EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the CAP-IT project in Samoa provides an overview of the project’s goals, background, and strategic framework led by the UNDP and Government of Samoa (GoS) implemented initiative through the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure (MWTI). The project promotes green transformation within Samoa’s transport sector by facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and low-carbon maritime solutions supporting Samoa’s 2nd Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, targeting a 26% reduction by 2030.

The CAP-IT project aims at decarbonizing Samoa’s transport sector by establishing EV charging infrastructure in key urban and high-traffic areas to encourage EV adoption, especially for public transport and government fleet vehicles and introducing low-carbon motors for fishing vessels. The project supports capacity-building, policy development, and awareness campaigns to enhance sustainable transportation.

This ESIA ensures that key national laws which include the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2007 inclusive of the Codes of Environmental Practice, and the Planning and Urban Management Act of 2004 are complied with. Also, UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards and other international frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, and conventions on biodiversity and hazardous waste management further shape project standards.

The ESIA provides both the environmental and social baseline data with the applicable conditions relevant to the CAP-IT project in Samoa that influences the project’s infrastructure works at design, implementation and commissioning phase. An assessment that explores the potential social and environmental risks and impacts is outlined, with proposed key strategies and mitigation measures identified for mitigating the potential risks and impacts as well ensuring equitable benefits to Samoa and its people for the long-term sustainability and resilience altogether.

To ensure the environmental and social risks and impacts will be monitoring and effectively managed during construction, operation, and commissioning phase an ESMP will be included providing a structured approach to address and ensure compliance with Samoa’s regulatory standards and UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards. To ensure the sustainability and qualified expertise will maintain the infrastructure and technologies implemented by the project a structured training program to raise awareness and enhance the skills needed for the successful implementation of mitigation measures including workshops for on-site workers to understand the environmental and social impacts of the project and manage them responsibly will be included.

The ESIA and ESMP ensures to emphasize participatory and inclusive approaches for stakeholder engagement, ensuring continuous involvement through consultations, workshops, and feedback mechanisms to build trust and align with community needs. A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is in place to address concerns transparently and mitigate social risks. Furthermore, the Implementation Action Plan aligns environmental and social management measures with the project timeline, detailing phased actions for pre-construction, construction, and operation. Cost estimates cover mitigation, monitoring, and capacity-building, ensuring efficient resource use and coordination among key stakeholders.

Overall, the project is positioned to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote green transportation, reinforcing Samoa’s sustainability goals. Recommendations include enhancing stakeholder engagement, strengthening environmental monitoring, adopting adaptive risk management, integrating renewable energy into EV infrastructure, and supporting economic opportunities and gender equity. Collaboration with regional partners is encouraged to maximize impact across the Pacific.

About the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project