The University of Newcastle has signed an agreement with a Samoan village to enable its students to study and research a mangrove ecosystem.

The agreement between the Australian university and the village of Moata’a was signed on Wednesday witnessed by 18 University of Newcastle students who were accompanied by their staff members.

The students and the university staff are being hosted by the village of Moata'a with the village undertaking a traditional ava ceremony to welcome them. The primary objective of the visit is providing the opportunity for the Australian-based students to visit and carry-out studies and research Moata'a mangroves.

Speaking about the significance of the partnership, the Vaimauga No. 2 M.P. Leanata'i Victor Tamapua said the trip has been in the pipeline for quite some time.

"The trip was initiated by the Associate Professor Bill Leggat on his visit to Samoa for one of the conferences he attended back in 2019," Leanata'i told the gathering. 

"He expressed his interest and asked whether it was possible to bring in students to do and conduct studies within the Moata'a mangroves and how we are preserving this type of ecosystem.

"We discussed and talked about making it happen before the COVID-19 struck and affected our plans."

However, Leanata'i articulated that they were ecstatic to finally host the students and their teachers from the University of Newcastle. 

"This is a new beginning and the start of a great partnership between your university and the village of Moata'a.

"From now on, you will no longer be considered as guests. This is your family and your village whenever you visit Samoa."

The welcoming ceremony on Wednesday was attended by the village’s high chiefs, the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck, a representative from the University of Newcastle’s alumni based in Samoa, the women's committee and members of the Moata'a Primary School Committee.

The University of Newcastle's Associate Professor, Bill Leggat said the new partnership is critically important to their students' learning. 

He said that engaging with the community, especially those who are preserving and conserving the environment is vital. 

The engagement helps the students to identify the importance of preserving natural resources, and also helps educate more people about their significant role in restoring and preserving the natural resources. 

Mr. Leggat is of the belief that the village of Moata'a is taking the lead and is a great example of a community working together to protect and preserve the mangrove ecosystem, which is something other communities locally and regionally should learn from. 

The academic then used the opportunity to commend the village council and high chiefs of Moata'a as well as the women's committee who are at the helm of the project in protecting its mangroves.