Communities across Samoa will receive more than WST$3.1 million in grants to help address environmental and livelihood challenges through the UNDP Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP).
The funding comes through the Samoa CARES project, supported by the Australian Government, and the GEF-SGP Operational Phase 8 (OP8). It will support community groups, non-government organisations and local partners to carry out practical projects designed to help their communities.
A grant ceremony was held last Thursday in Upolu and on Friday in Savaii. Successful recipients received their grants and took part in workshops to help them get their projects started.
A total of 45 projects will receive WST$2.3 million through the Australia-funded Samoa CARES project. Another 17 projects will share more than WST$800,000 through GEF-SGP Operational Phase 8. Together, the projects represent a total investment of $3.1 million tala in community-led environmental work across Samoa.
“I am pleased that these grants will provide much-needed financial support to communities, while also contributing to local economic activity,’’ said Paolo Dalla Stella, UNDP Officer in Charge.
‘’More importantly, however, these resources provide an opportunity for communities themselves to develop and implement solutions to the environmental and development challenges that matter most to them.”
The projects will allow communities to use their local knowledge and ideas to take practical action. They also show that protecting the environment and creating sustainable livelihoods can work together.
Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Simon Dawkins, said the selection process was highly competitive and showed the growing skills, creativity and commitment of community organisations.
‘’While each project may be locally focused, its impact contributes to a much larger national and regional climate change effort,’’ he added.
‘’Tatou olo-olo pitova’a fa’atasi mo le saogalemu o Samoa. Let us come together in partnership to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.’’
The UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme provides funding directly to communities and local organisations, especially those living in fragile environments and communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on Samoa’s natural resources.
One of the recipients is Pastor Norman Fa’afetai of the First Samoan Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Nu’u Fou, who welcomed the support.
“We are grateful for this grant, which will enable us to install solar streetlights that will benefit not only our church, but the wider community,” he said.
“It is also our contribution to Samoa’s renewable energy efforts and will support the many church and community activities held on our large compound, including our upcoming youth camp. For us, it also carries a deeper meaning: as a church, we are called to shine God’s light into every dark place.”
The Samoa CARES project is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
A total of 135 applications were considered by the National Steering Committee, which approved 62 projects after technical assessments and recommendations from the Technical Advisory Group.
The projects cover a range of areas, including sustainable use of resources, protecting biodiversity, building communities’ ability to deal with climate change and improving livelihoods. The benefits are expected to reach beyond the organisations receiving the grants.
- Samoa Wins Best Host Country Recognition at Miss Global - October 9, 2026
- ‘Ia Manumalo’: Signature Choir Releases New Anthem - October 9, 2026
- Spencer Leniu Joins Parramatta Eels on a Four-Year Deal - October 8, 2026
