Samoa has strengthened its fight against invasive species with the handover of new response tools and equipment to support its national emergency plan.

The equipment was provided through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme-led Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service under the Restoring Island Resilience project. It will support the implementation of Samoa’s Invasive Species Emergency Response Plan 2025–2030.

Representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, SPREP and the British High Commission attended the handover ceremony in Apia.

The emergency response plan sets out clear roles and procedures to prevent, detect and respond quickly to invasive species before they become established. It works alongside Samoa’s National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030.

Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Division of Environment and Conservation, Suemalo Tumutalie Foloiga, said the equipment strengthens Samoa’s frontline defences.

“With support from SPREP and our partners, we are moving from planning to action,” he said. “These tools will help our biosecurity teams detect and contain threats before they become national emergencies.”

Daniel Garlick, Deputy British High Commission, said, “This equipment handover represents a significant step in boosting Samoa’s capacity to detect and respond to invasive species threats.”

SPREP Invasive Species Adviser David Moverley said the equipment was carefully selected to meet Samoa’s emergency response needs and is ready for joint deployment by biosecurity and environment teams.

The Restoring Island Resilience project is funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Kingdom International Development. It supports Pacific countries to build resilience against climate change and invasive species.