Samoa
In collaboration with the University of the South Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable
Development (USP PACE-SD), DAI facilitated C-CAP Participatory Risk Mapping Exercise in
five communities on the island of Savai’i—Falealupo, Auala, Asau, Manase and Sapapalii—
through one-day sessions held between Wednesday and Saturday January 9-12, 2013. Through
one day sessions in each community, DAI led an introduction to C-CAP, and representatives of
village leadership, women’s and youth groups participated in climate change risk identification
and infrastructure mapping exercises. Following the workshop, community leaders and
interested community members led the C-CAP team on a tour of the village’s social, economic,
coastal and water infrastructure. C-CAP geo-referenced and photographed these community
assets and uploaded data points into mapping software.
Background
Samoa is a country of two main islands, Savai’i and Upolu, with eight smaller islands off the
southern/northern/west/east coast of Savai’i/Upolu—four of which are inhabited. Its total area is
approximately 2,931 square kilometers, with 403 kilometers of coastline. According to the CIA1
World Factbook, approximately 193,000 people live in Samoa; and the economy is based on
tourism, agriculture, fisheries and forestry product exports. Tourism now accounts for
approximately 25% of the economy2. There are also several food processing and automobile
parts plants.
The capital, Apia, is located on Upolu, the second largest island, and has a population of
approximately 40,000. The islands are of volcanic origin clearly visible in the form of several
dormant volcanoes and lava fields. The climate in Samoa has two distinct seasons. The dry
season runs from May to September and the wet season when Samoa typically experiences
cyclones from October to April. Projected sea level rise could exacerbate coastal erosion, loss of
land and property, and dislocation of the island inhabitants. The extreme events of tropical
cyclones Ofa (1990) and Val (1991) caused damage with costs estimates of approximately four
times the gross domestic product (GDP) of Samoa. Recent disasters include the 2009 tsunami
which killed over 150 people, left 2.5 percent of all Samoans homeless and destroyed transport,
water and energy infrastructure across large areas3. The tsumani also had a major impact on
tourism. The main area affected included villages on the south east coast of Upolu. More
recently Cyclone Evan caused widespread wind and flood damage in the capital and it surrounds.
Samoa’s main concerns related to climate change are the potential implications of a change in
the frequency and/or intensity of extreme weather events, coastal erosion and sea level rise. The
islands are presently exposed to severe tropical cyclones that typically occur between December
and February (National Climate Change Country Team, 1999); Cyclone Ofa (1990) and Cyclone
1
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). Samoa. The World Factbook. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworldfactbook/geos/ws.html
2
3
ADB.2012 Asia Development Outlook 2012 Update. Manila
World Bank. 2012 World Bank Development Blog.
Val (1991), for example, caused massive damage to Samoa’s infrastructure, natural vegetation,
crops and plantations (NMFA et al., 2010)4, resulting in economic costs equivalent to about three
times the country’s Gross National Product (NCCCT, 1999). These vulnerabilities in part reflect
the fact that about 70 per cent the country’s infrastructure and human settlements are located
close to its coastline. Long dry periods associated with the El Nino Southern Oscillation are also
a concern (NCCCT, 1999)5.
Across all C-CAP communities, participants reported that climate change is causing coastal
erosion, flooding, storm surges and salt water inundation. Given that 70-percent of Samoa's
population and infrastructure are located along the coast and on low-lying areas, this puts a high
proportion of the population at risk to the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise. Climate
projections show that sea level rises could further exacerbate coastal erosion, loss of land and
property and dislocation of the island settlements. Coastal floods are also likely to become more
frequent and severe. Environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction are among the
priorities of the Strategy for the Development of Samoa which identifies climate change
adaptation as a cross-cutting issue.C-CAP will assist these communities to implement a
