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Samoa, like other Least Developed Countries (LDCs) inherits high vulnerability to natural disasters and to external economic and trade developments for which it has no control. These natural disasters include tropical cyclones, prolonged periods of drought, extreme flooding, pests and sudden outbreak of diseases, storm surges and sea level rise. Climate change and sea level rise are serious concerns given that 70% of Samoa’s population and infrastructure are located on low-lying coastal areas. Samoa’s economy largely depends on its natural resources, which must rely on favorable climatic conditions for growth and sustenance.

Samoa is a small island country in the southwest Pacific, comprised of four main inhabited islands and six smaller, uninhabited islands. Samoa has a total land area of roughly 2,900 km2. The capital, Apia, is in the northern part of Upolu. Samoaís main islands are characterised by a rugged and mountainous topography. Samoa is of volcanic origin, mainly from the Samoa-Uvea hotspot, and the movement of continental plates over a thin, hot spot in the crust. On Upolu, the central mountain range runs along the length of the island with some peaks rising more than 1,000 metres above sea level with the highest peak being Mt Fito at a height of 1,100 metres. Savaiíi contains a central core of volcanic peaks reaching the highest point, Mt Silisili, at 1,858 metres.

The Government of Samoa under its Environmental Policy Framework established rules and procedures to be followed under IAMP Phase 2 with regard to environmental assessment, monitoring and mitigation of potential negative impacts. For projects with no, or low but acceptable environmental impacts, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) may issue a waiver to the proponent from the further requirements of the draft EIA Regulations. In issuing a waiver, the CEO MNRE will rely on the advice of the Assistant CEO, PUMA. Such works are to be covered by Codes of Environmental Practice (COEP) provisions.