Samoa has designated a National Focal Point for Access and Benefit-Sharing through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The National Focal Point coordinates implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, facilitates liaison with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and oversees reporting obligations, including submissions to the ABS Clearing-House.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment continues to perform the primary administrative functions associated with implementation of ABS measures. Relevant institutions, including the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Revenue, the National University of Samoa and other stakeholders contribute to implementation and regulatory oversight. Formal strengthening of mandates and institutional coordination remains an ongoing priority

Relevant institutions have been identified to undertake checkpoint functions, including MNRE, Customs, SROS and other agencies involved in research, permits and monitoring activities. Work continues to operationalize these functions and improve capacity for monitoring and reporting

Samoa has continued to strengthen its legislative, administrative and policy framework for implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. During the reporting period, significant progress was made through the development of the proposed Draft EMC Bill (20032025) (1), which contains a dedicated Part on Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. The Bill proposes legal provisions regulating biodiversity prospecting permits, access permits, export of genetic resource specimens, prior informed consent, benefit-sharing, and protection of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is designated as the Competent National Authority responsible for regulating access and benefit-sharing activities. The proposed legislative framework is complemented by administrative procedures, community consultations, biocultural community protocols and voluntary guidelines developed under the ABS Project.

Relevant ABS measures are available through national project materials, but the ABS-CH record requires verification and updating.

Access to genetic resources is governed through administrative procedures administered by MNRE. Where resources occur on customary land, access requires consultation with and participation of customary landowners and local communities, and their prior informed consent is sought through established processes.

Existing procedures are applied consistently to applicants and seek to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in access decisions. Further formalization under the proposed Bill would strengthen consistency.

Samoa has developed detailed guidance supporting implementation of prior informed consent requirements through the Guideline on access and use of TK associated with GR. The guidelines require that traditional communities be informed of the nature, scope, purpose, benefits, beneficiaries, potential impacts and intended utilization of traditional knowledge before consent is granted. The guidelines also require that consent be obtained free from coercion, force or manipulation and emphasize the importance of community-level decision-making, appropriate translations and transparency throughout the process

The guideline for access to Traditional knowledge and the Bio-cultural Community Protocols highlighted on how the researchers can have access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Written approvals, permits and letters of agreement continue to provide evidence of decisions regarding access to genetic resources and associated conditions

Permits and associated documentation continue to be issued through existing administrative procedures.

Relevant permit information has not been published as internationally recognized certificates of compliance in the ABS-CH

Samoa has developed guidance supporting the negotiation of mutually agreed terms between users and providers of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The national guidelines require users and providers to negotiate access conditions and benefit-sharing arrangements in good faith before access is granted. Outcomes of negotiations are to be documented and include provisions relating to access conditions, confidentiality, benefit-sharing, intellectual property, dispute resolution and ongoing participation of knowledge holders.

National model contractual clauses have not yet been formally published in the ABS-CH; further standardization is a continuing need.

ABS arrangements seek to ensure that benefits arising from utilization of genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably through permit conditions, agreements and administrative procedures.

Measures recognize the interests of local communities in genetic resources located on customary lands and facilitate community participation in access processes.

The Guideline on access and use of TK associated with GR establishes benefit-sharing as a core principle for utilization of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. The guidelines require that both monetary and non-monetary benefits derived from utilization be shared fairly and equitably with indigenous peoples and local communities and that benefit-sharing arrangements be negotiated through mutually agreed terms. The guidelines also encourage recognition, acknowledgement and active participation of communities as partners in research and development initiatives.

The proposed Draft EMC Bill (20032025) (1) introduces legal provisions requiring biodiversity prospecting permits, export permits and access authorizations before activities involving genetic resources can occur. Unauthorized bioprospecting and collection of genetic resources are designated offences. The proposed legislation also includes compliance, inspection, monitoring and enforcement provisions intended to ensure that genetic resources utilized within Samoa have been accessed in accordance with applicable requirements.

No specific non-compliance case was documented in the available national information for this reporting period.

No specific case of cooperation with another Party concerning an alleged violation was documented.

Measures seek to ensure that access to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is based on prior informed consent and participation of relevant knowledge holders.

No specific non-compliance case was documented.

No specific case of cooperation with another Party concerning an alleged violation of TK-related ABS measures was documented.

