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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).

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.

The District of Gagaifomauga II is located on the northern side of the island of Savaii west of the tourist precinct of Manase. The district is characterized by rocky coastal shores and estuaries as well as steep coastal cliffs susceptible to erosion and landslip. The inland area is steep and mountainous, covered by plantations and forest and a small number of village houses. The villages of Gagaifomauga II include, Paia, Samauga, Lefagaoali’i, Matavai Safune, Faletagaloa Safune and Fatuvalu. All villages except Paia and part of Lefagaoali’i are located on the coast. Paia is a small village approximately 1.5 km inland, while three quarters of Lefagaoali’i is located inland away from the coast. The coastal villages are all susceptible to coastal hazards.

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 District Coastal Infrastructure Management (CIM) Plan for Faasaleleaga I District has been prepared as part of the Government of Samoa?s Infrastructure Asset Management Programme (IAMP). The CIM Plan is one of the primary means of implementing the CIM Strategy, which was formally approved by the Government of Samoa in February, 2001, as providing the Strategic direction for the management of infrastructure (both public and private) within the coastal area. The Strategy has as its central vision “Resilience – Coastal Infrastructure and Communities Resilient to Natural Hazards”. The CIM Plan takes this vision and provides the practical tools with which the communities and the government, in partnership, can implement the Strategy.