The Samoa Conservation Society on Wednesday launched a new national network to strengthen community rangers and improve community-led protection of forests, marine areas, and biodiversity as climate pressures grow.

The Conservation Area Support Network (CASN) was officially launched on 22 April at the Vailima Botanical Garden Information Fale as part of a broader project to scale up community-based climate resilience across Samoa.

The CASN brings together participating villages of Lalomanu, Uafato, Malololelei, Magiagi, Moamoa, Aopo, and Falealupo, united under a shared commitment to protect and sustainably manage their natural resources, including forests, marine areas, and biodiversity.

These villages will have trained rangers working full-time, supported by equipment, training, and technical guidance. Their work includes monitoring forests and wildlife, collecting data, and reporting on environmental changes.

Rangers are also being trained in bird and plant identification, first aid, and conservation management, and will work closely with village mayors, to report activities and support enforcement.

“This platform is designed to support communities that already manage conservation areas but need help to sustain them,” said Sefuiva Moeumu Uili, CASN coordinator at the Samoa Conservation Society.

She said the rangers are a key part of ensuring conservation work continues consistently on the ground.

The project is implemented by the Samoa Conservation Society in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, BirdLife International, and the Global Diversity Foundation.

It is funded by the KIWA Initiative and co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme Small Grants Programme.

“Many community conservation areas exist on customary land but have struggled with limited funding and inconsistent monitoring, especially when trained workers move into seasonal employment,” said Sefuiva.

A new digital reporting system will also allow rangers to log activities such as species sightings and site patrols, improving transparency and data collection.

The network strengthens the role of traditional village governance systems in environmental protection while improving long-term management of Samoa’s Community Conservation Areas.

“These are community-owned areas, and with the right support, communities can manage them effectively and sustainably,” said Sefuiva.