Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

42 per cent of average households contain at least one fisherman [ ] 194 Ecosystem management The management of native and endemic species of high conserva- tion value made notable progress, especially for birds with the BIORAP which sought to ascertain the status of the critically threatened puna’e, tu- aimeo, ma’oma’o, and manumea. The lack of confirmed sightings for some species is a concern but suggests that surveys should continue. There is also now a strong case for a captive breed- ing programme for those species where sufficient individuals may be found, as the only remaining option for saving them. This is a direction the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans should now consid- er, an idea that has previously been mooted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment using the Aleipata Islands. Other species are well documented in the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species and Samoa must collaborate and provide regular information for this list to be kept up to date. Samoa’s flora does not have flagship species that can be said to be similarly threatened with extinction, possibly because of a lack of research and in- formation. But species such as ifilele, and poumuli are not yet in any dan- ger of extinction, although existing biomass has dwindled significantly below safe levels. Other native species, including malili, tava, and pau, have been genetically improved under the SPRIG project and mass produced in forestry nurseries. The mangrove species, grantum (Xylocarpus mol- luccensis), is recommended by the National Environment Sector Plan for priority conservation action including the option of ex-situ conservation. Samoa’s knowledge of marine species has increased but is an area in need of continued research. There are on-going monitoring activities for marine turtles with targeted activities to protect nesting beaches, and these activities require continuing support. Inshore fisheries appear to be more regularly monitored for biomass and species diversity and monitoring re- sults have led to the reintroduction of species such as clams and trochus in some villages where local extinctions were observed. Several other species monitoring activities are reported, reflecting the interests of outside institutions and scientists. Foreign interest is an important source of expertise and funding that would otherwise be inaccessible. Likewise, continued collaborations with international organizations including Conserva- tion International, BirdLife Inter- national and the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation have produced mutually beneficial associations. B iodiversity is the ecological foundation of the life support systems on which Samoa exists. The diversity of its species, ecosystems and genetic information in animals, plants and microscopic life forms provide biological resources and the ecosystem services that are fundamental to the country’s physical, social, cultural and economic wellbeing. For a human population where 72 per cent of households are agriculturally active, agrobiodiversity species such as taro, bananas and breadfruits are major contributors to food security, local incomes and export revenues. There is a similar dependence on marine species as a source of income for 25 per cent of all households. Many plant species are used for traditional medicines, building materials, fuel, and raw material for handicrafts, traditional canoes and many wooden implements. The Toe Sua Ocean Trench NeilsPhotography on flickr Samoa