community based integrated coastal protection model, which will increase the resilience of its
coastal communities and infrastructure to the impacts of climate change.
Falealupo
Falealupo is located on northwest Savai’i, the more arid part of the island, which frequently
experiences forest/bush fires. The village population of 1,097 is comprised of 577 men and 520
women, according to the 2011 national census. The risk mapping exercise was attended by 51
villagers with representation from village leadership bodies, and women’s and youth groups.
Risk Identification
As an initial exercise the community assessed how climate change is currently affecting their
village and how they see it potentially impacting them in the future. C-CAP led an introduction
to the project, followed by a brief overview on climate change, and the global impacts of climate
change. The community representatives then analyzed and presented the local impacts of global
warming, precipitation pattern changes, and natural disasters experienced in Falealupo.
Global Warming Impacts
The primary impacts of global warming cited by the C-CAP committee —sea level rise and
inundation—are concentrated in the coastal zone of the village the old village site during high
tides. The village and village plantations are situated on higher ground this was as a direct result
of the cyclones experienced in Samoa in 1990/91. These cyclones caused widespread damage in
Savai’i. Moving the plantations to higher ground has ensured that that salt water does not directly
4
Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Metorology [MNREM] (2005). National Adaptation Programme of Action Samoa. Retrieved
from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/sam01.pdf
5
National Climate Change Country Team [NCCCT] (1999). Samoa. First National Communication to the UNFCCC. Retrieved from
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/samnc1.pdf
affect crops however livestock are kept closer to the village and can be affected by regular sea
flooding.
Image 30: Two major cyclones damaged the Church on the Falealupo seafront. The Church was abandoned
and a new Church built on higher ground.
The community also believes that global warming is also affecting local food and water supplies.
Marine resources have been affected by sedimentation of the reefs due to periods of heavy rain.
The community has also experienced prolonged periods of drought which have affected their
water supply. In 2011, the government channeled emergency water supplies to the village in
response to the major drought in that year.
The community also reported higher temperatures over the past 10 years, which they link to
lower crop yields and more prevalent disease, particularly impacting the banana, taro and cocoa
crops.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
As mentioned above most villagers believe that there has been a change in rainfall patterns, with
fewer but more intense rainfall episodes interspersed between longer periods of drought,
although Falealupo has always been affected by droughts to some extent given its location in the
drier northwest of the island.
Natural Disasters
In the early 1990s Cyclones Ofa and Val caused widespread devastation in the village prompting
many people in the community to move inland. The government supported the move with new
access roads and a new water supply. The coastal freshwater springs that the community relied
on in the past are no longer viable due to salt water intrusion and a lower water table exacerbated
by drought. The coastal part of the village still remains an essential economic asset for fishing
and tourism. A small tourist resort has been recently built at the seafront.
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
Following identification of local climate change impacts, the men, women and youth completed
hand-drawn community infrastructure maps, highlighting economic, social and water
infrastructure that may be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather
events (see Annex 2.4).
Image 31: Falealupo Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal
infrastructure points, photographs and risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208005538255266014458.0004d424e64d28d3c2ac5&msa=0&ll=13.513498,-172.755032&spn=0.05024,0.104284
Economic Infrastructure
Table 46: Falealupo Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Coral reefs
Providing a food sources and livelihood for the
community.


