Tupuola Savave Sapolu has been appointed the new president of the Samoa Conservation Society (SCS), also known as Sosaiete Faasao o Samoa (SFS).

Tupuola previously served as the society’s treasurer in 2025 and has been involved with SCS for just over a year.

In emailed responses to the Samoa Observer, Tupuola acknowledged the contribution of outgoing president Afi’a James Atherton, who stepped down after more than seven years in the role.

“Afi'a James has left big shoes to fill, so I can only hope to add a fraction of the value he has invested in the society,” Tupuola said.

Tupuola said he hopes to strengthen membership engagement and build on the organisation’s recent progress.

“I hope we can work towards increasing our membership and increasing their involvement in the society for mutual value. In addition to this, I hope we can work at entrenching and institutionalising much of the growth and progress the Society has made over the years,” he said.

While still relatively new to the conservation sector, Tupuola said he is committed to the organisation’s mission.

“I have only been involved with SCS for a little over a year now, so I am still learning a lot about the space, but I believe the cause is worthy and rewarding,” he said.

In a statement following the SCS annual general meeting on 21 February, the society welcomed its new board members to what it described as “our small society” and wished them well in their service. It also expressed “our sincere appreciation to the outgoing exec members for their support and contributions to the society,” adding: “We hope that you can continue to support us because, as the saying goes, ‘our work is not done yet.’”

The newly elected 2026 executive comprises Vice President Aloma Black, Treasurer Johannes Uili and Secretary Kuini Levy. Other board members are Afi'a James Atherton, Patricia Mallam, Roland Setu and Martin Hitziger.