Village backs efforts to protect environment

By Ioana Tupa'i 11 November 2017, 12:00AM

The village of Falease’ela is working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to protect, preserve and conserving Samoa’s national bird, the Manumea.

Principals of Parks and Reserving, Moeumi Uili, says Faleaseéla, said this part of a great work being done by the village and M.N.R.E. to protect the environment. 

 “Conserving the Manumea cannot be done on a one-acre land,” Moeumi said. 

“This is why the Ministry of Environment needs to work together with the communities and so as the villages.” 

Moeumi made the comment during the celebration of the National Environment week at Falease’ela. 

Moeumi said a survey carried out last year identified the Manumea bird to be present at Faleseéla. 

The Manumea, also known as the Tooth billed Pigeon, is an elusive bird that is only found in parts of the island’s forests.

Birds have evolved to be suited to just one region and that is the case with the Manumea - facing extinction.

President of Faleaseéla Conservation Committee, Talo’olevavau Ualesi said the village is happy to help.

“Our village is in support of conserving and protecting the Manumea bird because it is found in our forest.”

Laws are in place to do this.

“Our village prohibits anyone from gunning down any bird or destroying our environment. We are here to protect our surroundings for the future generations.”

“We also have a nursery facility for plants and right now we are using it to plant more trees because we are encouraged now to do so, to meet the one million trees project as well.”

By Ioana Tupa'i 11 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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