Bleaching/Sedimentation
Rise is sea level temperatures
2.
Village Plantations
and livestock areas
Subsistence and semi-subsistence agriculture is the
primary livelihood source for Falealupo.



Drought
Fires – bush fire damage to tree crops
Extreme Weather Event—damage to cassava,
taro and tree crops
3.
Private-Owned
Tourist Fales
Fales are situated on the seafront at the old village site
providing accommodation for tourist and locals visiting
the area.

Extreme Weather Event—structural and roof
damage
Storm surge- it is on the seafront
4.
Roads/Bridges
The main road provides access to other villages and the
ferries and roads to the plantations.
5.
Village store
A privately owned store which provide the basic
necessities for the community.



Flooding – the main road is prone to flooding
Extreme Weather Event – roads to the
plantations can washed out

Extreme Weather Event—structural and roof
damage
Storm surge- it is near the seafront

Social Infrastructure
Table 47: Falealupo Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1
Falealupo
Church
The main Church is no longer situated on the sea front.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Fire – bush fires
2
Falealupo
Primary School
School for village children in grades 1-6.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Fire – bush fires
3
Falealupo
Community
Fales
Falealupo has 3 community fales designated as
evacuation centres during times of disasters.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Fire – bush fires
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 48: Falealupo Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
1.
2.
3.
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
Community
Reservoir / Water
Pump
The reservoir / water pump was installed by Samoa
Water Authrority and provides piped water, used for
cooking, cleaning and hygiene—to homes. Some
families also get water from protected springs.



Drought
Extreme Weather Event—structural damage
Fire – bush fires

Community drinking
springs
Freshwater springs that used to provide water to the
community in the past and are still used today by many
families living in the coastal areas.

Drought—springs can dry up in prolonged
droughts.
Storm surge – storm surges can contaminate
springs with salt water.
Extreme Weather Event—contamination from
storm water run off.
The seawall needs repair to stem erosion and to
provide a coastal barrier against king tides, storm
surges and average sea level rise. The seafront/beach is
growing in economic significance for the community
and needs protection.




Sea Wall

Erosion
Flooding
Extreme Weather Event—storm surge
Sea Level Rise
Auala
Auala is a community in the northwest of Savai’i, with a population of 537—269 men and 277
women, according to the 2011 national census. The risk mapping exercise was attended by 94
villagers with representation across village leadership, women and youth groups.
Risk Identification
As an initial exercise the community assessed climate change’s current and projected impact on
the village. The community was given C-CAP project background and a brief overview of
climate change and global impacts of climate change; the community representatives then
analyzed and presented the local impacts of global warming, precipitation pattern changes, and
natural disasters experienced in Auala.
Global Warming Impacts
The community reports that the primary impacts of global warming are being experienced in the
coastal zone of the village in the form of rising sea level and the sea now entering the village
during high tides. Most of the plantations for the village have been relocated inland as a direct
result of the cyclones experienced in Samoa in 1990/91 which caused widespread damage in
Savai’i.
The community also reported that global warming is also affecting local livelihoods. Auala
community mentioned the extremes of weather that have affected their food supplies and water
supply. Marine resources have been affected by sedimentation of the reefs due to periods of
heavy rain. Auala as with many of the villages situated in the north east of Savai’i has been
affected by prolonged periods of drought associated with the El Nino Southern Oscillation which
has impacted on the livelihoods of the communities affected. The greatest impact for Auala has
been on their water supply with the new water system recently installed not providing sufficient
supply for the village. 2011 in particular was a dry year which had a great impact on their water
supply.
The community believes that they now experience hotter temperatures than in the past which
have affected their crops and their own productivity.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
As mentioned above most people in the village reported that there has been a change in rainfall
patterns for their village with fewer but more intense rainfall episodes but they now have longer
drier periods which can affect their water supply and crops. Auala has always been affected by
droughts to some extent has they are situated in the drier north west of the island. During drought
periods the community has also been affected by fires which can damage both crops and
property.
Natural Disasters
As with many villages on the north coast of Savai’i Cyclones Ofa and Val, in the early 1990s,
caused widespread devastation prompting some community members to move their homes
inland. The community use to rely on springs on the coast for their water supply these have now
been affected by salt water and droughts. The coastal areas of the village still remain an essential
economic asset for fishing.
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
Following identification of local climate change impacts, the men, women and youth completed
hand-drawn community infrastructure maps, highlighting economic, social and water
infrastructure that may be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather
events (see Annex 2.4).
Image 32: Auala Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal
infrastructure points, photographs and risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208005538255266014458.0004d424f7d346c3c9de0&msa=0&ll=13.521906,-172.652485&spn=0.012559,0.026071
Economic Infrastructure
Table 49: Auala Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1
Village Plantations
and livestock areas
Subsistence and semi-subsistence agriculture is the
primary livelihood source for Auala.



