BUILDING CAPACITY IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT AND INVESTIGATION – DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION – JUNE 17, 2026

As part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental compliance and governance, the Legal Services and Policy Division recently facilitated a refresher training session for officers of the Division of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

The training focused on enhancing officers’ understanding of environmental enforcement and investigation processes, ensuring that regulatory functions are carried out effectively, consistently, and in accordance with the law.

Discussions covered the practical application of enforcement powers, investigation procedures, evidence gathering, record keeping, and the legal requirements necessary to support enforcement actions and prosecutions where appropriate.

Particular attention was given to matters relating to biodiversity conservation, protected and conservation areas, environmental approvals and conditions, unauthorized activities affecting natural ecosystems, and other breaches of environmental legislation.

The session encouraged the sharing of experiences and lessons learned from field operations, allowing officers to discuss challenges encountered in carrying out their regulatory responsibilities and explore practical approaches to addressing them.

Through continued professional development and knowledge sharing, the Ministry remains committed to strengthening the capacity of its staff to safeguard Samoa’s natural environment and support the sustainable management of the nation’s environmental resources.