Climate Change Adaptation and Indigenous people in Samoa By: Leota Pepe Pa i Country: Independent State of Samoa
Presentation Outline Introduction Indigenous Knowledge/Traditional Thinking What does climate change mean to you? Climate Change Adaptation Challenges faced The Way forward Message from Leota Pepe of Sili Savaii, Samoa
Geographical Location Samoa Pop 186, 340 (2011 census) Capital Apia Land area 2820km 2
Climate and Weather Two distinct seasons Dry (May-Oct) and Wet (Nov-Apr) seasons Rainfall 3000mm Temp 25 0 C
Introduction Samoan people believe that there is a connection between a person and their environment. - Aganuu/Customs (common tradition of the whole country) - Agaifanua/Taboo (tradition of a particular area or village)- each family have their own Gods. This is why when entering any village you would have to respect their rules.
Indigenous knowledge/traditional thinking - Atafa (storm bird) indicates a strong hurricane and people have to prepare for it in terms of food security and storage. Nowadays, people rely on scientific knowledge/technology through the use of meteorology technology. - Whenever a War ships and Cruise ships docks at the wharf, it brings rain. Tiotala (bird) cries then it brings rains. - Cats pupils indicate a change of tides (whether low or high tide) - Seeing cockroaches flying around at night is an indicator that the next day will be sunny.
Indigenous Knowledge/Traditional Thinking Corn is planted after every full moon When a mosooi (flower) blooms, the sea urchin s meat is thick and rich. This goes with other sea shell and some sea food. The blooming of this plant also indicates that it is time to prepare for pigeon hunting. Manualii/Ve a (bird) cry indicates a death of a person. A high chief indicator. Strong wind (Tuaolo) is another indicator of a death of a person. However, it depends on a villages taboo. In some villages/indicators, when there is a strong wind, it indicates that animals will become strong and people will be sick.
Indigenous Knowledge Stars at night indicate a sunny day the next day. No stars in the sky at night indicate a rainy day the next day When fishing for the Worm fish (palolo), the attire is to wear new sulu, wear perfume and leis of mosooi. Its also a must to use a new canoe. This was to attract the worm fish that comes in certain seasons. Traditional medicines cure people.
What does Climate Change mean to you?
Climate Change Evidence of different seasonal patterns in bearing of fruits. Eg: The Breadfruit tree. Observation of Plants and Trees. Eg The pidgeon and Mosooi.
Climate Change Dry to less tributaries that make up the main river Falls are now shallow Flash flooding in areas that did not flood. Droughts in some areas of Samoa.
Climate Change Sea level rising High Temperatures Loss of Biodiversity
Impacts of Climate change Mangroves and coral degradation Developments have ruined the shorelines. (Concrete sea walls)
Impacts of Climate change Prawn used to be eaten raw but cannot nowadays because of the waters that they live in have been poisoned. Reduction in native bird species Use of diesel to generate electricity
Challenges Education and Awareness. There is limited knowledge in the national and community levels. Dissemination of the right information to the right audience (Complication with Language use) Dissemination of traditional knowledge. Formulation of Polices and Regulations
Climate Change Adaptation Protect water supply/water catchments Replant along the riversides Need to replant Samoan trees that consume a lot of waters that can grow more than 100 years, and need to preserve to avoid flash fires in dry seasons.
Climate Change Adaptation Educate people, make them aware and build capacity to protect the environment Coral and mangrove replanting
Climate Change Adaptation Recognize traditional knowledge and share information Strengthen and reinforce village councils so that they protect their own environment. Conserve Water -
Way Forward. Educate the whole country, start from leaders of the country, communities and people involved Go back to the old ways of working the land. Stop the use of chemicals. Need to make water schemes individuals water schemes. This is so that villagers would take care of their own water supplies
Message from Leota Pepe Pa i