A $40 million plan to promote green transformation in Samoa and reduce emissions was launched on Tuesday.

The Decarbonisation Strategy and the Samoa Land Use and Mobility Plan for the Climate Action Pathway for the Island Transport Project was launched at the Don Bosco Hall, Alafua. The project is being backed by the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme.

Minister of Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Olo Fiti Vaai said the launch builds on that progress and reflects other achievements under the CAP-IT project. 

"The project covers Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu and Samoa, with Samoa receiving the majority share of the funding - up to US$15.5 million of the US$37 million allocated for the region. Through CAP-IT, these plans outline Samoa's concrete steps towards meeting its emission reduction targets in the land and maritime transport sectors by 2030," Olo said. 

"These actions align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and our Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as well as our pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026 and finally the Transport and Infrastructure Sector Plan 2-23 - 2028.

"This plan was developed through extensive consultations led by the MWTI in collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, local communities and the support of the United Nations Development Program. It is with great pride that I say, this strategy has been crafted by Samoans, for Samoa."

According to Olo, transport is the key enabler of connectivity yet it was also one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in Samoa. He also emphasised that the importance of these plans is to ensure Samoa is steadfast in its commitment to transitioning to a lower-carbon future.

It encloses new legislation, policy changes, financing initiatives, and interventions. He also acknowledged the contribution made by technical institutions such as Don Bosco Technical Centre, Laumua o Punaoa in Faleula, and the National University of Samoa.

"They have upgraded their facilities and built capacity to deliver electric vehicle repairs and maintenance courses. It is encouraging to see female students already beginning to enrol. It only means our Samoan women will benefit from this transition and play a role in Samoa's green future."

The Minister is confident that the approach will ensure the successful implementation of these plans.