The seawater reaches their doorsteps and when the tide subsides, it leaves behind debris from the ocean. It is a reality faced daily by residents of Moataa who live just behind the mangrove conservation area.

The impact of climate change is already being felt by these residents and they are hoping that something is done soon because they fear the rising sea will one day enter their homes.

Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No.2, Lenatai Victor Tamapua confirmed that while the mangrove can be a dependable livelihood in Moataa, it still is not enough to block the sea anymore from exceeding further inland and reaching homes.

"That's one thing that I hold dear is the mangrove conservation," he said. "The canopy walkway there was built in 2018 but now there is a lot that needs to be done to fix it and they're not small and definitely do not cost less.

"Currently, the situation is difficult for the families there because the water has reached other families' front yards. When the water recedes, it leaves the rubbish so we really need to build a seawall."

Lenatai emphasized that there is quite a large population residing behind the mangrove conservation who are affected.

For the well-being of the conservation and the fishes that breed in it, Moataa is currently working closely with the University of Newcastle to improve the state of the mangrove.

"Two weeks ago, a team from the university were here and they dived into the mangroves and they have placed some beacons just to test the fishes in there.

"As for fixing the conservation, it's currently in the pipeline."

In 2021, Moataa officially opened its Mangrove Restoration Project, in partnership with the U.S. and Samoan Governments. 

The project, funded through the U.S. Embassy in Apia, consists of the protection and conservation of the mangrove ecosystem and wetlands of Samoa.