The Environment Sector Coordination Division (ESCD)

The Environment Sector Coordination Division (ESCD) is responsible for the coordination of all sector stakeholders to effectively implement and monitor the National Environment Sector Plan (NESP), which provides the blueprint for the sustainable management and development of our limited and vulnerable natural resources, and the protection and conservation of our environment. Moreover, it focuses on strengthening and promoting collaboration across sectors to integrate climate change and disaster resilience actions and initiatives.

The Sector Coordination Framework establishes the National Environment Sector Steering Committee (NESSC) as the apex body of the sector, which provides the overall leadership and oversight of the NESP and its progress of implementation.  Four sub-sectors operationalize the four Long-Term Outcomes and is being coordinated by the Environment Sector Coordination Division.

The ESCD has several key functions aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and effective resource management. While the specific functions may vary, they generally include:

  1. Coordination of NESP implementation: Overseeing and coordinating the stakeholders in implementing the NESP, as well as various environmental programs and projects at national and regional levels, ensuring alignment with national priorities.
  2. Monitoring and Reporting: Monitoring environmental conditions and trends, and reporting on the state of the environment to inform decision-making and policy adjustments.  Monitoring and reporting of the Sector implementation of the NESP priorities
  3. Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, communities, and other stakeholders to enhance environmental governance.
  4. Capacity Building: Identify capacity building opportunities to enhance the capabilities of the sector stakeholders and partners.
  5. Data Collection: Collecting data on the progress of activities under the NESP and provide relevant information to inform policies and programs.
  6. Awareness and Education: Promoting environmental awareness and education to encourage sustainable practices among the public and stakeholders.
  7. Project updates: provide quarterly sector projects updates for the information of the NESSC and all stakeholders.

These functions contribute to the overall goal of protecting and sustainably managing Samoa’s natural resources and environment and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental issues.