The work to conserve the environment in Samoa and particularly in the Sagaga district of Upolu has just received a massive boost with 148 more environmental guardians. 

The students were part of the Guardians Programme, co-hosted by Conservation International (CI) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC).

According to CI, this marks the growth of the programme and a significant step forward in its sustainability, with trained local teachers taking the lead in delivering the sessions.

Teachers who had previously participated in the programme’s “Training of Trainers” were at the forefront of this rollout, applying their knowledge and stepping confidently into facilitator roles. 

Their leadership ensured that students received engaging, relevant lessons on corals, mangroves, waste management, sustainable fishing and traditional voyaging.

"We were proud to see our teachers take ownership of the programme delivery," said the assistant chief executive officer for Ministry of Education and Culture, Tuiloma Inipene Simanu.

"It demonstrates that Guardians is not just a one-time event, it’s a lasting investment in community-led conservation."

For the students, the graduation signifies more than just the end of a training, it marks the beginning of their journey as environmental stewards in their schools, families and villages. 

Activities included hands-on sessions, group discussions, and interactive learning that encouraged youth to take real action for their environment.

Launched in 2018, the Guardians Programme has now reached 13 districts, with hundreds of youth graduating and dozens of teachers trained. Each new rollout strengthens the programme’s mission to improve environmental and scientific literacy and responsibility within communities through education and empowerment.

As the programme continues to expand, plans are already in motion for future sessions in other districts. The success in Sagaga highlights the value of investing in local capacity to grow a generation of environmental leaders, one community at a time.

“Reaching 13 districts is immense work, but it’s the strength of our partnerships that makes it possible,” says Leausalilo Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Ocean’s Director of Conservation International. 

“When everyone contributes their expertise and passion, the load lightens, and the impact grows far beyond what any one organization could achieve alone,” said Tuiloma.

Guardians is made possible through foundational funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) under the Manaaki Programme, with additional support from the Blackmore Foundation, the Waitt Foundation, and the Blue Nature Alliance.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and the Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS) played key roles in facilitating core programme modules and enhancing the impact of the campaign in Sagaga.

This rollout reflects a strong partnership to build environmental stewardship across Samoa’s education sector.