Invest in Agriculture and Fisheries for Sustainable Growth and Development
The women’s committee flaunted their hand weaved fine mats high in the air while the men paraded their agriculture crops in the midst of the overwhelming Savaia, Lefaga Marine Reserve, after a successful 2007 Talomua, The Village of Savaia, Lefaga left no room for disappointment as they utterly prepared for yet another ambrosial display of agricultural crops, marine cuisine and an exhibition of cultural fine mats to celebrate 2008 Talomua. The theme of this year’s Talomua was “Invest in Agriculture and Fisheries for Sustainable Growth and Development”
Talomua is an annual traditional event that is commonly practiced in most villages to showcase the produce of farmers and fishermen. Small Grants Programme Regional Coordinator, Ms. Leilani Duffy stated that this is a good practice in terms of food security and relief measures against natural disasters.
Dr. Leapai Laulu Asofou Soo administrated the formalities, while Rev. Nati Leaupepe opened the 2008 Talomua with a prayer and a short sermon. The High Chief of Savaia, Tusani Faaolo addressed the theme of the day. In his speech he stated the importance of Investing in agriculture and fisheries for sustainable growth and development, he urged the people of Savaia to keep working hard and staying committed for the betterment of Savaia Village.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Naheed Haque delivered the keynote address; in her address she thanked the village of Savaia for inviting her and her team to witness another dazzling display of harvest. Ms. Naheed Haque presented the village of Savaia with a gift of memorable milestones achieved by the village; she went on to say that the “Savaia Project is moving fast towards the sustainability stage”. The success of the Savaia community project has now become the GEF/NZAID/SGP local champion community for the programme in the country. Ms. Leilani Duffy said that “it is envisaged that the new Country Programme Strategy 2007 – 2010 for Samoa, SGP will now promote the Savaia integrated model of coastal marine reserve and sustainable led management.” The United Nations Resident coordinator hopes that the “Savaia Model” will encourage the preparations of village development plans and visions to empower communities and to deal with climate change, which is inevitable in the years to come.
The Goal of the Savaia Marine Reserve is to improve the health of the coastal and marine environment from the effects of cyclones, land based pollution and unsustainable fishing practices. Naheed praised Savaia of their hard work and commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and on their livelihoods. The school children of the village also participated by presented compelling poems that lobbied for awareness and stronger environmental safeguards for the village of Savaia
SGP Regional Coordinator, Leilani Duffy stated; “by protecting the Savaia Marine Reserve, Savaia has increased the production of subsistence agriculture and gardening for food security. The Marine reserve not only benefits the marine ecosystem, but it also empowers the local village people to take the lead in managing their own natural resource.”
ST$800,000 BOOST TO HELP TACKLE IMPACT OF
Australia will provide ST$800,000 over the next two years to support community activities in Samoa to address the impacts of climate change.
Through AusAID’s regional Vulnerability and Adaption Initiative, more than ST$4 million has been allocated to support community adaptation activities in Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and the Solomon Islands.
The ST$800,000 funding grant for Samoa will be channelled through the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program.
Speaking at the signing ceremony today with the UNDP’s Resident Representative in Samoa, Naheed Haque, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Matt Anderson said the initiative will use the existing UNDP/GEF small grants scheme to allocate funding support to groups.
“The AusAID grant will contribute to the UNDP/GEF community-based adaptation programme, with a focus on projects that deal with reducing the climate change impact on ecosystems and livelihoods,” Mr Anderson said.
“The UNDP/GEF small grants scheme supports the environmental priorities identified nationally. By using this existing grants program we are reducing the administrative burden of a separate grants program and importantly, providing more support for local projects and activities,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Anderson said the issue of climate change and adaptation is an Australian Government priority. It is also extremely important for Samoa given its vulnerability to rising sea levels, flooding, coastal erosion and ecosystem deterioration.
“Australia is pleased to be working with UNDP in Samoa to support local communities to manage the impact of climate change in their areas.”
Under the small grants scheme, there are two types of grants available to community groups. Under a planning grant, village groups such as a women’s committee can receive up to ST$4000 for local projects. A full grant is valued between ST$40,000 – ST$100,000, with projects normally completed within one to three years. A call for funding proposals is held once a year at a national workshop.