29 May 2024, Apia Samoa – The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the National University of Samoa (NUS) have strengthened cooperation to fight climate change, work to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in the Pacific region.
It follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations during the closing ceremony of the 4th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) on Thursday 23 May 2024.
The MOU, signed by Professor Tuifuisa'a Patila Amosa, Vice-Chancellor & President of NUS, and Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of SPREP, aims to promote cooperation between the two organisations in areas such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and natural resource management.
The agreement also recognises the importance of capacity-building initiatives and research on environmental heritage.
"We greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with SPREP to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our region," said Professor Tuifuisa'a. "It will also enable us to leverage our strengths and expertise to make a meaningful impact on climate change, the environment and the well-being of our communities."
SPREP is a regional, intergovernmental organisation comprising 26 members consisting of 21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories and five developed countries with direct interests in the Pacific region.
The organisation exists to promote cooperation in the Pacific region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve the Pacific environment, to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations. It marks its 31st anniversary this year.
At the signing ceremony, SPREP’s Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, congratulated NUS for playing a critical role in the successful co-hosting of the 4th POPCCC.
“The 4th Pacific Oceans Pacific Climate Change Conference has been a wonderful platform for talanoa and exchange on ongoing, emerging and innovative solutions, research, technologies and opportunities to address climate change issues in the region,” said Mr Nawadra.
“I would like to acknowledge the National University of Samoa, Professor Tuifuisa’a and her team. Today, SPREP welcomes the opportunity to continue to work with partner organisations like the NUS to enable us to serve our Pacific communities better and to always ensure our goal of working towards a more resilient Pacific environment is at the front and center of everything we do.”
The NUS/SPREP partnership establishes a framework for regular bilateral meetings between the parties to discuss areas of cooperation and develop joint work plans.
The MOU enables the exchange of information and best practices between the two organisations, as well as the provision of training and capacity-building initiatives guided by the environmental, health and safety laws.