The proposed legislation provides additional mechanisms for monitoring and regulating biodiversity prospecting activities through permit systems, export authorization requirements and compliance monitoring powers vested in authorized officers. Samoa continues to strengthen institutional arrangements for monitoring access to and utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Samoa encourages the inclusion of reporting and information-sharing provisions in permits, research agreements and letters of agreement governing access to genetic resources. These provisions assist authorities, research institutions and resource providers to monitor implementation of agreed activities and ensure transparency regarding the utilization of genetic resources and associated benefits. Additional work is being undertaken to strengthen guidance and standardize contractual arrangements.

Samoa promotes the use of electronic communication, institutional databases, online reporting tools and the ABS Clearing-House to improve information exchange and transparency. Government agencies increasingly utilize digital platforms for permit administration, stakeholder consultations and dissemination of ABS information

Samoa encourages inclusion of dispute-resolution provisions in mutually agreed terms. National guidance recommends utilization of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and recognizes customary dispute-resolution approaches, including Village Fono procedures, where appropriate.

National guidelines encourage dispute resolution through mechanisms established under Samoa's legal framework, including the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act. The guidelines further recommend consideration of customary dispute resolution systems and require suspension of access or utilization activities until disputes are resolved where agreement cannot be reached between providers and users.

Samoa's legal framework provides mechanisms through which parties may seek access to justice where disputes arise concerning contractual arrangements, permits or compliance obligations.

Although no specific measures have been developed exclusively for ABS-related disputes, Samoa recognizes relevant legal mechanisms relating to enforcement of contractual obligations and applicable court decisions.

Samoa has sought to facilitate research contributing to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and scientific understanding of genetic resources. Research applications are assessed with consideration given to conservation benefits, capacity-building opportunities and public interest outcomes

National emergency response frameworks provide flexibility for urgent action where threats to human, animal or plant health may require access to biological materials. Relevant authorities cooperate to ensure timely decision-making while safeguarding national interests.

In situations involving emergencies, Samoa recognizes the importance of facilitating expeditious access to genetic resources while promoting fair and equitable sharing of benefits consistent with national obligations and public interest considerations

Samoa recognizes the importance of genetic resources for agriculture, food security and climate resilience. These considerations are reflected in policies and programmes implemented through agricultural, fisheries and environmental institutions.

Samoa recognizes indigenous peoples and local communities through its customary governance systems, village institutions and customary land tenure arrangements. Communities play a central role in managing biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. During the reporting period, Samoa supported the development of Biocultural Community Protocols (BCPs) for communities including Aopo and Faleaseela to document community governance structures, customary laws, traditional knowledge, prior informed consent requirements and benefit-sharing expectations.

Customary landowners and village governance structures exercise significant authority over access to biological resources found on customary lands. The Aopo and Faleaseela Biocultural Community Protocols establish community expectations that prior informed consent be obtained directly from communities through customary governance structures, including Village Councils, traditional leaders and established consultation procedures.

Community consultation and PIC are incorporated through administrative procedures and community protocols, while comprehensive statutory recognition is still being strengthened. The national TK guideline and BCPs provide practical criteria and processes for community participation, PIC and benefit-sharing.

Samoa has developed national Guidelines on Access and Use of Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources and supported the development of Bio-cultural Community Protocols for local communities. Together these measures establish practical mechanisms for obtaining prior informed consent, negotiating mutually agreed terms, respecting customary laws, ensuring benefit-sharing and protecting confidential traditional knowledge.

Implementation of ABS measures takes into account customary practices, traditional governance structures and community decision-making processes. Samoa has considered customary laws, protocols and governance systems in ABS implementation. The BCPs developed for Aopo and Faleaseela explicitly document customary decision-making structures, customary laws, community protocols and dispute resolution mechanisms that should be respected by external users.

The national guidelines provide clear information to potential users regarding their obligations when seeking access to traditional knowledge. The guidelines promote transparency, partnership, reciprocity, community participation, collective custodianship, respect for customary governance systems and benefit-sharing obligations under the Nagoya Protocol.

Samoa supported the development of Bio-cultural Community Protocols and complementary national guidelines that empower communities by documenting customary governance systems, protocols, benefit-sharing expectations and community rights over traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. The Aopo and Faleaseela BCPs were developed through community consultations facilitated by MNRE, MWCSD and project partners to strengthen community understanding of ABS rights and responsibilities.

