𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝕆𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝔼𝕟𝕧𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕎𝕖𝕖𝕜 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞 𝕊𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕃𝕠𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝔾𝕝𝕠𝕓𝕒𝕝 𝕀𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕥!

Today marked the exciting beginning of National Environment Week 2026, celebrated under the theme “Local Actions for Global Impact.”

This week highlights the power of collective action and reminds us that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to protecting and preserving Samoa’s environment for future generations

Today’s programme featured:

Official Opening Ceremony at TATTE Convention Centre

Commemoration of National Biodiversity Day

Launching of the Biodiversity Learning Center

Launching of the Samoa National Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Database -Launching of the MNRE Media Studio

Environment Career Open Day

A major highlight of today’s programme was the official launching of the Biodiversity Learning Center, The Samoa National IAS Database and the MNRE Media Studio. These important initiatives mark another step forward in strengthening environmental education, awareness and communication.

The Biodiversity Learning Center will serve as a space for learning and promoting the importance of Samoa’s biodiversity. Integrated in the awareness outreach of the Centre is the National IAS Database which will serve as the centralised data repository for all national IAS information and data reporting.

Both the Biodiversity Learning Centre and the National IAS database have been funded under the GEF-7 Samoa IAS Project funded by the GEF and implemented by the MNRE in close partnership with the @UNDP.

The Ministry would like to thank members of the Samoa National Invasive Species Task Team (SNITT) which includes the Samoa Tourism Authority, Samoa Conservation Society, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme – SPREP, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Samoa @Scientific Research Organisation for Samoa for their valuable input to the design and development of the National IAS Information System.

The Media Studio will enhance environmental storytelling and outreach through innovative and engaging communication platforms.

The Environment Career Open Day also provided a valuable opportunity for students and participants to learn more about career pathways within the environmental sector and engage with professionals working across different fields.

Congratulations also to our National Environment Week Zumba Competition Winners, whose teams proudly represented Samoa’s unique biodiversity through their chosen species:

1st Place – Falealupo – Pe’a (Flying Fox)

2nd Place – Nono’a Saleimoa – Toloa (Pacific Black Duck)

3rd Place – VailoaAleipata – Atafa (Frigate Bird)

4th Place – Vaitoomuli – Malie (Shark)

5th Place – Tuanai – Laumei (Turtle)

Fa’afetai tele to all participants, supporters and communities for your enthusiasm and support. National Environment Week continues with more exciting activities ahead as we work together to create positive environmental change because local actions truly create global impact.