By: Dr Walter J VermeulenExecutive Director

METI

One of METI‟s main objectives is: “To provide training and promote capacity building to achieve sustainable living in Samoa through self-reliance, particularly of grassroots communities.”

Over the past nine years, following the publication of the 2007 IPCC report METI has made an effort to develop integrative projectsthat mainstream Climate Change Action.

1. Life Skills Training

2. Permaculture Training

3. Healthy Living Training

(All this through METI‟s Taiala program (frontline health, education and sustainable

development workers) )

Permaculture is an Australian „invention‟ that became prominent in the 70s with the publication of Bill Mollison and his co-originator David Holmgren‟s writings.

“Permaculture is about overall sustainability. The basic Permaculture system is rooted in agriculture but it quickly expands to include a multitude of global issues like soil restoration, waste systems, ecoforestry, food security, and climate change.

It strives towards 'permanence': permanence of culture itself, of humanity on the Earth. “Practicing Permaculture allows humans to ally themselves with nature instead of trying to control nature.“ Mary DeDanan.

A most effective way through which the Samoan farmer can contribute to facing the Climate Change challenge:

Increase the carbon sink function of the soils and the forests. (CC mitigation action)

Increase the water-holding capacity of the soils. (CC adaptation action)

Improve food security and increase income generation. (CC adaptation action)

The creation of a corps of Taiala (frontline health, education and sustainable development workers) trained to conduct Life Skills, Permaculture and Healthy Living training (and more) in their villages.

Creation of Farmers Cooperatives: like-minded individuals that band together for sustainable development.

The setting up of individual Kitchen Gardens (to showcase Permaculture Principles in action; to support Healthy Living; to increase income).

The Participatory, Guaranteed Scheme of Organic Certification (PGS Samoa).

Leading to greater resilience of the grassroots communities helping them to face CC challenges.

2010 National Health statistics:

“obesity is currently observed in

5/10, high blood pressure in 1/5

and diabetes in 1/4 of the Samoan

population (aged 25 to 64).”

The Whole Foods, Plant Based

Nutrition Approach

Let thy food be thy medicine.HIPPOCRATES

A Life style change that discourages eating animal products. A worldwide decrease in the rearing and slaughter of animals would have an immediate effect on the GHG emissions related to the cutting down of the rainforests to make space available for ranch land and animal fodder production. „At the same time this life style change would reverse the global epidemic of obesity, diabetes and heart disease that now affects millions of people consuming a high fat, animal based diet. A truly „win-win‟ situation!‟

1. Showcase a resilient village community in action, with individuals that:

Practice Permaculture and Healthy Living;

Set up functional organic Kitchen Gardens;

Work together through their Farmers‟ Coop and take self-reliant actions.

2. Increased availability of local organic produce leading to increased Healthy eating options (vegetarian or vegan) at local restaurants.

FAAFETAI LAVA

MANUIA LE ASO