Strengthening Samoa’s capacity to prepare for, respond to and recover from major disasters and emergencies requires more than effective systems, it requires shared knowledge, strong coordination and meaningful partnerships.
This was the focus of the Academics Seminar held at Taumeasina Island Resort as part of Exercise LONGREACH 26, which commenced this week and brought together Samoan and international participants to exchange knowledge, expertise and practical experiences in disaster preparedness, response and resilience. Spiritual guidance and prayers was delivered by Rev Siaosi Salesulu of the CCCS of Vailele, Opening remarks were delivered by the Acting CEO of MNRE Moafanua Tolusina Pauli and the keynote address by the Australia High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Will Robinson who all echoed the same sentiments and message, that Preparedness and Anticipatory Action is Key to ensure our communities are resilient and well equipped to adapt to disasters.
The Ministry o through its Disaster Management Office (DMO) Division, continues to support and strengthen Samoa’s national disaster management efforts, including through opportunities that enhance coordination, knowledge sharing and collaboration with national, regional and international partners.
The Exercise LONGREACH is a joint civilian-military, multi-agency training exercise designed to strengthen national capacity to prepare for and respond to major disasters and emergencies. Delivered through collaboration between Defence and the Australian Civil-Military Centre, the exercise brings together government agencies, emergency management practitioners, technical experts and international partners to explore approaches to disaster and emergency management.
The Academics Seminar provided an opportunity to examine disaster preparedness from a national and multi-agency perspective, with discussions reflecting Samoa’s priorities and disaster risk context. The participants explored the importance of strengthening preparedness for hazards that can significantly affect communities, infrastructure, livelihoods and national development.
The seminar also highlighted the value of knowledge sharing and diverse expertise. This includes having a plenary session which allowed key figures who have played crucial roles and responsibilities around disaster preparedness, share their lived experiences and lessons learned from the 29/09/2009 Samoa Tsunami to include the Secretary General of Samoa Red Cross Society, Ms Namulauulu Tautala Mauala, SFESA Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga & Former ACEO –DMO who is now with SPREP as a Climate Change Adviser Ms Muliagatele Filomena Nelson. The presentations and discussions involving Samoan and international specialists enabled participants to share experiences, examine existing approaches and identify lessons that can contribute to stronger disaster preparedness and response.
A key theme throughout the seminar was the importance of whole-of-government and multi-agency engagement. The effective disaster management requires coordinated action across government agencies, emergency services, communities, civil society and international partners. Strengthening these connections is essential to ensuring that preparedness and response efforts are timely, coordinated and effective when disasters occur.
The preliminary session held earlier in the week provided the initial foundation for Exercise LONGREACH 26, while the Academics Seminar further strengthened the shared understanding and professional knowledge needed to support the activities continuing throughout the week.
The Ministry acknowledges and sincerely thanks the Australian High Commission’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the Australian Civil-Military Centre (ACMC), Headquarters 1st (Australian) Division, and all participating national agencies and partners for their collaboration, commitment and continued support towards strengthening Samoa’s disaster preparedness and resilience. Day one has set an important foundation for the week ahead, strengthening communication, coordination and partnerships towards a safer and more resilient Samoa
𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙇𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘾𝙃 26 (𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙖).