Policy arena: reducing the climate change vulnerability of coastal communities in Samoa

Abstract

This paper describes a project undertaken in Samoa to address climate change and other hazards, the method from which could provide a useful model for other small island developing states (SIDS). To reduce Samoa’s coastal vulnerability and strengthen institutional and community response capability, land use planning and disaster management frameworks were integrated through: (1) Developing coastal infrastructure management plans for every district supported by a national strategy and integrated with national disaster management arrangements. (2) Intensive participatory village consultation which respected traditional and emerging cultural practices. (3) Training government staff to undertake the consultation work in villages and build capacity.