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Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Samoa is an independent small island developing state located in the South Pacific region. The country is geologically young and thus its biodiversity is not highly diverse. Nevertheless, isolation of the island contributes to a very high species endemism of over 30%. The vegetation in Samoa is divided into five categories: littoral, wetland, rainforest, volcanic scrub and distributed vegetation. There are nearly 500 species of native flowering plants and 25% are endemic to Samoa. A further 500 or so species of plants have been introduced to the islands. There are 13 mammal species, 56 bird species, and 17 reptile species. No detailed studies of native freshwater fish have been conducted, but 991 marine fish species have been recorded. Little is known about terrestrial invertebrates, however 21 species of butterflies, 20 species of land snails, and 59 species of ant have been found in Samoa. Threats to Samoa’s biodiversity include increased forest clearance, marine pollution, overexploitation of marine resources, natural disasters and global warming.

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

There are 10 declared protected areas, 2 of which are marine protected areas, covering 14,000 ha and 10,000 ha respectively.

Percentage of Forest Cover

The total forest area is 105,000 ha, with 100,000 ha of natural forest and 5,000 ha of plantations equaling to 37% of the total land area.

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

Samoa aims to increase its protected areas coverage to 15%. During 2000-2005 an additional National park was created (Lake Lanutoo) together with a series of small town reserves. Over 60 locally managed village fisheries reserves are in place around the country. Restoration of two offshore islands is ongoing within an Aleipata District Marine Protected Area management plan. Samoa is still gathering information on the status of its threatened species rather than taking any direct actions. A key exception is the Marine Protected Areas project involving the Aleipata Islands which are key turtle nesting areas and one of the key sites for the ground dove. To protect genetic resources, Samoa maintains gene banks and tissue cultures for taro and other species and participates actively in the Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN). To prevent invasive alien species, Samoa is upgrading quarantine facilities and capacities at all entry points. To address climate change impacts, Samoa has completed its National Adaptation Programme of Action. Samoa also participates in the Pacific Ocean Pollution Prevention Programme (PACPOL) coordinated by SPREP, which has the target of ‘minimising ship-sourced marine pollution’. A Marine Pollution Bill is being drafted. A National Access and Benefit Sharing Strategy is a key element in an action plan developed in 2003 that involved all the key parties with an interest in this issue. This strategy would establish an access and benefit-sharing framework aimed to protect traditional knowledge.

Initiatives in Protected Areas

Samoa’s NBSAP set a target to increase coverage of protected areas to 15% of the land area with all ecosystems represented. Two new national parks were established in 2003. A proposal is being developed for a GEF Medium-sized project to conserve a very large area of threatened lowland and upland forests on Savaii. Mangrove conservation is one of the agreed objectives in the Safata Marine Protected Area Management Plan 2002-06. A project proposal is being submitted to Japan for work on mangroves and seagrass ecosystems.

Initiatives in Access and Benefit Sharing

Currently Samoa is implementing a departmental policy ‘Conditions for Access to and Benefit Sharing of Samoa’s Biodiversity Resources’ through its Biosafety and Bioprospecting Policies. Bio-prospecting Regulations were drafted in 2001. Samoa made one landmark agreement in 2004 with the University of California, Berkeley to isolate the gene for a promising anti-AIDS drug Prostatin from the mamala tree (Homalanthus nutans). Any proceeds will be shared with the Samoan government, villages and individual families of traditional healers. The Government approved an administrative policy for managing applications for research on plants and animals of Samoa in 1999. In addition a Copyright Act was passed and established Intellectual Property Rights in the late ‘90s which covers patents on products of intellectual exertion such as plants and animals hybrids, GMOs and LMOs.

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

An action plan has been drafted for facilitating access and benefit sharing of Samoa’s genetic resources and traditional knowledge. This identifies the need for a public awareness and education plan for stakeholders. The consultation undertaken during the drafting of the action plan did increase local understanding of this issue.