Three million tree campaign launched

The Government of Samoa has launched the Three Million Tree Campaign after the success of the Two Miilion Tree Campaign that took place from 2015 to 2020.

The campaign was launched during the World commemoiration day for water, forests, wetlands and meteorology in Samoa at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (T.A.T.T.E.) Convention Center on Wednesday.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster said that recent statistics highlight a decline in Samoa's native forests and which is attributed to climate change, increase of infrastructure development including the expansion of residential areas.

The event was held at the TATTE Convention Center on Wednesday

Photo: Ro Setu

In response to this, Toesulusulu said that the Government in collaboration with its development partners invested in programmes to improve our environmental sustainability and build resilience.

This will include programmes such as tree planting campaigns, and sustainable land use initiatives.

Toesulusulu also stated that the new campaign will focus on working with all districts of Samoa and civil society organisations for a community led tree planting programme.

All districts in Samoa will take part in tree planting programmes which will be part of the three million tree campaign

Photo: Ro Setu

A Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) and eligible district committees, community conservation areas, and civil society organisations that will start the first year of implementation of the Three Million Tree Planting Campaign.

WASH Sector Annual Review Reports, Sustainable Energy Lighting Programme, and the Upland Water Catchment School Awareness Campaign were also launched during the event.

The Samoa Observer reported in April 2021 that 2,215,756 trees were planted during the Two Million Tree Campaign.