Samoa: Law, Custom and Conservation

Since gaining independence 30 years ago Samoa has been proactive in returning control of government, land and resources to traditional owners. The most recent challenges have been in the areas of biodiversity conservation and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Samoa has taken a progressive approach by recognising the unique value in traditional knowledge and cultural practices that have developed over generations. By incorporating customary law and practice into natural resource management laws and policy, Samoa has created a multifaceted system empowering indigenous communities and maximising their participation. This article focuses upon Samoa's marine protection regime to illustrate the many advantages of blending old and new to create an effective, modern and sustainable conservation regime.