The Minister for Natural Resources and Environment has warned that the loss of Samoa's wetlands could negatively impact the country's food security and freshwater supply.

Speaking at the commemoration of the World Wetlands Day Forests and Water Day 2023 at the EFKS Hall at Sogi on Tuesday, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster said in his keynote address that valuing and protecting Samoa's wetlands is and should be a collective responsibility.

He said losing the wetlands could have dire consequences for the community and the nation while its conservation will have long-term economic benefits for the country. 

“In commemoration of World Wetlands Day this year in Samoa, the Ministry recognises that great roles by the youth generation are important as they will be the future of our country," Toeolesulusulu said.

"The participation of the village leaders shows the massive support from the community as these initiatives will not benefit just one person, but the whole of Samoa. Therefore, the role doesn't only fall on our shoulders,

“Losing our wetlands means losing the valuable services they provide, and this almost always impacts negatively on humans.  Tourism, food security, fresh water supply, and coastal protection are the most obvious losers when wetlands die.”

Toeolesulusulu then urged everyone who calls Samoa home to join in the celebration of wetlands and to acknowledge the critical role it plays in the local ecosystem.

"For all of us who call Samoa our home, this is a time to celebrate a very special part of our natural environment – the wetlands. The wetlands include our rivers, lakes, coral reef, mangroves, mudflats, marshes, and sea grass beds."

According to the Minister, the M.N.R.E. understands that the country's wetlands provide economic and conservation benefits through fisheries production, flood control, shoreline stabilisation, maintenance of coastal water quality, and provision of recreational opportunities. 

“Wetlands also house extensive biodiversity, ranging from algae and lichens to plants, insects, crustaceans, birds, fish, and coral. [Prime Minister] Fiame also expressed concerns about the rapid rate at which wetlands are being degraded," he added.

“Wetlands are often wrongfully thought of as wastelands and are subject to land reclamation projects, used as waste dumping grounds resulting in toxic and harmful substances entering the waterways and oceans."

In an interview with the Minister after the formal ceremony, he called for the preservation of the wetlands and added that climate change added another dimension to its continued destruction. 

“Climate change adds another dimension to the continuing destruction of our wetlands, but it brings a greater imperative for their preservation.

“Across the Pacific, there is growing evidence that climate change is resulting in more frequent cyclones and storm surges, coastal erosion, loss of fish breeding grounds, and reduced water quality on many small islands."

The program on Tuesday included the launching of campaigns, such as the 3 million National Tree Planting 2022-2028 logo, water awareness posters, Vaipu baseline survey report as well as its management plan and awareness materials.

One of the activities involved the participation of primary school students in a writing competition about the importance of wetlands with the first, second, and third-placed writers awarded prizes. It was also an opportunity for the young people to build their understanding of these natural environments, according to the Ministry.

The chosen theme for the celebrations this year was "accelerating actions to restore water, wetlands, and forest resources for a healthy Samoa". The raising of awareness on the importance of conserving parts of the natural environment such as wetlands – to ensure their availability for future generations –  was also undertaken.