Drought
Fires – bush fire damage to tree crops
Extreme Weather Event—damage to cassava,
taro and tree crops
2
Coral reefs
Providing a food sources and livelihood for the
community.


Bleaching/Sedimentation
Rise is sea level temperatures
3
Roads/Bridges
The main road provides access to other villages and
the ferries and roads to the plantations.


Flooding – the main road is prone to flooding
Extreme Weather Event – roads to the
plantations can washed out
4
Village store
A privately owned store which provide the basic
necessities for the community.

Extreme Weather Event—structural and roof
damage
Storm surge- it is near the seafront

Social Infrastructure
Table 50: Auala Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1
Community
Church
The Church is near the seafront and affected by storm
surges.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Storm surge
2
Primary School
School for village children in grades 1-6.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Storm surges
3
Community Fale
The community fale is situated on the seafront so it

Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
cannot be used as an evacuation centre.

Storm surge
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 51: Auala Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
1
2
3
Community
Reservoir /
Water Pump
Community
drinking springs
Sea Wall
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
The reservoir / water pump was installed by Samoa
Water Authority and provides piped water, used for
cooking, cleaning and hygiene—to homes. Some
families also get water from protected springs.



Drought
Extreme Weather Event—structural damage
Fire – bush fires

Drought—springs can dry up in prolonged
droughts.
Storm surge – storm surges can contaminate
springs with salt water.
Extreme Weather Event—contamination from
storm water run off.
Freshwater springs that used to provide water to the
community in the past and are still used today by many
families living in the coastal areas.
The seawall needs repair to stem erosion and to
provide a coastal barrier against king tides, storm
surges and average sea level rise.






Erosion
Flooding
Extreme Weather Event—storm surge
Sea Level Rise
Sapapali’i
Sapapali’i is situated on southeast Savai’i, and has historical significance as the landing place of
the first Missionary to Samoa, John Williams, who landed here in 1830. The village has a
population of 952, including 509 men and 443 women (2011 Census). The risk mapping exercise
was attended by 25 villagers representing village leadership, women and youth groups.
Risk Identification
As an initial exercise the community assessed the current and projected impacts of climate
change. The community was given the background to the project and a brief overview on climate
change and global impacts of climate change; the community representatives then analyzed and
presented the local impacts of global warming, precipitation pattern changes, and natural
disasters experienced in Sapapali’i.
Global Warming Impacts
The community reports that the primary impacts of global warming are being experienced in the
coastal zone of the village in the form of rising sea level and the sea now entering the village
during high tides. Many of the plantations for the village are now situated inland as a direct
result of the cyclones experienced in Samoa in 1990/91. However livestock are kept closer to the
village and can be affected by regular sea flooding. The issue is exacerbated when there are
heavy rains and the creek at the rear of the village also floods causing even more damage. It is
estimated that the creek now floods at three or four times a year.
The community also believes that global warming is also causing affecting local livelihoods. In
the communities visited in Savai’i, including Sapapali’i it was mentioned that there was an
increase in beach de mer and a reduction in other food sources such as fish and shell fish which
could be directly attributed to a change in sea temperature which affects the type of food
available for these local marine resources.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
In the community presentation most people in the village reported that there has been a change in
rainfall patterns for their village with fewer but more intense rainfall episodes which result in
flooding from the river to the rear of the village. The community also stated that they now have
longer drier periods which can affect their water supply and crops.
Natural Disasters
As mentioned above the river at the rear of the village now floods three or four times a year
which is directly attributed to periods of more prolonged rainfall. Some houses have to evacuate
to higher ground when this occurs. Although there have been cyclones since Ofa and Val in the
early 1990s these cyclones have caused the greatest devastation in recent years. Currently new
houses in the community do not always follow specific building standards although standards do
exist. As an example not all housing uses cyclone strapping to ensure roofs are secure during
cyclones. Many people in the main village on the coast have relocated to higher areas inland over
since the early 1990s and are not directly affected by storm surges and river flooding.
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
Following identification of local climate change impacts, the men, women and youth completed
hand-drawn community infrastructure maps, highlighting economic, social and water
infrastructure that may be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather
events (see Annex 2.4).
Image 33: Sapapali’i Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal
infrastructure points, photographs and risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208005538255266014458.0004d424fe104b96b9243&msa=0
Economic Infrastructure
Table 52: Sapapali’i Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
1
Village Plantations
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
Subsistence and semi-subsistence agriculture is the

Drought
and livestock areas

primary livelihood source for Sapapali’i.

