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Te Kaniva (Tuvalu Climate Change Policy) prescribes the Government and the people of Tuvalu’s strategic polices for responding to climate change impacts and related disaster risks over the next 10 years (2012–2021). The Policy defines seven thematic goals, strategies and desired outcomes that the Government and the people of Tuvalu have prioritized for implementation to ensure that safety and resilience are achieved. The Policy is directly linked to the National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (NSAP). In both the policy and NSAP, climate change refers to both adaptation and mitigation unless specifically differentiated. The Policy covers climate change impacts and related climate and hydrological hazards whereas the NSAP covers geological and anthropological hazards and related disasters.

Te Kaniva (Tuvalu Climate Change Policy) prescribes the Government and the people of Tuvalu’s strategic polices for responding to climate change impacts and related disaster risks over the next 10 years (2012–2021). The Policy defines seven thematic goals, strategies and desired outcomes that the Government and the people of Tuvalu have prioritized for implementation to ensure that safety and resilience are achieved. The Policy is directly linked to the National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (NSAP). In both the policy and NSAP, climate change refers to both adaptation and mitigation unless specifically differentiated. The Policy covers climate change impacts and related climate and hydrological hazards whereas the NSAP covers geological and anthropological hazards and related disasters.

Climate change issues reach far beyond atmospheric and oceanic sciences, affecting every aspect of life on this planet. The issues are increasingly pivotal in determining future environmental and economic well?being. Variations of climate have profound effects on natural and managed systems; the economies of nations and the well-being of people everywhere” ? (UNFCCC Conference Statement?2nd world climate conference, 1990). In Solomon Islands lack of empirical data on the intimate evidences of climate change e and its implications on the islands’ inhabitants coupled with lack of technical and analytical capability has created gaps in the comprehensive understanding of climate change and sea level rise. Hence people have been ignorant of the adverse effects of climate change until recently (Hiriasia, 2007).

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.

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.

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.