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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.

Marine litter negatively affects the environment people and coastal economies around the world. In the Pacific region the problem is even more serious as countries depends on healthy and sustainable marine ecosystems. To promote a Cleaner Pacific, SPREP actively participated in the International Coastal Clean-up Day 2023 for the third year through Agence francaise de deceloppement funded SWAP Project in collaboration with the Australian funded POLP project as well as the ISLANDS Pacific Ocean and Plastic Tide Turners projects.

In celebration of International Coastal Clean-Up Day (ICCD) 2023, the Moata’a Village Community and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), joined through Committing to Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific (SWAP) Project, unite in efforts to clean Taumeasina's marine litter. This harmonious effort represents our unwavering dedication to safeguarding our coastal treasures and eradicating plastic pollution from our marine ecosystems. Each year, SWAP Project, in conjunction with local communities, undertakes marine litter clean-ups, waste audits, and surveys. We invite you to watch this video and become inspired to join this movement in the quest for cleaner, healthier oceans. Together, we can make a significant impact.

Marine pollution is the result of harmful chemicals entering the ocean, polluted waste waters industrial, agricultural and residential waste, garbage from ships and the spread of invasive organisms. A major source of marine pollution is related to plastics intentionally thrown from shore or boats or are unintentionally carried by winds or streams.

Used oil is defined as petroleum-based or synthetic oil or fluid that through contamination had become suitable for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or loss of original properties

Every year, the amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems is estimated between 9-14 million ton and this projection could nearly triple to 23-37 million tons per year by 2040.

Poor management of used oil is a major environment concern for Pacific Island nations. Samoan data (2018-2021) indicates that an average of 740,00 Lts of lubricants are imported into the country annually.

Marine litter negatively affects the environment, people and coastal economies around the world. In the Pacific region, the problem is even more severe given countries’ reliance on healthy ocean ecosystems and services.

This report is the Analysis report for the Samoa component of the work. This phase of work was essentially local data gathering and Ms Katenia Rasch attempted to interview a large number of people to gather data, both in person and by phone. This particular project focuses exclusively on used oil and four countries have been chosen to benefit, namely Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

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.