Sapa Saifaleupolu

About

climate change/biodiversity/environment consultant ,

Independent consultant

Summary

My interest in the environment started as I worked as a climatologist in the Apia Observatory, Samoa, where I learnt a lot about the close links between the weather/climate and other components of the environment including humans. I later took an academic career with the National Uni of Samoa (participate in the environment issue) in its inception years until the end of 1999.
Moving to Australia in 2000 allowed me to take an administration pathway with the University of NSW until 2006 and a theology degree. This helped developed a more complete toolkit to deal with the environment issue. Returning to Samoa this decade gave me an opening to connect in a more meaningful way with communities which are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Currently I'm enjoying this work immensely with the OLSSI.

Qualifications and credentials

Graduate Diploma in Theology and Ministry, 2007 - 2008, Completed, Avondale College

PhD, 1991-1995, Completed, Macquarie University

MSc, 1993-1995, Completed, Victoria University of Wellington

BSc, 1973-1978, Completed, University of the South Pacific

Professional Meteorology, Feb - Dec 1980, Completed, NZ Met Service

Certificate of Commerce, 1989 -1990, Completed, National University of Samoa

Physics, Australia, 1988-1989

English, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent

Samoan, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent

Work experience

Proposal writing/Report writing

Community trainer specialist

Meteorologist

Environmental and social safeguards specialist

Environment management

University of NSW, Admissions Officer, Sydney Australia

Independent Consultant, consultant (climate change/biodiversity/environmental management), Samoa-Australia

Samoa's 1st National GHG Inventory, Government of Samoa, Lead Consultant, Apia, Samoa, Final Report to UNFCCC

Samoa's 1st National Communication to the UNFCCC, Government of Samoa, Lead Consultant, Apia, Samoa, Final report to the UNFCCC

Evaluation of mangrove wetlands in Matafa'a, Ti'avea-tai, Ta'elefaga and Si'utu, O le Siosiomaga society Inc., Lead consultant, Islands of Upolu and Savai'i, Biodiversity audits and state of the mangrove reports

Conducting audits and surveys of mangrove wetlands in the urban areas of Upolu Island, O le Siosiomaga Society Inc., Lead consultant, Apia Urban area, Biodiversity audits for the mangrove wetlands in the villages of Moata'a, Mulinu'u, Sogi, Fugalei, Vaimoso, Lepea, Vaitoloa and Vailoa.

An assessment of the mangrove wetlands in Fasitootai and Vailu'utai, O le Siosiomaga Society Inc., Lead consultant, Upolu Island, Biodiversity audits for the mangrove wetlands in Fasitootai and Vailuutai villages.

Evaluating mangrove wetlands in Saina, Toamua and Puipa'a Communities, Ole Siosiomaga Society Inc., Lead consultant, Upolu Island, Biodiversity audit and state of the mangroves report and a power-point presentation.

Evaluating the mangrove wetlands in Vaiusu, Vaigaga and Vaitele communities, Ole Siosiomaga Society Inc., Lead consultant, Upolu Island, Biodiversity Audit and state of the mangrove reports for mangrove wetlands in these communities.

Climate change resilience Initiative in Toamua, Saina and Vaiusu, Global Forest Coalition, Lead consultant, Upolu Island, Samoa, Progress report, 3 power-point presentations, video clip and final report.

Publications

An Overview of the State of the Environment of Western Samoa, Faculty of Science (National University of Samoa).

Samoa's First GHG Inventory, Government of Samoa

Samoa's First National Communication to the UNFCC, Government of Samoa

The impact of climate change on Western Samoa, MNRE

Climate Change Resilience Initiative in Samoa, Global Forest Coalition