The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), through its Division of Environment and Conservation, convened a Stakeholder Consultation on the Draft Fifth National Report on the Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety on Friday, 7 February 2026, at the Sheraton Aggie Grey’s Hotel.
The consultation brought together representatives from relevant Ministries, organisations and key stakeholders to review and provide valuable input towards the finalisation of Samoa’s Fifth National Report on Biosafety.
As part of the consultation, Afioga Sala Josephine Stowers, Consultant, presented on the purpose and expected outcomes of the meeting, followed by a presentation on the preliminary findings of the Draft Fifth National Report. Stakeholders then participated in a discussion and verification of the findings, providing important feedback and information to support the further development and finalisation of the report.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is an international framework aimed at ensuring the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology. It seeks to provide adequate protection for biological diversity and human health, particularly in relation to the transboundary movement of LMOs, while supporting informed national decision-making.
Through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project: “Support Preparations of the Fifth National Report to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,” MNRE has worked closely with consultants and relevant stakeholders to gather and compile information reflecting Samoa’s progress in implementing its obligations under the Protocol.
The stakeholder consultation provided an important platform for collaboration, discussion and verification of findings, contributing to the strengthening and finalisation of Samoa’s Fifth National Report on Biosafety ahead of its official submission.
The Ministry acknowledges and extends its appreciation to Afioga Sala Josephine Stowers Kolo and Rebecca Schuster for their technical support and contributions towards the preparation of the Draft Fifth National Report, as well as to all participating Ministries, organisations and stakeholders for their valuable input and continued collaboration in advancing biosafety in Samoa. The Ministry also acknowledges the support provided through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project towards the preparation of the report and for making this workshop possible.