Samoa: Community Consultations Advance the RESTORE Project
From 14 to 25 July 2025, Conservation International – Samoa, in collaboration with the Fisheries Division of Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, conducted a series of community consultations across 15 coastal villages on the island of Upolu.
The consultations, part of the Kiwa Initiative-funded RESTORE Project, focused on reviewing existing community management plans and assessing marine biodiversity.
Participants included village councils, women’s committees, youth groups, fishers, and untitled men (aumaga/taulele’a), who engaged in meaningful dialogue on protecting and restoring their marine ecosystems. Village chiefs voiced strong support and gratitude for this collaboration with CI and the Government of Samoa, highlighting its importance not only for today, but also for future generations.
Over its three-year duration, the RESTORE project will support 15 village communities across the districts of Aana Alofi 4, Aiga-le-Tai, and Falelatai & Samatau,contributing to the conservation and restoration of Samoa’s marine ecosystems.
