Apia, Samoa – By engaging local communities and focusing on education and awareness, long-term positive changes can be fostered within them regarding attitudes towards waste recycling that will benefit the region’s environment and its people.

This is the principle guiding the partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Samoa and Tokelau Association of Recyclers (STAR), which not only addresses immediate waste management challenges but also lays the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Samoa and Tokelau, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a healthier environment.

This was also highlighted during the recent visit to Samoa by Akiko Yamamoto, the Regional Team Leader for Asia and the Pacific for the Environment and Energy at UNDP, based in Bangkok. Her visit coincided with the handover of more than 70 electric vehicles from UNDP’s Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) to the Government of Samoa in October.

She also got to witness firsthand the collaboration between UNDP and STAR via the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP). This partnership exemplifies SGP’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Accompanied by the local SGP team, the Regional Team Leader visited one of STAR’s project sites, as well as a tour of STAR’s recycling facility where the team learned about the organization’s efforts to collect and manage plastic waste. STAR representatives shared insights into the challenges they face and their ongoing efforts to overcome these issues through community-driven solutions. This visit showcased the significance of infrastructure in STAR’s activities and reaffirmed the partnership's shared commitment to advancing waste management solutions.

The tour also highlighted the successful implementation of "The Bag That Builds" (TBTB) initiative, originally developed by CRDC Global in collaboration with partners, including UNDP.

With financial support from a GEF-SGP grant, STAR played a pivotal role in rolling out this project across 12 schools, engaging both primary and secondary students. In just three months, the initiative reached approximately 3,000 students and resulted in the collection of over 6,600kg of plastic waste. This success not only exceeded expectations but also showcased STAR’s leadership in driving waste management efforts in Samoa.

Engaging the Next Generation
The delegation also visited one of the participating schools, Ah Mu Academy. Students and teachers organized a fashion show featuring outfits crafted from recycled plastic materials. The students also delivered speeches about how the project has shifted their perspectives on plastic waste and inspired them to take action. This event showcased the impact of the TBTB programme in cultivating environmental awareness and stewardship among youth.

"We cannot continue staring at the existing practices; we need to move beyond the usual practices to see alternative options and opportunities to support the economic development of our people, youth, and women. This is the next option to help our environment and our people. We must act now," said Patricia Netzler Laga’aia, Project Manager, STAR.

Her words underscored the urgency of the project’s goals and the vital role that young people play in driving change.

Fostering Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future
Established in May 2021, STAR is a coalition of private and civil society organizations working to manage plastic waste and promote responsible waste practices. With the support of GEF-SGP and UNDP, STAR has expanded its efforts, particularly in schools and local communities, to provide the tools and education needed for sustainable waste management.

“The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme has improved the livelihoods of local communities in Samoa through the projects it supports. SGP is unique for UNDP as the financial grant goes directly to civil society organizations and communities, who often live in fragile ecosystems and depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita.

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa | Tel. +685 23670 | E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org | www.ws.undp.org