The Our Future Is Now (OFIN) Project is a collaborative initiative that unites the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association (SRWMA) and the Samoa Women’s Association of Growers (SWAG) in tackling Samoa’s challenges around waste management, conservation, and climate change, with a particular focus on engaging youth.

OFIN is dedicated to reducing single-use plastics and preventing waste from reaching Samoa’s precious river systems. By taking a holistic approach, this project aims to restore rivers for the health of both the environment and riverside communities. Through sustainable practices and engaging youth, OFIN encourages environmental stewardship, fostering a community that values and protects our natural resources for generations to come.

In Samoa, the limited infrastructure for recycling and waste separation leads to the majority of recyclables ending up in landfills. SRWMA is the country’s first NGO working to address this gap by providing central drop-off points across Upolu and collecting low-value waste from streams to prevent recyclables from polluting the environment and entering landfills. Despite their efforts, only 5% of recyclables are captured annually, with roughly 7,000 tonnes of plastic consumed in Samoa each year. The lack of adequate recycling facilities contributes to significant litter in public spaces like roads, parks, and waterways, with severe impacts on the ocean, human health, and the environment.

SWAG, meanwhile, empowers women growers and farmers in Samoa by offering resources for business development, networking, and training, with a commitment to environmentally responsible agricultural practices that conserve native crops and traditional farming methods.

A major focus of the OFIN Project is a pioneering river clean-up and riverside conservation program in Apia led by SCS. This program addresses river-based pollution holistically and promotes the protection of riparian strips and riverside reserves. These efforts help to reduce flooding risks and strengthen climate resilience for riverside communities. By safeguarding and restoring riverside ecosystems, the project enhances community resilience to climate impacts, with particular attention to at-risk freshwater, mangrove, coastal, and marine ecosystems.

A central component of this program is the planting of 5,000 native trees, with enthusiastic support from youth volunteers, who gain a sense of environmental stewardship. These trees not only enhance biodiversity but also serve as natural buffers for stressed ecosystems.

In addition, OFIN is conducting a series of workshops in three communities in collaboration with SRWMA and SWAG. These sessions emphasise habitat conservation, species preservation, and community involvement, fostering a culture of shared environmental responsibility. Innovative strategies will be introduced to reduce plastic waste, improve collection practices, and protect aquatic ecosystems from pollution.

By integrating river conservation with community outreach, the OFIN Project builds a foundation for sustainable change in Samoa, advancing environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and community well-being.