The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), through its Division of Environment and Conservation (DEC), convened the Validation Workshop for Samoa’s Biodiversity Finance Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) on Friday, 2 October 2026, at the Lava Hotel Conference Room.
The workshop brought together government partners, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector representatives and other stakeholders who have contributed to Samoa’s biodiversity finance work. The validation process provided an important opportunity to collectively review the findings of the draft PIR, identify gaps and missing evidence, and consider practical priorities for strengthening biodiversity finance in Samoa.
The Policy and Institutional Review examines the policies, institutions, budgets, revenues and incentives that influence biodiversity outcomes. It considers how existing resources can be used more effectively, while identifying gaps and opportunities to strengthen financing, coordination and implementation in support of Samoa’s biodiversity priorities.
The workshop discussions focused on four key areas such as biodiversity and Samoa’s development; how biodiversity is financed; institutions and capacity for delivery; and priorities and next steps. These areas provide an important basis for understanding the relationship between biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, financing arrangements, institutional capacity and Samoa’s broader development priorities.
The review recognises that while Samoa has a strong policy framework for biodiversity, effective conservation also requires adequate and sustainable financing, strong institutions, reliable data and long-term commitment. Sustaining essential conservation activities beyond the lifetime of individual projects remains an important consideration in strengthening Samoa’s approach to biodiversity finance.
The biodiversity finance is also closely interconnected with Samoa’s economy, livelihoods, food security, climate resilience and the wellbeing of future generations. The active participation and contributions of stakeholders are therefore essential to ensuring that the final PIR reflects Samoa’s priorities and provides a practical foundation for future biodiversity financing efforts.
The feedback and agreed amendments from the validation workshop will contribute to the finalisation of the PIR and inform the subsequent stages of the BIOFIN process, including the Biodiversity Expenditure Review, Financial Needs Assessment and Biodiversity Finance Plan.
The Ministry acknowledges with appreciation the valuable contributions of its government partners, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector representatives and all stakeholders who have supported the BIOFIN process and contributed to the review. Special acknowledgement is extended to UNDP in Samoa, the BIOFIN Global Team, and the consultants, Feagaima’ali’i Francois Martel, who laid the groundwork for the review, and Ross Sinclair, who prepared the final draft presented for validation.