Transfer of Technology for Samoa
URL: http://ttclear.unfccc.int/ttclear/jsp/PrDetails.jsp?prid=3739&db=TTProjects
Sector:
Syndicatorid: 234
Last Modified: 2006-01-23 14:08:31.633">2006-01-23 14:08:31.633
Description:
In the transport sector, many motor vehicles, both government- and privately-owned, are not operating at maximum efficiency. The old vehicles have not been properly retrofitted to take the newly introduced unleaded petrol (the only petrol available in Samoa now), hence efficiency is expected to be very low.
A reliable database of good quality is urgently needed by Samoa?s planners and policy-makers. Quality data is an indispensable ingredient for imaginative and prudent strategic planning and policy-making. In the fight against the current and the projected CC and SLR, Samoa must possess an adequate database of good quality.
For the above and the needs in other sectors, it is necessary to transfer proven, environmentally- friendly, and culturally acceptable technology into Samoa. Article 4.5 of the UNFCCC provides for this necessity. It is vital that the following aspects are taken into consideration during the transfer of technology into the country:
1. To modify the technology to suit the local needs ? environmental, socio-economic and cultural - since its only through this process that any technology can be applied with more effectiveness.
2. That the recipients of the technology need to understand and to appreciate the technology. This requires raising awareness through education and training of communities about the benefit and the relevance of the technology to improving their lives.
Technology transfer in the past has tended to neglect these two aspects and thus, has not realised its full potential in the community despite good intentions.
A priority list is provided, of areas where the UNFCCC can provide assistance with respect to technology transfer.
? Energy ? research into renewable energy sources including solar, wind, wave, biomass and hydro.
? Energy conservation ? awareness and education programmes targeting conservative energy-use behaviour.
? Energy replacement
1. research into the potential of coconut oil to replace diesel oil
2. research into the potential of methanol from biomass to replace gasoline.
? Refrigeration ? conduct workshops on proper retrofitting procedures and recovering of CFC, and increasing appliance efficiency.
? SLR ? need technology necessary for adaptation and mitigation including suitable models to provide accurate projections.
? Data management and processing ? requires both training human resource and upgrading physical facilities.
The Kyoto Protocol under Article 12 also provides for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) which could be employed by the least developed countries like Samoa to accommodate the transfer of necessary technology through a voluntary partnership with an Annex I country. Although the procedures involved are not yet finalised, CDM can be a useful tool for technology transfer which may eventually achieve some of Samoa?s needs for adapting to CC and SLR.
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