Staff of local non-profit organisation Artificial Reefs kicked started their training on Wednesday as they look at expanding their activities into eco-tourism kayaking and tours.

As part of the package, the eco-tourism and kayaking tours will include coral restoration. 

Ferron Fruean, the founder of Artificial Reefs, has built networks over the years with Government Ministries and civil society organisations as well as schools to assist.

"I know people often talk about the environment in a very distant high minded language, but I like to bring it down to simplicity so that our village people know what we mean," he said. 

Mr Fruean demonstrated the process of coral restoration by kayaking to an island off Taumeasina shores at low tide on Thursday morning. 

Once there he instructed his staff to pick up flat rock stones which they could use to attach tiny corals on for growth. 

"Once we get these flat stones, we drill holes in them then we tie little coral that are on the sand floor and put them in what we call a coral nursery,” Mr Fruean said. “From that we will get a coral garden.”

Mr Fruean says that he firmly believes tourists would love to participate in such an activity, when they come to Samoa. 

"We have a beautiful ocean and some people who come to Samoa don't just want to lie on a comfy bed and sleep,” he said. 

“They also want to do things and this could be one of them, the world could help us restore our coral reefs and we can also make some money from it.”

Mr Fruean recently returned from Savai’i where he was engaged by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to conduct training for coral restoration and coral gardens in some of the villages. 

"My first village was Amaile. I did their coral gardens with the community then we moved along the coast so Satitoa also has one.

“It is a great feeling to be able to teach the communities on how to help their reefs and ecosystems stay healthy.”

Mr Fruean also talked about helping his staff appreciate the significance of looking after themselves by being engaged in what they do.

"When I look at them I think of their wives, kids, mothers and family so I make sure they are paid well and are not wasting time," he said.

His staff are also trained in carpentry and soon honey bee making as that is also another project he has taken on board despite his busy schedule. Maotaalii Hosea Petelo Sepelini, Vincent Pesamino, Ronnie Tusiata and Tuimavave Solinuu Kennar, are the staff of the multi-talented business owner.

The head of the Department of Science at the National University of Samoa, Galumalemana Faainuseiamalie Latu also joined the training with some of his final year Bachelor of Science students. 

"These are all students that are majoring in Environmental Science, most of them are girls," he said.

"Ferron was also one of my students so it is good that he is passionate about this.”

Dr Latu told the Samoa Observer that the coral reef restoration project needs checking and monitoring.

"We have to test the health of the area in which the coral is being nursed. I now know that keeping the coral in the lagoon might not be such a good idea, because there is no flush and current to keep the system clear of algae," he said. 

The academic also alluded to the impact of deforestation on the health of the ocean. 

"There are so many trees being cut at Moamoa because people are moving into the area and buying land," he said. 

"What is happening is that the water from the rain is not being caught by the trees, but going straight to the soil so the corrosion brings everything, even sewerage from the higher areas to the coast and ends up in the sea.

"It is a worry that there is also climate change that we have to always find solutions for, so this coral reef restoration idea is a good interactive way to inspire these aspiring environmentalist children to find ways to cope with the threats to our ecosystems and well, human lives.”