change, Japan works together with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), a regional organization located in Samoa, to support the formulation of the Pacific Regional Solid Waste Management Strategy and capacity development. Moreover, the Pacific Island countries are significantly affected by climate change and are vulnerable to natural disasters. To improve their capacity for disaster prevention, Japan provides support for the measures to address environment and climate change through the establishment of systems that enable residents to escape appropriately.

In the area of education, Japan is supporting the University of the South Pacific (USP), which was founded by 11 countries and 1 area of the Pacific region, in constructing facilities for research on information communication technology and providing equipment. Japan has also assisted the university in improving its distance learning network, which provides the opportunity for higher education for a wide range of people in the Pacific island countries and areas.

In the field of health, Japan implements regional assistance. For example, in order to strengthen immunization projects in the Pacific island countries, Japan has extended assistance in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to contribute to the achievement of plans to expand immunization, through provision of vaccines and maintenance of vaccine cold chains $ ^{29} $ , thereby contributing to the improvement of immunization rates against measles and Type-B hepatitis, etc., in the region.

A satellite communication earth station used for the construction of a distance-learning network (USPNet) as part of the “ICT for Human Development and Human Security Project” in Fiji. Distance-learning programs are provided from this location to remote campuses and learning centers in 12 Pacific Island countries. (Photo: Kader Hiroshi Pramanik)

A child is vaccinated in Vanuatu (Photo: Yuki Jimbo)

Samoa

# “The Project for Enhancing Management Capacity for National Parks and National Reserves of Samoa” Technical Cooperation Project (March 2007 - September 2010)

Of the countries of Oceania, Samoa is home to a particular diversity and high rate of endemic species of plants and birds. But in recent years, decrease of the area of forests due to deforestation causes big issues such as the decrease in the number of birds. In addition, its geographical characteristics make it easily affected by invasive alien species, which impact biodiversity. Although suitable management of the protected area is necessary to maintain Samoa's valuable natural environment, the management has not been conducted enough due to lack of capable government employees, equipment, and budget. In this respect, Japan provides assistance to formulate plans for the management of major national parks and natural reserves and to improve the awareness of the people around the area. The goal of this project over a period of three years is to enable governmental organizations to formulate management plans on their own and acquire the ability to operate and manage the plans.

Entrance to the Vailima Botanical Garden Reserve