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ISSUE 1
JAN-FEB EDITION
Saving the Manumea
Photo: Ulf Beichle
Conserving Samoa
Photo Stuart Chape
Auckland Zoo partnership
Photo: nature.org
Mt Vaea conservation
Photo: Supplied
TOP STORIES FROM YOUR CONSERVATION SOCIETY
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Samoa Conservation Society (SCS) “Fa’asao
Samoa” was launched in a short ceremony on the
last day of Samoa’s National Environment Week on
Friday November 7 2014 at the To’oa Salamasina
Hall, Sogi. The SCS is a non- profit organization
made up of a group of volunteers dedicated to con-
serving Samoa’s natural heritage and in particular,
saving Samoa’s many threatened species of plants
and animals from extinction.
WELCOME to our first Conservation Society Newsletter. It is only the second month of 2015 and
already I can feel the pressure of work, family and social commitments. While we rush head-on to
meet these obligations, we ought to find time in our schedule to pause, and reflect on our well-
being. Our environment underpins all what is possible to live on an island paradise like ours. We
are surrounded by turquoise sea with a deep blue ocean backdrop nurturing our homes along the
coast. At least that is how things were when our fore-parents journeyed to this land. Nowadays, we
cannot afford to take our environment for granted. Climate change, invasive species, over-
exploitation, pollution are harming the land, the sea, the forest, the farm and our homes. It is this
reason that we have established this newest commitment, the Samoa Conservation Society, as
part of our pledge to do more to protect and conserve our environment. We cannot do this alone
and therefore I invite you to join us, to do your bit to save the Manumea, Samoa's national bird, and
to help save the countless other species that share the right to be on this island. Every action
counts. Make a difference become an environment defender today by joining the Samoa Conser-
vation Society.
Sala Josephine Stowers, President, Samoa Conservation Society
Conserve Samoa Newsletter: First Edition Jan-Feb 20150
CONSERVE SAMOA BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
Samoa Conservation Society launches during Environment Week
CONSERVE SAMOA BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
The Manumea, Didunculus strigirostris, more com-
monly known as the tooth-billed pigeon is a large
pigeon that is endemic to Samoa. It is the national
bird of Samoa. It is confined to the mature undis-
turbed forests of Samoa and is of great significance
because it is the only surviving species of its genus
in the world. The Manumea is in serious trouble be-
cause of invasive species, hunting and loss of its
habitats. SCS in collaboration with the Australia Na-
tional University and with funding support from the
Darwin Initiative is implementing a project to save
the Manumea. The Manumea Project is led by Re-
becca Stirnemann with the overall aim of preventing
the extinction of the species by 2020. Conservation
efforts directed at preserving the Manumea will also
involve the preservation of the native forests of Sa-
moa that contain rich fauna and flora of native spe-
cies.
Conservation Feature: Restoration of
Mt. Vaea Reserve
There have been ongoing efforts to
restore the Mount Vaea reserve
since 2007. The reserve, which was
formerly covered with lowland rain-
forest, is now infested with invasive
plants. Sixty percent (60%) of all
tree stems in the reserve are inva-
sive species, introduced plants such
as African tulip (Faapasi), Rubber trees (Pulu vao and Pulu mamoe),
and Albizzia (Tamaligi).
The presence of invasive species reduces the quality of habitat for na-
tive flora and fauna, and also decreases resilience towards extreme
weather events and the impacts of climate change. A training provided
by SPREP has been used to train MNRE staff how to identify and com-
bat invasive plant species in the reserve, and to scout potential areas for
restoration. Members of SCS are invited to assist with the restoration
work including weeding and planting trees. For more information please
contact SCS member James Atherton on 7770787. jather-
Partnerships: Auckland
Zoo provides transmitters
As part of the Societys continued
efforts in saving the Manumea,
partnership with the Auckland Zoo
is currently being formulated to
assist in the supply of transmitters.
SCS Executive Committee and
technical advisors have been work-
ing on a proposal after initial inter-
est from the Zoo was noted. This
will be one of many innovative part-
nerships SCS will pursue in the
effort to ensure not just the protec-
tion of threatened species but also
encouraging robust scientific data
from Samoa, for Samoa.
Project Feature: Saving the Manumea
Member Profile: Tofilau Tepa Suaesi
Tofilau Tepa Suasei was the inaugural president of the Samoa Conservation Society. Tofilau graduated
from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in 1988. He started his professional
career at the Ministry of Education and later with the Ministry of Environment. Tofilau served the Pacific
Islands working at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme from 2007-2014. He
is now an Environmental Consultant and an active member of the Society.
Volunteer Profile: Imoasina Jalloh
Imoasina graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a Bachelor of Science (Environmental
Science) in September 2014. She was born and raised in Samoa. Her mother is from Savaii and her
father is from Sierra Leone, West Africa. She is currently volunteering for SCS while she completes her
Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change online, with USP, Alafua. Her hobbies include hiking, paddle
boarding, and various water sports.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Samoa Conservation Society is a young local non-
governmental organisation who are committed to advancing
and raising the conservation of Samoa’s biodiversity and natu-
ral heritage. Although it was established in 2013, its official
launch took place during Environment Week 2014. The organi-
sation's mission is to promote the conservation of Samoa’s
biodiversity and natural heritage by increasing the awareness
of the threats to native biodiversity from invasive species, un-
sustainable harvesting, habitat destruction and degradation,
pollution, and climate change. Our efforts will be achieved by
working alongside partners and local communities to undertake
research, raise awareness, and education and information ex-
change. Any projects you as an individual or group may have,
whether small or large that aims to support Samoa’s biodiversi-
ty, we can support you.
About Us
Our People
Out and About
Executive Members of Samoa Conservation Society, Lagipoiva Cherelle Jack-
son and Posa Skelton with Miss Pacific Islands, Latafale Auva’a met to discuss
outreach activities for the Society. Ms Latafale was very supportive of the Soci-
ety.
Www.samoaconservationsoc
iety.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/
conservesamoa
OUR PARTNERS