The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment [M.N.R.E.] has unveiled a five-year communications strategy which it hopes will strengthen communications and knowledge management across the sector.

The National Environment Sector Communications Strategy 2022-2026 was officially launched last week at the Taumeasina Island Resort. 

M.N.R.E. Assistant Chief Executive Officer [Environment Sector], Frances Reupena, said in response to questions from the Samoa Observer that communication is crucial to ensuring stakeholders and citizens are well informed and keep abreast of key environmental issues affecting local, regional and global communities.

"Equally important is the need to ensure inclusive communication. This will encourage the active participation and engagement of our communities in discussions and actions to address issues of concern to our country and our people," she said.

Asked who financed the formulation of the communications strategy, Mrs Reupena said that it was the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme [S.P.R.E.P] through its INFORM Project and the G.E.F. Integrated Water Resource Management Ridge to Reef Project.

The G.E.F. Integrated Water Resource Management Ridge to Reef Project is implemented by the M.N.R.E and cost an estimated US$25,000.

The Ministry-launched communications strategy consists of 28 actions to achieve its three objectives. The three objectives are to strengthen the communication and knowledge management capacity; improve and sustain the quality and effectiveness of public awareness, advocacy and outreach initiatives; and reinforce communication coordination, partnerships and collaboration.

Mrs. Reupena added that the total resourcing needed by the Ministry for the full implementation of the communication strategy is estimated to be over $4 million tala.