Magiagi village has taken a significant step towards conservation by pledging to safeguard 114 hectares of rainforest and the historical monument of Fale o le fe'e.

This commitment was solidified in an event attended by the NZ Governor General back in September 2022, where Magiagi became the latest village to be designated as a Manumea Friendly Village.

Sootagamalii Auelua, a prominent village chief in Magiagi, recently shared with the Samoa Observer that 10 members of their village's "aumaga" or untitled men have found employment opportunities through the conservation project. Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, Sootagamalii highlighted the significant impact on both the local community and the broader environmental landscape.

"This project marks a significant milestone in protecting our avian species and preserving our nation's valuable tree resources," noted Sootagamalii. He emphasized the project's broader implications, pointing out that the conservation efforts extend beyond Magiagi's borders to benefit the entire nation of Samoa. 

The Manumea Friendly Village program focuses on protecting Samoa's national bird, the Manumea, by reducing hunting activities and restoring degraded forests. Key commitments include managing invasive species and promoting alternative livelihoods such as nature-based tourism. Magiagi's dedication to these efforts marks a positive move towards conservation and sustainability.

To enhance biodiversity within the village, Magiagi has enacted laws prohibiting bird hunting and shrimp fishing in the rivers adjacent to the community's waterfalls. 

Sootagamalii emphasized that these measures are aimed at fostering a thriving ecosystem, promoting the flourishing of wildlife in both the arboreal and aquatic realms. Lowland rainforest in Samoa is now rare, covering less than 20 per cent of its former area as a result or development, logging, agricultural activity, and cyclones.

In an event on Saturday, Magiagi opened Samoa's newest Conservation Area, covering approximately 114 hectares of rainforest. This area is home to a diverse range of bird species, including pigeons, doves, and seabirds. 

Of particular significance is the protection of the "Fale o le fe'e", a vital historical monument representing the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture.

The success of establishing this conservation area can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Pulega a Ali'i ma Faipule, the project team led by Seiuli Ioane Etuale, and key partners such as the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa, Samoa Tourism, MNRE, and NUS. Their dedication has laid the foundation for sustainable conservation practices in Magiagi village.

As Magiagi embraces its role as a guardian of nature and culture, Sootagamalii expressed confidence in the positive outcomes that the project will yield for the village and the country as a whole. The employment opportunities provided to the village's untitled men not only contribute to their livelihoods but also reflect a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation efforts in Samoa.

The Conservation Area (CA) in Magiagi is set to welcome visitors starting May 1, pending the installation of on-site signage. Access to the CA will require permission from Magiagi village, facilitated by the authority of So'otaga. Visitors can reach the site by 4WD from Magiagi village or by foot along a 2.5km access road from the Magiagi EPC head pond.