The gathering of Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) members, partners and donors in Samoa this week embodies the collective commitment and priority Pacific leaders have placed on the protection and management of the Blue Pacific for the present and future generations.

The point was made by Samoa’s Prime Minister, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, on Monday night when she opened the 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials and Associated meetings at the Taumeasina Island Resort from 4-8 September 2023, according to a media release issued on Monday. 

This year also marks the 30th Anniversary of SPREP since its establishment through a Treaty in 1993, a milestone which was not lost on the Samoan Prime Minister.

“I wish to congratulate SPREP on its 30th Anniversary celebrations and to thank SPREP sincerely for its valuable contribution to Samoa’s development," said Fiame. "My Government is privileged to work and partner with SPREP on many occasions in support of our sustainable development aspirations. 

"I look forward to further strengthening our joint effort including in Samoa’s role as AOSIS Chair."

The 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials and Associated meetings are taking place in exceptional times and circumstances, the Prime Minister noted, where many of the “socio-economic and environmental problems we face are global in nature, but not of our making.”

“Climate change remains the single greatest existential threat facing the Blue Pacific. Our Pacific Leaders have also declared that the Pacific is facing a Climate Emergency that threatens the livelihoods, security and well-being of our people and ecosystems, backed by the latest science and the daily lived realities in Pacific communities,” she said. “The evidence of the latest IPCC report is irrefutable. We will not be able to stave off the worst consequences of climate change if we do not immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

As AOSIS Chair, Fiame reassured that Samoa will continue to advocate for more ambitious targets and urgent follow through in the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are countries' self-defined national climate pledges under the Paris Agreement, detailing what they will do to help meet the global goal to pursue 1.5°C and adapt to climate impacts and ensure sufficient finance to support these efforts.

“I acknowledge SPREP’s technical support and advice to Pacific SIDS and in leading the One CROP team in preparations for COP28 in Dubai, we look forward to your continued support.

“We cannot do it alone. I firmly believe there is a high degree of ownership among all our countries in our sustainable development efforts, these can be reinforced by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent to respond to the unique challenges that our region faces, including environmental and sustainable development. 

“Our actions and resolve as a collective in ensuring timely responses to the critical needs of our region and peoples, and in addressing the existential threat of climate change and all related challenges, remain critical.”

The meetings this week were preceded by the Noumea and Waigani Conventions last week. All meetings are guided by the theme: “SPREP 30th Sustainable, Transformative and Resilient for a Blue Pacific.” 

Fiame highlighted the value of partnerships to strengthen institutional capacities, and competencies and to provide a sustainable funding base.

SPREP Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra acknowledged Samoa’s support for SPREP and welcomed all SPREP Members, partners and donors who are in Samoa for the meetings.

“Samoa has been a wonderful host country and government for us. Samoa has always made us feel welcomed, you have always supported us and you have nurtured us over and beyond what a host country is normally expected to do,” he said. “The best example is the Pacific Climate Change Centre. 

"Samoa willingly gave what was supposed to be bilateral assistance to a regional organisation, this is something I know we will always appreciate. I want to acknowledge the leadership of the Samoan government, the current administration and the past administration, have always been a strong supporter of SPREP."

The 31st SPREP Meeting and associated meetings kicked off on Monday with the first SPREP Partnership Dialogue.

“One of the strengths of SPREP is our ability to convene, to convene our partners in a number of different networks and communities of practice but that’s only possible if the partners are willing,” Mr Nawadra said. “We look forward to continuing to work together with our SPREP members, partners and donors to serve our Pacific communities.

The official opening started with a devotion led by Reverend Nu’uausala Siutaia Siaosi, of the Apia Protestant Church, and featured a montage slideshow of SPREP’s journey in the last 30 years, and concluded with a welcoming reception.