2
3
Private-Owned
Tourist Fales
Rosalote Fales provide accommodation for tourist
and locals visiting the area.
Roads/Bridges
The main road provides access to other villages and
the ferries and roads to the plantations.
4
Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests serve as nurseries for coral reef fish
and feeding grounds for fish and other marine life.
Mangroves are essential for the sustainability of nearshore fisheries.
5
Village store
A privately owned store which provide the basic
necessities for the community




Flooding particularly for pigs kept at lower
elevations
Extreme Weather Event—damage to cassava,
taro and tree crops
Extreme Weather Event—structural and roof
damage
Storm surge- it is on the seafront
Flooding – the main road is prone to flooding
Extreme Weather Event – roads to the
plantations can washed out
Mature Mangroves

Pollution

Deforestation
Young Mangroves

Storm Surge

Extreme Weather

Flooding—sedimentation, pollution

Extreme Weather Event—structural and roof
damage

Storm surge- it is near the seafront
Social Infrastructure
Table 53: Sapapali’i Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability

1.
Sapapali’i Church
The Church is a prominent feature in the village and is
well known across Samoa. It represents an investment
of over $1 million for the community.
2.
Sapapali’i Primary
School
School for village children in grades 1-6.
Sapapali’i
Community Fale
In Sapapali’i each family has their own open fale
however the chiefs use their family fales as community
meeting points to discuss village issues and hold
village events.
3.





Flooding (from storm surges and flooding of the
local creek located to the rear of the village)
Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Flooding (from storm surges and flooding of the
local creek located to the rear of the village)
Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Flooding (from storm surges and flooding of the
local creek located to the rear of the village)
Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 54: Sapapali’i Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1
Sea Wall
The seawall was designed to stem erosion and to
provide a coastal barrier against king tides, storm
surges and average sea level rise. However it now
needs significant improvement to cope with rising sea
levels and storm surges




Erosion
Flooding
Extreme Weather Event—storm surge
Sea Level Rise
2
Community
Reservoir / Water
Pump
The reservoir / water pump was installed by Samoa
Water Authrority and provides piped water, used for
cooking, cleaning and hygiene—to homes. Some
families also get water from protected springs.


Drought
Extreme Weather Event—structural damage

Community drinking
springs
Freshwater springs that used to provide water to the
community in the past and are still used today by many
families living in the coastal areas.
Drought—springs can dry up in prolonged
droughts.
Storm surge – storm surges can contaminate
springs with salt water.
Extreme Weather Event—contamination from
storm water run off.
3


