The site referred to as Saanapu and Sataoa Mangroves of Samoa is located on Upolu Island. The 30-hectare site is considered to be the least degraded wetland in Samoa. An area of coastal rain forest separates the mangroves at Saanapu and Sataoa, and a tidal channel runs through both mangrove forests. To address environment and development problems such as resource depletion, waste disposal and pollution, through innovative coupling of indigenous knowledge and practice with contemporary science and technology; to ensure strong community participation with a particular focus on involving school children, youth and the local community in project activities to strengthen, in a complementary manner, indigenous knowledge, practice, cultural identity and self-esteem; to strengthen local values associated with mangroves and swamps as sources of food, medicine and other traditional products, as well as places of social/spiritual significance. Location: Saanapu-Sataoa Mangrove Conservation Area, Saanapu and Sataoa villages, Upolu Island, Samoa. Starting date: The project was expected to begin in 1998, however due to various factors it was only initiated in June 2000. Partners: Government of Samoa through the Department of Education and the Department Lands, Surveys, and Environment; National University of Samoa; Saanapu and Sataoa Villages; Saanapu and Sataoa Primary Schools; UNESCO: Education Sector Associated Schools Project, Coastal Regions and Small Islands platform.
Mangrove and fern species that are home to delicious mud crabs and large schools of bleeding mullet dominate this unique marsh on Upolu's south coast. The villagers offer 30-minute guided canoe tours of the mangroves, giving you the lowdown on the rich cultural and environmental history of this conservation area. The term 'mangrove' is both well understood and difficult to accurately define at the same time1. Ecologically, mangroves are characteristic littoral plant formations, which occur along sheltered coastlines on muddy substrates at the interface of land and sea if certain conditions prevail. Mangrove forests are one of the most productive and biodiverse wetlands on earth. Yet these unique coastal tropical forests are among the most threatened habitats of the world. Mangroves form a small but significant component of the biota of Samoa. Their occurrence also marks the eastern limit of the Indo-Pacific mangrove distribution2. Three mangrove communities have been recognised in Samoa3. The most common mangroves are Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and the red mangrove (Rhizophora samoensis). In Samoa, these two communities typically occur adjacent to each other: The R. samoensis on the seaward fringe below the high water mark and B. gymnorrhiza on the landward side at about the high water mark4. One very small and rare occurrence of the Xylocarpus moluccensis mangrove has also been found at Sala'ilua on the south coast of Savaii. Tidally adapted plants such as saako (Acrostichum aureum) and fau (Hibicus tiliaceus) on the landward side flank the mangrove species. The total extent of mangrove communities in Samoa has been estimated to be about 1270 hectares, or less than one percent of the land area of Samoa5.
In addition to fish, Samoan mangrove areas are home to a number of birds, mammals and invertebrates. For example, at the Sataoa-Saanapu mangrove site, recorded bird sightings include the Pacific Reef Heron (Egretta sacra), Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa), Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva), Purple-capped Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus porphyraceus), Samoan Whistler (Lalage sharpei), Samoan Broadbill (Myiagra albiventris) and Cardinal Honeyeater (Myzomela cardinalis). Flying foxes (Pteropus spp.) also occur in the Sataoa-Saanapu mangroves, as do invertebrates such as the mangrove crab Scylia paramamosian and crabs of the genus Uca6. Mangrove communities in Samoa are important not only as refugia for biota, but also the following reasons. Firstly, the complex root system of the mangrove trees trap sediments and act as an agent of land reclamation, forming natural breakwaters, which protect the land from wave action and coastal erosion. Secondly, nutrients in land-based runoff may be retained within the mangrove ecosystem before they reach the reefs and cause damage. Thirdly, many fish species inhabit the mangrove areas at some stage during their life cycle, especially prior to spawning. Fourthly, they provide multiple resources to the local village economies. For example, they are the source of mangrove crabs, mangrove wood for fuel and outriggers of small canoes, and bark which is used to make a dye for tapa cloth. The crab fishery contributes significantly to the subsistence and income of families living adjacent to mangrove areas.
*Dr Suluvale is a Senior Lecturer at the National University of Samoa
