A full-day training workshop on Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) was successfully conducted at the Lava Hotel , bringing together key representatives from government ministries, partner organisations , and academia .
The workshop was conducted as part of the GEF-7 Samoa IAS project’s initiative to support improved, integrated catchment management while minimising environmental and social risks through application of specific mitigation measures.
With the support of the UNDP, MCO office and facilitation by E&S Safeguards Specialist Ms. Kate Walker, the workshop focused on strengthening the participants’ understanding of social and environmental safeguards and their application to project planning and implementation .
Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that environmental protection , biodiversity conservation , human rights , and meaningful stakeholder engagement are appropriately considered throughout every project cycle .
The key areas covered during the workshop included; Understanding what safeguards are and why human rights , biodiversity conservation , and stakeholder engagement matter. Where safeguards sit, from concept and screening through to monitoring . The training included interactive sessions , putting the technical learning into practice by using real activity level examples from the GEF-7 Samoa IAS Project.
The Ministry extends its sincere appreciation to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their continued partnership and technical support . Appreciation is also extended to Ms. Kate Walker for facilitating the training , as well as to all participating government representatives , partner organisations , and SNITT members for their valuable contributions and continued commitment to safeguarding Samoa’s biodiversity , environment , and communities.