aiming to reduce waste, enhance soil fertility, and contribute to environmental sustainability in the Pacific region.

Pacific island countries and territories offer rich ecosystems that are threatened by population and urbanisation growth and changing consumption patterns leading to increased waste generation. The SWAP project assists six beneficiary countries and territories, those being: Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna, in implementing sustainable waste management actions.

Les pays et territoires insulaires du Pacifique offrent des écosystèmes riches mais menacés par la croissance démographique et l’urbanisation, ainsi que par l’évolution des modes de consommation menant à une production accrue de déchets. Le projet SWAP aide six pays et territoires bénéficiaires, à savoir les Fidji, les Îles Salomon, les Samoa, les Tonga, le Vanuatu et Wallis-et-Futuna, à mettre en oeuvre des mesures de gestion durable des déchets.

Marine Litter Study Report produced with the financial assistance of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group funds under the SUSTAINABLE WASTE ACTIONS IN THE PACIFIC (SWAP) project in SPREP, with associated project support of the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) and the Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island Developing States (GEF ISLANDS) for informational purposes only to acknowledge the support of work provided by representatives of the participating countries and territories, as well as all the organisations, communities and volunteers involved in beach clean-ups and litter audits and surveys for their valuable work throughout the implementation of the project and activities.

The Commonwealth Youth Forum brought together young people from across the Commonwealth to discuss emerging issues impacting them including the plastic pollution crisis. We spoke to some young delegates to hear how the plastic pollution crisis is impacting their communities, their role in addressing the issue and the kind of future they would like to see. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) brings together delegations from 56 nations from Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. Samoa is hosting the meeting this week, the first time it's held in the Pacific Islands. SPREP through the Australian Government-funded, Pacific Ocean Litter Project #POLP is working together with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa to support the Greening of #CHOGM2024 activities.

As part of the Greening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) initiative, young people have been actively involved in waste audits, and monitoring waste collected across CHOGM venues. This provides insights into the source, types and quantities of waste generated during CHOGM to help plan for effective waste management strategies for the future. SPREP through the Australian Government funded, Pacific Ocean Litter Project #POLP is working together with Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa (MNRE) to ensure a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting #CHOGM, currently underway in Samoa. This includes raising public education and awareness of plastic pollution and the single-use plastic issue in Samoa as well as provisions of waste and skip bins for proper waste segregation, collection and transportation for proper waste management including waste audits and monitoring.

It’s Day 4 of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Samoa. As part of the Greening of CHOGM initiative, businesses, private sectors, and key industries like accommodation and food & beverage have taken serious efforts to reduce plastic use and waste. We speak with two women leading this change at the Manaia Women’s Maketi (Market): Papali'i Mele Maualaivao, Country Program Coordinator for UN Women, and Fetu Saili, a market vendor. Neeraj Chadha, Marriott International’s Multi-Property Vice President for the Pacific Islands, also shares the plastic reduction efforts his hotel is undertaking. SPREP through the Australian Government funded, Pacific Ocean Litter Project #POLP is working together with Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa (MNRE) to ensure a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting #CHOGM, currently underway in Samoa.