7 November 2014: Samoa launched a US$12.3 million project on climate adaptation, the largest national project to be funded under the Least Development Countries Fund (LDCF) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Samoa is undertaking the project in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The project will support a “whole-of-government” approach addressing three main objectives: integrating climate change considerations and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in national planning and budgeting processes; enhancing resilience of families and communities against extreme weather events, including flood prevention measures; and improving information systems for better decision making in relation to adaptation measures.

Flood prevention measures will be part of a “ridge to reef” watershed management planning approach. Resilience building measures will involve partnerships with NGOs to develop local business opportunities, such as handicraft development, for women and youth.

The LDCF was established to address the special needs of LDCs under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The LDCF finances the preparation and implementation of National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), focusing in particular on the relevant sectors of water, agriculture and food security, health, disaster risk management and prevention, infrastructure, and fragile ecosystems.

The Samoa climate project will also advance the country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process, integrating adaptation concerns into national development plans, budgets and strategies. [UNDP Press Release] [GEF LDCF Webpage]