Samoa’s Mount Matavanu is among the three sites in the Pacific to be recognised by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) 100 Geological Heritage Sites globally.

The other two are Tuvalu’s Funafuti Atoll and Vanuatu’s Yasur Volcano, also known as the ‘Lighthouse of the Pacific’.

Mount Matavanu underwent massive volcano eruptions for six continuous years from 1905 to 1911. Historical records showed that lava flowed down the mountain throughout the entire time, leaving a hot trail of molten rock. This caused many villagers on Savai’i to be relocated to the island of Upolu.

The mountain has been dormant and quiet ever since. There are now trees growing inside the crater, which shows that there is not much going on in the volcanic front.

These three Pacific sites are alongside well-known sites, such as the Grand Canyon and Mt Everest, to build a critical stepping stone towards the establishment of the Pacific’s first UNESCO Global Geoparks, which require sites and landscapes of international geological significance.

Pacific Tourism Organisation C.E.O. Chris Cocker said this accomplishment would place the region in good stead to achieve sustainable and equitable growth by creating high-quality and authentic experiences that reflect each country’s uniqueness.

The strategic partnership between the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and SPTO supports their members in working towards the establishment of the first Geoparks in the Pacific. Geoparks are a strategic opportunity aligned with several regional priorities.

“This recognition is also in line with the region’s aspirations per the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework 2021-2030. Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu have led the charge on Geopark development," Mr Cocker said.

"We anticipate that Fiji and other countries in the Pacific will follow suit to benefit from recognition under the UNESCO Global Geopark network."

Samoa Tourism Authority C.E.O. Pativaine Reita Petaia-Tevita congratulated all stakeholders working towards establishing the first Geoparks in the Pacific.

She said COVID-19 had reaffirmed the need for a diversified tourism economy that supports resilient economies, empowerment, and well-being of communities to promote their heritage.

“As custodians of the Geopark sites, the initiative strengthens the engagement of communities. This initiative provides a platform for Samoa to encourage shared learning, promote our heritage, and support the well-being of communities, and builds resilience,” Ms. Petaia-Tevita said.

Vanuatu Tourism Office C.E.O. Adela Issachar Aru commended the Pacific island countries for their commitment to meeting the criteria set by IUGS.

“This recognition is significant because it acknowledges that the Pacific region is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes and geodiversity in the world,” Ms. Aru said.