Employees of ANZ Bank Samoa have planted a total of 4,700 trees as part of the bank’s initiative to conserve native plant species and address the spread of invasive species plants.

The workers of the bank converged on the Mount Vaea reserve last Saturday morning to undertake the exercise, close to two years after their last visit when they undertook tree planting.

ANZ Bank Samoa Country Manager, Bernie Port, told the Samoa Observer this was the third time they went to the Mount Vaea reserve to plant native species. 

"We went twice in 2020 and now again last Saturday. It has been a great initiative for the environment and of course for the staff," he said.

"This time we planted 700 trees and in total we have planted 4,700 trees. ANZ has now planted 4,700 plants towards their impressive target.”

According to Mr. Port, the best tree that anyone can plant is the one that was planted two decades ago. 

"The next best tree is the one you plant today," he said. "The staff are really excited about our 20000 tree challenge and it was fantastic to see the team at first light ready for the task at hand.

"The terrain today was really difficult with a very steep climb up the north side of Mt Vaea, no tracks or trails but absolutely beautiful forest.”

Mr Poort also highlighted the need to plant native species to overcome challenges associated with invasive species. 

He said replacing invasive species with native species is important as they have seen their impact around Samoa.

"Replacing invasive species with native species is important as we have all seen how aggressive these invasive species are spreading around beautiful Samoa, edging out native species, devastating ecosystems, and costing a lot of money," the bank executive added. 

"We can all work together and we can help Samoa sustain its beautiful natural environment for many years to come," he said. 

"The ANZ team will be heading up to Malolelei later this month to continue to change.”

Mr Poort also congratulated members of the public who were cleaning up along the Apia seawall, saying their intervention ensures the area stays beautiful.

"With the independence celebrations, it is magnificent to see the people along the sea wall cleaning up and all around the island decorating. 

“Their motivation to make the country as beautiful as it can be is wonderful and as head of ANZ I want to wish the whole of Samoa a happy 60th Anniversary.”