The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa is not selling its five acres of land in the Naumati Forest.
On Wednesday, ASG gave a presentation at the 35th General Assembly of the CCCAS at Kananafou explaining the unique features of the Naumati Forest and why it should be protected for generations to come.
The presentation was made by Director of Marine and Wildlife Resources Taotasi Archie Soliai.
The ASG formally requested the CCCAS to consider selling its 5 acres of land in the Naumati Forest to conserve the forest acreage in perpetuity, protecting it from threats of development.
Based on a recent valuation, the Naumati Forest is valued at $425,000 per acre, bringing the total offer to $2,167,000. The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) has submitted a project proposal to the Forest Legacy Program for funds to purchase the 5 acres from CCCAS, as well as 22 acres belonging to the Haleck family.
But, despite the compelling offer and the detailed benefits outlined by Director Soliai, the CCCAS decided to retain its asset and not sell the land to the ASG.
Director Soliai emphasized that the DMWR remains committed to its mission to conserve the Naumati Forest and expressed hope that the church may reconsider its decision in the future, for the benefit of future generations.
In his presentation, Director Soliai highlighted several critical benefits of preserving the Naumati Forest.
- Preserving God’s Divine Creation: Emphasizing the spiritual and ecological significance of maintaining the natural environment.
- Protecting Groundwater Recharge Areas: Essential for providing clean drinking water.
- Flood Mitigation: Serving as a natural retention area for floodwaters, particularly benefiting the Tafuna Plains area.
- Protected and Endangered Species: Providing habitat for protected birds and bats, and endangered species such as the Eua zebrina snail.
- Ancient Cultural Aspects: Preserving significant cultural sites like Tia Seulupe (starmounds).
- Educational Awareness: Offering opportunities for youth to learn about conservation and the environment.
