The WASH Baseline Survey is an initiative of the Water and Sanitation Sector which aims to:
1. Gain a better understanding of the water and sanitation situation nationally; and
2. Collect information about Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the population regarding water use, sanitation status and hygiene behaviour.
Cyclone Evan hit Samoa in December 2012 and caused immense damage and significant losses. This comprehensive assessment estimates those damages and losses, and identifies the needs of the affected population.
In this report, the value of durable physical assets across all economic and social sectors destroyed by Evan (referred to as damage) is estimated at SAT 235.7 million, equivalent to US$103.3 million.
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Finance : Goal 17 encapsulates the need for a transformational approach to development if prosperity, equality for all and a protected environment, are to be achieved.
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels : The inclusiveness and transparency of institutions is addressed in Goal 16, although defining and measuring this is difficult. Associated with this is the adoption of legislation or policies to guarantee freedom of information, and while adoption is low in the Pacific, awareness is increasing; Birth registration is necessary to safeguard individual rights and promote access to justice and social services.
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss : Most countries in the region retain sizeable sections of forested area, although habitat loss continues to be a risk due to unsustainable logging practices and forest conversion for plantation and agricultural uses. Invasive species are the leading cause of species extinction on island ecosystems and can impact food and economic security.
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development : The Blue Pacific continent contains and supports the most extensive and diverse coral reefs in the world, the largest tuna fishery, the deepest oceanic trenches and the healthiest and in some cases, largest remaining populations of many globally threatened species such as whales and dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs, sharks and stingrays; Goal 14 will monitor regional efforts in integrated and sustainable ocean management and conservation, adaptation, mitigation and biodiversity activities.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts : Climate change is a critical development challenge for the region. The key threats are sea level rise, saltwater intrusion of freshwater lenses and ocean acidification and their impact on people, water and food security, livelihoods, and the Pacific region’s biodiversity and culture. Climate induced mobility and migration across the region may be a required adaptation strategy; Goal 13 indicators still require development for effective monitoring to take place.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns : Inadequate waste management practices and restricted land availability are contributing to increased volumes of solid and hazardous wastes in the region; Organic waste constitutes approximately 44 per cent of the waste stream, and over 80 percent of ocean litter is derived from land-based sources; There is currently limited data on recycling rates and hazardous waste treatment in the Pacific, although these are identified as priorities for sustainable development.
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable : The 2017 World Risk Report identified the Pacific as the region of highest risk, measured over a five-year timeframe; In the last three years, the Pacific has faced a number of disaster events causing significant economic impacts, injury and loss of life. Post-disaster needs assessments indicated significant damages and losses, equivalent to 30% of national GDP in Fiji (2016), and 64% in Vanuatu (2015) for example.