Moata'a Village is located near the town of Apia, the village has a mangrove area. This mangrove ecosystem is the last of the many mangroves that used to exist within the town area of Apia but all have been reclaimed for developments. The mangrove of Moata'a have been thought to present the last stance of mangrove in the Apia townarea. Of all the mangrove ecosystems found in Samoa, the Moata'a mangrove is considered to be the most affected by developments. Reference to previous studies conducted in the area showed (1997); the reclamation of mangroves for an aborted Hotel project in the Taumesina region (north of the proposed conservation site) decreased the total area occupied by mangrove from 9.1 hectares to 5 hectares from 1970 to 1990 (approximately 45%).

According to the Legal System and the Lands and Environment Act 1989 all wetland areas, freshwater resources and where the watermark starts these areas belong to government. However, in terms of enforcement of law the village by-laws and traditional system of land ownership is more enforceable and observed.

Project Goal:
This project is aimed initially at raising the awareness of the villagers of Moataa about the blight of the mangroves. By declaring the mangrove area as a conservation site, it would be allowed to grow back, bringing back food species etc, as well as revenue to preserve this site for future generations of Moataa and Samoa.

***** PROJECT UPDATE: Project is currently on-going the delay is due to the slow progress of the grantee WC. The recent status is for the grantee to submit a development consent application to PUMA regarding the walkway they are requesting to build along the mangrove for community use. They have submitted a report, but PUMA advise that they have not approved any consent application because they need a new application. Community said waiting for IPA to conduct an EIA or PEA first than they can submit application. Second tranche is with-hold until this issue is resolved. Need MOA Amendment ******