4
Community bathing
pools
The community pools provide safety and privacy for
bathing.

Extreme Weather Event—contamination from
storm water run- off.
Asau
Asau is a community in the north west of Savai’i. As with Falealupo and Auala the village is
situated in the drier part of island which also experiences forest/bush fires. The village has a
population of 1207- , comprised of 622 men and 585 women (2011 Census). The risk mapping
exercise was attended by 60 villagers representing village leadership, women and youth groups.
Risk Identification
As an initial exercise the community assessed how climate change is currently affecting their
village and how they see it potentially impacting them in the future. C-CAP led an introduction
to the project, followed by a brief overview on climate change, and the global impacts of climate
change. The community representatives then analyzed and presented the local impacts of global
warming, precipitation pattern changes, and natural disasters experienced in Asau.
Global Warming Impacts
The community reports that the primary impacts of global warming are being experienced in the
coastal zone of the village in the form of rising sea level and high tides entering coastal areas.
As with Auala plantations for the village have been relocated inland as a direct result of the
cyclones experienced in Samoa in 1990/91 which caused widespread damage in Savai’i.
The area has been subjected to major forest/bush fires in the past damaging livelihoods and
property. The community also believes that global warming is also causing affecting local
livelihoods. Asau has been affected by prolonged periods of drought which have affected water
supplies and crops. The extremes of weather have affected marine resources due to
sedimentation of the reefs during periods of heavy rain. As mentioned by other villages 2011 in
particular was a dry year which had a great impact on their water supply.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
The village reported that there has been a change in rainfall patterns for their village with fewer
but more intense rainfall episodes but they now have longer drier periods which can affect their
water supply and crops. During drought periods the community has also been affected by major
forest/bush fires which can damage both crops and property.
Natural Disasters
Cyclones Ofa and Val in the early 1990s caused widespread devastation in the community
prompting some community members to move their homes inland. The community use to rely
on springs on the coast for their water supply these have now been affected by salt water and
droughts. The coastal areas of the village still remain an essential economic asset for fishing.
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
Following identification of local climate change impacts, the men, women and youth completed
hand-drawn community infrastructure maps, highlighting economic, social and water
infrastructure that may be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather
events (see Annex 2.4).
Image 34: Asau Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal
infrastructure points, photographs and risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208005538255266014458.0004d424fb3a4a1fb59f6&msa=0
Economic Infrastructure
Table 55: Asau Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1
Village Plantations
and livestock areas
Subsistence and semi-subsistence agriculture is the
primary livelihood source for Asau



Drought
Fires – bush fire damage to tree crops
Extreme Weather Event—damage to cassava,
taro and tree crops
2
Coral reefs
Providing a food sources and livelihood for the
community


Bleaching/Sedimentation
Rise is sea level temperatures
3
Roads/Bridges
The main road provides access to other villages and
the ferries and roads to the plantations.


Flooding – the main road is prone to flooding
Extreme Weather Event – roads to the
plantations can washed out
4
Village store
A privately owned store which provide the basic
necessities for the community

Extreme Weather Event—structural and roof
damage
Storm surge- it is near the seafront

Social Infrastructure
Table 56: Asau Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1
Community
Church
The Church is near the seafront and affected by storm
surges.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Storm surge
2
Primary School
School for village children in grades 1-6.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Storm surges
3
Community Fale
The community fale is situated on the seafront so it
cannot be used as an evacuation centre.


Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Storm surge
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 57: Asau Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
1
2
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
Community
Reservoir /
Water Pump
The reservoir / water pump was installed by Samoa
Water Authrority and provides piped water, used for
cooking, cleaning and hygiene—to homes. Some
families also get water from protected springs.



Drought
Extreme Weather Event—structural damage
Fire – bush fires

Community
drinking springs
Freshwater springs that used to provide water to the
community in the past and are still used today by many
families living in the coastal areas.
Drought—springs can dry up in prolonged
droughts.
Storm surge – storm surges can contaminate
springs with salt water.
Extreme Weather Event—contamination from
storm water run off.
3
Sea Wall
A new seawall has been constructed by the
government to protect the village against king tides,
storm surges and average sea level rise.
4
Community
bathing pools
The community pools provide safety and privacy for
bathing.






