Conservation activists and residents are calling on the government to urgently enforce watershed protection rules at Malololelei, warning that large-scale land clearing could increase erosion, flooding, and damage to the water supply and biodiversity.

James Atherton, an Executive Member of the Samoa Conservation Society, said current laws regulating development in upper catchment areas are deficient while new environmental codes remain unapproved.

He said large forested areas at Malololelei, about 600–700 metres above Apia, are being cleared for housing without proper environmental safeguards.

“Large forested blocks in Malololelei are currently being cleared for new homes without implementation of the 2012 Watershed Management Plan or measures to retain vegetation cover.”

“Exposed soil is at high risk of rapid erosion,” Atherton said.

He added that habitat loss is threatening native species. 

“Habitat and food resources for native biodiversity are being lost. We must act before irreversible damage is done,” he said.

Atherton said around 100 residents and concerned citizens have signed a petition urging the government to enforce the 2012 Gasegase Watershed Management Plan and introduce stronger planning controls for the area.

The petition warns that Malololelei lies in a high-risk erosion zone and is part of the upper Gasegase catchment, which supplies water and drains through major parts of Apia before reaching the sea.

It says past flooding in low-lying areas such as Vaimoso and Pesega has been linked to upstream development and vegetation loss.

The document also argues that removing forest cover increases surface runoff and soil erosion, reduces groundwater recharge, affects biodiversity, and raises local temperatures.

The petition calls for stricter zoning rules, limits on housing density, protection of forest cover, and stronger enforcement of existing environmental laws.

It also urges government agencies to better monitor development activities in sensitive ecological areas.