Samoa recognizes the importance of customary use and exchange of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. Both community protocols explicitly request that customary uses and exchanges continue to be respected and maintained

Samoa encourages research partnerships and ABS arrangements that contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Community consultations highlighted the importance of directing benefits towards conservation initiatives, sustainable livelihoods, traditional knowledge preservation and ecosystem management. Communities have identified biodiversity conservation as an important responsibility for future generations

Implementation of ABS-related awareness and community engagement activities has increased recognition of biodiversity, traditional knowledge and cultural values associated with genetic resources. Community protocols developed under the ABS Project identify conservation measures including protection of forest habitats, restrictions on bird hunting, sustainable agriculture practices and conservation of culturally important species and ecosystems.

Samoa participates in regional scientific and biodiversity cooperation. No specific case was documented during the reporting period in which the same in-situ genetic resource was jointly governed with another Party; regional cooperation provides a basis for future arrangements.

No specific documented case was identified during the reporting period involving shared traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources across Parties. Regional cooperation remains relevant should such cases arise.

Samoa has encouraged stakeholders to develop and utilize mutually agreed terms through awareness activities, development of community protocols and policy discussions undertaken as part of the ABS Project. The Bio-cultural Community Protocols developed by communities provide guidance on negotiation of mutually agreed terms between users and providers of traditional knowledge.

Community protocols developed under the ABS Project serve as practical guidance documents regarding community engagement, prior informed consent, benefit-sharing and customary governance procedures. These protocols promote responsible conduct and good practices for access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Samoa undertook substantial awareness-raising activities through the GEF-UNDP ABS Project. Activities included stakeholder consultations, development of communication materials, awareness campaigns and community consultations leading to the establishment of Bio-cultural Community Protocols in communities including Aopo and Faleaseela. The project also developed a Communications, Outreach and Knowledge Management Strategy to improve understanding of ABS issues among government agencies, communities and stakeholders. These initiatives improved understanding among government agencies, local communities, researchers and stakeholders regarding ABS obligations, traditional knowledge protection and benefit-sharing requirements.

Communications, Outreach and Knowledge Management Strategy was developed under the GEF-UNDP ABS Project to strengthen awareness and understanding of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and access and benefit-sharing issues in Samoa.

Capacity-building activities were undertaken through national and community-level consultations, ABS awareness programmes, development of Biocultural Community Protocols and support for institutional strengthening. These activities improved understanding of ABS concepts, prior informed consent, mutually agreed terms and benefit-sharing obligations among government agencies and communities.

Several consultation and specific training were implemented to build and strengthen the capacities of stakeholders on ABS.

Samoa has engaged in scientific and technical collaboration through regional and international partnerships involving biodiversity research, natural products research and capacity-building initiatives. The Biodiscovery Partnership Analysis identified existing and potential partnerships involving SROS, USP Pacific Natural Products Research Centre, Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, NatureBank, NITE Japan and other scientific institutions. Samoa has also supported capacity development in biodiscovery and natural products research through SROS initiatives

No evidence was identified that Samoa provided financial resources to another Party specifically for Nagoya Protocol implementation during the reporting period.

Samoa received financial and technical support through the GEF-UNDP Global ABS Project, which supported the development of community protocols, awareness programmes, institutional strengthening and policy development activities related to implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

Samoa has a mechanism through government budgetary processes, with Ministry of Finance resources disbursed to MNRE in accordance with government rules and procedures. ABS activities have relied on externally funded projects.

Dedicated staff functions exist within MNRE, but ABS responsibilities are combined with broader CBD, biodiversity and national environmental duties. The proposed Draft EMC Bill (20032025) (1) further strengthens institutional arrangements by designating MNRE as the national Competent National Authority for ABS implementation and assigning responsibility for regulating access to genetic resources, benefit-sharing and protection of traditional knowledge. The Bill also establishes broader compliance, monitoring and enforcement powers to support implementation of the Protocol.

Samoa is a Contracting Party to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), a specialized international instrument addressing access and benefit-sharing for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Samoa acceded to the Treaty and it entered into force for Samoa on 7 June 2006.

Samoa implements the Treaty through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and related agricultural programmes, including conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources and participation in the Treaty system. Further integration between the ITPGRFA and the national Nagoya Protocol ABS framework would strengthen coherence.