Erosion
Flooding
Extreme Weather Event—storm surge
Sea Level Rise

Extreme Weather Event—contamination from
storm water run- off.
Manase
Manase is a small village on the northeast coast of Savai’i with a population of 147 people
including 81 men and 66 women. The village is situated by the sea and is famous for its white
sandy beach that attracts tourist to the area. Manase has been a popular destination since the
1990s with low-budget and locally owned beach fale accommodation.
On January 11, 25 community members—with representation from village elders, women and
youth groups—attended the risk mapping exercise.
Risk Identification
As an initial exercise the community assessed current and projected climate change impacts. The
community was given the background to the project and a brief overview on climate change and
global impacts of climate change; the community representatives then analyzed and presented
the local impacts of global warming, precipitation pattern changes, and natural disasters
experienced in Manase.
Global Warming Impacts
Sea level rise and resulting more extreme tidal movements and sea surges are the most
significant risk attributable to global warming impacting Manase. Sea level rise has a direct
impact on their most important natural asset, their beach. The community stated that sea level
rise has accelerated coastal erosion damaging the beach and beach front. They would like to find
a solution to this problem other than a seawall, which the community fears will affect the natural
beauty of their beach.
Image 35: Many coastal communities in Samoa now rely on tourism as a major source of income.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
Precipitation patterns no longer follow the typical Samoan wet and dry season, according to the
village and that there are fewer but more intense rainfall episodes. The community also stated
that they now have longer drier periods which can affect their water supply and crops.
Natural Disasters
Over the years the village has been badly affected by cyclones; between 1989 and 1992, the
community was affected by a cyclone every year. As with Sapapali’i, while housing standards do
exist, they are not regulated, and few new houses ascribe to them. As an example not all housing
uses cyclone strapping to ensure roofs are secure during cyclones. The community has remained
on the seafront as they derive the main income from tourism.
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
Following identification of local climate change impacts, the community completed hand-drawn
community infrastructure maps, highlighting economic, social and water infrastructure that may
be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events (see Annex 2.4).
Image 36: Manase Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal
infrastructure points, photographs and risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208005538255266014458.0004d42599f5ad20f5f8d&msa=0&ll=13.446668,-172.378846&spn=0.00157,0.003259
Economic Infrastructure
Table 58: Manase Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Manase Beach
The beach is the main economic asset for the
community and attracts tourists to their village.



Flooding
Erosion
Storm Surge Flooding
2.
Beach fales
The beach fales provide an income and employment
opportunities for the community. The fales provide
budget accommodation for local and international
tourists.



Flooding
Erosion
Storm Surge
3.
Roads/bridges
The main road provides access to the villages to the
east and west of Manase. Local access roads provide
access to the village plantations and community
evacuation centre.


Flooding
Erosion


Drought
Flooding particularly for pigs kept at lower
elevations
Extreme Weather Event—damage to cassava,
taro and tree crops
Community
plantations
Subsistence and semi-subsistence agriculture is the
primary livelihood source for Manase.
5.
Coral Reef
Coral reefs are important feeding grounds for a variety
of fish, and thus important for local fisher people.
Overfishing and sedimentation of reefs have reduced
fish catches, pushing fisher people further out to sea to
maintain catch levels.




Sedimentation
Overfishing
Rising Sea Temperature
Storm Surge
6.
Village stores and
service station
The community has two stores and a service station
which provide all essentials to the community



Flooding
Extreme Weather Events
Storm surges
4.

Social Infrastructure
Table 59: Manase Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Village Church
As with many communities in Samoa the Church is an
important part of the community.

Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
2.
Community Fale
The community fale is the center for regularly held
village meetings, development program meetings and
all discussion of village policy. It is also used for
community events and informal social gatherings.



Flooding
Storm surges
Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
3.
Evacuation centre
Center for village play and sporting events.

Extreme Weather Event—roof damage
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 60: Manase Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability

1
Water reservoir
and pump
2
Drainage/culver
ts
3
Sea Front
Water supply for community events and gatherings.
Supply for community members without personal
rainwater tank.

Drought—reservoir dries; if empty, concrete can
be damaged from excessive heat/sun;
Extreme Weather Event—contamination;
damage to piping, gutter system; contamination
from rusty roof (sea spray)
Drainage channel accommodates sea water flow during
tidal changes, and serves as a channel for rainwater
runoff.

Erosion
The community has resisted building a substantial sea
wall has it will spoil the natural beauty of their beach.
They are looking for a solution that will fit their
requirement to continue to encourage tourists to the
village.




Erosion
Flooding
Extreme Weather Event—storm surge
Sea Level Rise