Samoa Agritourism Policy Setting Worskhop 2016 Linking Agriculture and Tourism through Policy setting: Strengthening the local agrifood sector and promoting agritourism Workshop organised by the Government of Samoa and CTA in collaboration with PIPSO

1. By: Dr Walter J Vermeulen
Executive Director
METI

2. 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.”

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

4. 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) )

5.  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.

6.  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)

7.  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.

8. 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).”

9.  The Whole Foods, Plant Based
Nutrition Approach
 Let thy food be thy medicine.
HIPPOCRATES

10.  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!‟

11. 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.

12. FAAFETAI LAVA
MANUIA LE ASO