NUS reopens its Peace Garden Project!
Group Photo: NUS Vice Chancellor, SCS President and Management, UN Official, NUS PSM Team & NUS FOS Students
Photo: NUS
The National University of Samoa officially reopened its Peace Garden Project last
week on the 12th of April 2023. The initiative is in line with the NUS Strategy 2030 and
Corporate plan, which highlight the importance of creating innovative and inclusive
areas that optimize existing spaces and promote social and environmental
sustainability.
The Peace Garden Project is an open space initiative that was implemented by the
National University of Samoa (NUS) in collaboration with the Samoa Conservation
Society (SCS). The project aims to create a recreational and green space that adds
an aesthetic quality to the University. The Peace Garden has been a key project
featured in the NUS Campus Master Plan and was originally established in 2001. Due
to the lack of proper maintenance, the garden ceased to exist. However, this
project aims to revitalize the garden area and ensure its maintenance, with future
potential for extension and possible development in another location within the
campus.
According to our NUS Vice Chancellor – Associate Professor Tuifuisa’a, she stated,
“The exquisite Peace Garden serves as an oasis of tranquility designed to promote a
peaceful retreat within the University Community and all who visit. Its lush landscape
is adorned with indigenous flora and fauna, signifying the University's dedication to
ecological conservation and sustainable growth. This serene garden also provides a
place for reflection and meditation as well as a great opportunity for people to
experience its calming and rejuvenating effects for themselves.”
President James Atherton from the Samoa Conversation added, "This project will
encourage our youth to learn more about Samoan plants and to understand how to
conserve and respect spaces that support long-term sustainability, which aligns with
NUS & SCS plans. Additionally, it aims to create spaces that foster appreciation and
respect from those who utilize the garden."
Overall, the cutting of the ribbon by our NUS Vice-Chancellor and walking the trail
marked the official reopening of the Peace Garden Project. It was an exciting
moment for everyone involved; offering an exclusive chance to witness the fantastic
endeavour firsthand while learning more about the project in person. Therefore, The
National University of Samoa (NUS) is committed to ensuring that the Peace Garden
project is a success, and it contributes to the overall well-being of the University
community.
“The National University of Samoa is the main university in Samoa, with a mission to provide
high-quality education and research opportunities to its students in order to support the
development of Samoa and the Pacific region. With a focus on excellence in teaching,
research and service, the university offers a range of degree programs in various fields,
including health sciences, Samoan culture, development studies, arts, maritime, TVET,
business, and education.”