General News
17 September 2013, Apia Samoa, 24SM - The Minister of Samoa's Natural Resources and Environment welcomed delegates to the 24th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme today, noting the process that SPREP is undertaking to become an implementing agency for the Global Environment Facility.
Hon. Faamoetauloa Lealaiauloto Taito Dr Faale Tumaalii, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
Photo courtesy of Tim Rasmussen
The GEF is an international global funding organisation that supports environment projects worldwide in partnership with co-funders. It is the funding agency for several regional projects undertaken by SPREP such as the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC) and the Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Renewable Energy Project (PIGGAREP).
Samoa has its own GEF national office, today the Minister shared that the progressive experience of Samoa is testament to the benefits directly received with closer exchanges with the GEF.
"A key partnership is our shared collaboration with the SPREP. SPREP needs to be strengthened through sufficient resourcing that encourages and assures efficient performance and delivery," said Hon. Faamoetauloa Lealaiauloto Taito Dr Faale Tumaalii Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
"I am glad therefore to learn that SPREP is in the process of applying to be a GEF Implementing Agency. Samoa has its own GEF national office, and our progressive experience is testament to the benefits that are directly received with closer exchanges with the GEF. I wish SPREP success in this matter."
The 24th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme is held in Apia, Samoa from 17 to 19 September, chaired by the Government of Nauru and brings together 24 of the 26 members of SPREP, including the newest member, the Government of the United Kingdom.
Former host and chair of the 2012 Annual SPREP Meeting was New Caledonia.