ALM UNDP

Summary:

The current rates of forest depletion are high (and similar) on both Savaii and Upolu, which is estimated 1,500 ha per year, and therefore the accelerated deforestation is a major environmental problem. The loss of biodiversity due to forest clearing, attributed to commercial logging (20%), agriculture and other activities (80%) and the spread of introduced/invasive species raise concern. The management of National Parks and Reserves is the sole responsibility of MNRE, however insufficient number of qualified staff that have been trained in the field of resource management and or protected area management is a major problem. Other problems identified are the lack of baseline scientific information and data available, which is due to limited resources and insufficient funds to implement such effort. Areas such as O le Pupu Pue national park have very limited information of species composition and lacks proper management plans. A major problem faced by management of O le Pupu Pue national park is the fast spreading Merremia vine (Merremia peltata). It has been identified in the National invasive/Alien Strategy and Action Plan 2004 Draft, that this vine is smothering native trees in the national park.

The project's short-term objective contributes to the above-mentioned goals addressing management capacity to increase sustainability of natural resources through best practical implementation of management systems in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. Objectives include:

1. Increasing sustainable management of natural resources and environment through national parks and national reserves systems.

2. Providing best practice in the sustainable development and management of the country's natural resources and terrestrial biodiversity in partnership with all relevant stakeholders