This paper highlights the seriousness of the “biodiversity crisis” on atolls and the need to place greater research and conservation emphasis on atolls and other small island ecosystems. It is based on studies over the past twenty years conducted in the atolls of Tuvalu, Tokelau, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. It stresses that atolls offer some of the greatest opportunities for integrated studies of simplified small-island ecosystems.
Brief overview on the vision and benefits of the PIPAP portal
A direct internet link to access the PIPAP portal resources.
The information they contain needs to be considered in light of national conditions and circumstances.
The Action Plan was endorsed by PAWG members at the Annual Meeting and was presented to the 18th Pacific Islands Round Table (PIRT) Annual Meeting held in July 2015.
The handbook is a joint publication of Environment Canada and the University of Joensuu – United Nations Environment Programme Course on International Environmental Law-making and Diplomacy. Environment Canada initiated this project and provided core contributions for the main text. UNEP generously provided the glossary, as well as expert advice on the handbook as a whole.
This publication is a companion piece to Island Innovations—UNDP and GEF: Leveraging Environment and Energy
for the Sustainable Development of SIDS, a joint UNDP and GEF (Global Environment Facility) book launched at the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, 2014.
This study presents a “snapshot” of the current status of atoll biodiversity, including associated marine biodiversity, and stresses that atolls are “biodiversity cool spots”, which, apart from, in some cases, very considerable marine resources, have among the poorest and most highly threatened biodiversity inheritances on Earth.
Most atoll ecosystems and a wide range of terrestrial and marine organisms, and genetic or cultivars varieties of
traditional food and other multi-purpose plants are declining in abundance and under threat of either “economic extinction” or extirpation and in need of some form of protection. The severity of the situation is greatest on those more urbanized atolls where both the biodiversity and the local knowledge of biodiversity are threatened.
*see R Thanman pdf report for more information*
CVS version of the data in excel
Biological Rapid Assessment Program (BIORAP) was conducted from July 16 to August 3, 2016 in three Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Samoa:
* the Central Savai’i Rainforest KBA
* Falealupo Peninsula Coastal Rainforest KBA on Savaii
* the Uafato-Tiavea Coastal Rainforest KBA on Upolu.
A literature review of biodiversity information was also conducted on a fourth site - the Apia Catchments KBA.
An assessment framework based on key habitats in Samoa:
* cloud forest and uplands
* lowlands, coastal strand
* nearshore marine, offshore marine, and rivers and streams
* climate change, air quality, waste disposal, renewable energy, and population pressures.
It also assesses the status of Samoa’s species of high conservation value, especially those that are endemic and critically endangered.
The Jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus) was first recorded in Upolu in 1965, followed by the Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in 1988 (Watling, 2001). It is believed they were introduced to control livestock ticks and unexpectedly became an invasive species; over the past two decades their populations have increased dramatically.
This document provides information regarding issues surrounding the myna: why mynas are a problem and what methods are currently been implemented to control and/or eradicate mynas from cities, islands, and countries.
Of considerable concern is that the Ma’oma’o is now rare and highly threatened. The Ma’oma’o is classified as Endangered by the IUCN, or World Conservation Union. This document sets out a series of objectives and actions that are necessary to conserve the Ma’oma’o, and Samoan birds in general, for future generations to appreciate.
Biotechnology has been used by Samoan farmers for many years to crossbreed plants and animals. However, modern biotechnology, where genes are transferred between species, is a relatively new concept in Samoa. The products of modern biotechnology are often referred to as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Bio-safety is a way of reducing the potential risks that may result from modern biotechnology and its products.
This National Biosafety Framework is for the safe transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology
A pocket identification guide to both land and sea birds of Samoa and American Samoa.
Environment related legislation review of Samoa.
**Please submit new information or corrections as the reviews will be updated annually.**