The project specifically targets the villages coastal areas that was seriously damaged by the 2009 tsunami and cyclone Evans in 2012. The intention is not only to protect the marine environment but also to add value to the MPA by introducing high value species such as giant clams which were once abundant in the marine environment. The introduction of such species would increase the value of the MPA as a tourist site and could attract tourists from neighboring resorts such as the Paradise Hotel to visit the MPA. The project therefore has the potential to create jobs for the local people who could find employment in the tourism and hospitality sector. It could also encourage the development of other sectors such as in transport, agriculture and fisheries in support of the expected increase in visitors to the village. The cumulative effect of this increase in local activity will be a significant contribution by the project to the improved standard of living for the village and people of Gagaifo.

Because of the rich and diverse biodiversity of the area and its potential to attract local and international attention, the Gagaifo MPA could easily serve as another successful model for the GEF and UNDP supported projects. Its community-based management approach has been proven effective in other GEF-funded projects in Samoa (e.g nearby Savaia MPA) and this proposed MPA could thus serve as further proof of what has been a highly successful SGP community approach to managing local resources in the Pacific islands.

The Gagaifo MPA complements and supports other national and international efforts of the GEF and other agencies to protect the biological diversity of small island developing states in the Pacific and the world. In this regard, the project will ensure that its activities are closely linked to initiatives of other local agencies such as the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRE), the Fisheries Division, the SPREP, the International Union on Nature Conservation (IUCN), the Conservation International (CI), and others. The project also supports the Samoa Development Strategy by promoting the sustainable use of marine resources for the development of the country and its people.

Expected Outcomes:

At the end of three years of project implementation (36 months), the following results/outcomes are expected to be achieved.

1. At least four acres (1.6 hectares) of the coastal area of the village is accorded permanent protection through the MPA.

2. Appropriate local actions are implemented and supported by partners to adapt to the impacts of climate change resulting
from awareness raising seminars with neighboring villages with MPAs and identifying critical areas for protection of
biodiversity using participatory such as methodologies P3D modeling/?mapping.

3. By-laws governing the operation of the MPA are reviewed, revised and endorsed by the village council and approved by the Attorney General's Office.

4. MOUs effecting partnerships with the project would have been agreed and signed with at least three interested partners:

5. At least five members of the Steering Committee would have received training in project management

6. The Project Coordinator would have received specific training from GEF in report writing and book keeping.

7. A feasibility study of eco-tourism in the village is completed before the end of year 3

8. A series of publications (leaflets, brochures, reports, etc) would have been published to raise awareness about the project and its results.