Regional Director Recognizes Transformational Benefits of Home Biogas for Samoan Families.

It is among the many development initiatives implemented by the United Nations (UN) agencies that are making a positive impact on the lives of the Samoan people. 

Anthony George Williams, one of the 40 recipients of home biogas facilities under the Global Environment Facility- Small Grants Programme - UNDP, shared the benefits of using clean energy with David Mclachlan-Karr, the Regional Director for UNDCO Asia and the Pacific, during his visit to Samoa earlier this week.

“Traditionally, we used to cook with firewood in our outside cooking houses,” Williams explained, “but now we are using biogas stoves, which minimize exposure to harmful smoke and improve respiratory health.”

“Additionally, biogas is produced from waste like animal manure, crop residues, and household waste, helping us manage excess waste and contribute to healthy environmental waste management.”

Mclachlan-Karr was very impressed with the resourcefulness of the Samoan people in adopting biogas technology, as demonstrated by the biogas facility in Tuaefu. 

One innovative concept discussed during the visit was the idea of storing and selling excess biogas. As Williams mentioned, the current systems produce more gas than families can use, so storing it in cylinders could allow them to sell or share it with others, further expanding the benefits.

The success of the biogas projects is due to the hard work and trustworthy partnership between the GEF-SGP UNDP, the Government of Samoa and the village communities.

The GEF-SGP UNDP has been crucial in providing training for the communities, spreading awareness about the benefits of biogas, and providing the necessary resources. 

Mclachlan-Karr's visit highlighted the importance of supporting such innovative projects. His admiration for the biogas initiative underscores the UN's commitment to empowering communities to play their part in resilient climate actions that also promote sustainable development.