Waste management is a major issue for pacific island countries. There is a need for continued public awareness and demonstration projects to improve community awareness and knowledge of how to effectively and safely manage waste.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Health and the Samoa Tourism Authority, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPMl), launched a campaign to help address the forecast increase in waste generated during the SIDS Conference, with an eye to improve waste management practices beyond the conference.
Communication materials and TV spots were prepared and broadcasted through national media channels and the entertainment systems of the SIDS conference venue.
Samoa's initiative to end marine litter was highlighted at a side event led by the UNEP and SPREP during the third SIDS Conference in Apia this week. Titled "The Last Straw – preventing our oceans from becoming dumps", the side event noted the huge environmental, aesthetic and commercial impacts of pollution from marine debris and litter.
