Aadit Shah

2014

MUN

26th November

Policy Statement 1 Combating Deforestation

Samoa is classified as a less developed country mainly because of its vulnerability to
natural disasters and to external economic and trade developments for which it has no
control. Despite these potential constraints, considerable progress has been achieved
in the reform programmes of the Samoan governments. The main challenges the
Samoan government is currently facing include; social and environmental impacts of
development proposals, poor water quality, and the degradation of watershed areas
largely through deforestation and land clearance. Combating deforestation was one of
its chief environment issues in order to create a proper climate for sustainable
development. Timber production and agriculture remained the main consideration for
the utilization of the remaining rainforests and the development of exotic forest
plantations. However, with the increasing public concern with the degrading
consequences of forest clearance, this development focus was challenged and the
direction of the Governments forest
development programme was refined in order to reflect the environmental
considerations. The focus of forest development shifted from reforestation to
watershed management, community forestry and sustainable forest utilization. The
Governments reforestation activities were closed down in all rented village lands.
About a third of Samoas forest trees are used commercially for timber, building
materials for houses and for general construction work. Over 35% of Samoas natural
forests still remain; however, continuing land clearing for agriculture is a major threat
to vegetation cover. Overfishing, deforestation, waste pollution and coastal
development are among the key environmental concerns.
Policy Statement 2 Contributing to Coastal Regions
Samoas vision for the future is to achieve a nation that is characterized by stability, a
competitive private sector, and an efficient public sector. To achieve its vision;
adequate employment opportunities are needed, quality health services, development
of its key agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors, sustainable management of the
environment, and contributing to international cooperation on coastal regions. Various
attempts have been made to improve the development on marine biodiversity in
Samoa. Several conservation initiatives have been introduced with the aim of
ensuring sustainable management of Samoas coastal resources. About 70% of
Samoas population and infrastructure are located in the environmentally vulnerable
coastal zone. Only 4% of the coastline is strong to coastal hazards. A disastrous
tsunami that hit Samoa in 2009 painfully confirmed the vulnerability of the coastal
areas.

Aadit Shah
2014

MUN

26th November