Fourteen new community projects have been announced under the Samoa CARES initiative, which include solar light installation, restoration of freshwater pools, biogas systems, water management initiatives, and sustainable fisheries and agriculture.

The initiative is supported by the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, in partnership with the Australian High Commission and Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Samoa).

The project aims to support communities in strengthening resilience to climate change through environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods.

Australian High Commissioner Will Robinson said inclusive climate action is essential.

“We know that climate change does not affect everyone equally. Women, people with disabilities, older persons and youth often experience its impacts first and most severely. These groups also have deep knowledge, skills and leadership that, when included from the beginning, make our communities safer and more innovative,” he said.

Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Multi Country Office for Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, Paolo Dalla Stella, said the financial support will strengthen vulnerable communities and the wider economy.

“I am pleased to note that these financial grants will play a vital role in delivering much-needed support to our most fragile and vulnerable communities, while also making an important contribution to strengthening the Samoan economy,” he said.

Grant award ceremonies were held in Upolu and Savai’i. The events also featured the first Samoa CARES Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) workshops, bringing together successful grantees to strengthen awareness of GEDSI principles and share approaches for ensuring inclusive participation in climate adaptation projects.

Participants also used practical tools to assess community needs and developed action plans to support inclusion during project implementation.