Samoa joined global efforts on the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, drawing attention to the vital role of mangroves in protecting coastlines, storing carbon, and sustaining marine life.
Tofaeono Dr. Lafitai Iupati Fuatai, chief of Moata‘a village, is leading a grassroots initiative to safeguard one of Samoa’s last remaining mangrove ecosystems. Villagers protect the area by refusing to cut down trees and regularly cleaning waterways to keep them free from rubbish.
“Mangroves are resilient. They deter flooding by preserving the soil, absorb CO2, and release oxygen,” Chief Fuatai said.
Mangroves provide natural defences against storms and tidal surges, stabilising coastlines by reducing erosion. Their complex root systems trap sediments and slow water flow, helping prevent flooding and building climate resilience. They also act as nurseries for fish, crabs, and other marine species that support local fisheries. Beyond these ecological benefits, mangroves filter pollutants from coastal waters, improving the health of nearby coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Mangroves store carbon at higher rates than many terrestrial forests, making them a key tool in tackling climate change. Studies show that mixed mangrove forests with diverse species can store up to a third more carbon than monocultures. For local communities, mangroves hold cultural and practical value, providing food, traditional medicines, and building materials. However, nearly half of the world’s mangrove forests are at risk due to development, aquaculture, pollution, and rising sea levels, making conservation efforts urgent.
Australia, through UNDP and Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, supports these initiatives via the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP), which funds community-led projects that strengthen climate resilience and safeguard ecosystems.
The efforts at Moata‘a reflect a global shift toward recognising mangroves as a vital part of blue carbon strategies, which aim to protect and restore coastal ecosystems that capture and store carbon at exceptional rates. Samoa’s work in this area is part of a broader movement linking local conservation with international climate action.
This article is based on a post from the Australian High Commission, Samoa Facebook page .
