UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

11/19/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2024 11:18

Samoan scientists supported by UNESCO complete first major study of rivers on country’s largest island

From February 2023 to January 2024, researchers from the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa monitored the water quality of five priority rivers on the island of Savaii from source to sea. A large-scale freshwater study had never taken place on Savaii before, so this study created a baseline data repository for five of the key freshwater systems on the island.

These riverine ecosystems provide critical habitats for various endemic and endangered species. They also support traditional fishing and farming practices and are of spiritual and cultural significance for the local communities.

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The island of Savaii is home to about 40 000 Samoans, just over 22% of the population. The island's inhabitants rely heavily on groundwater as a primary source of freshwater for their domestic, agricultural and industrial activities.

The study comes at a time when Savaii is facing growing pressure from population growth, deforestation and tourism development. These activities are contributing to various forms of water pollution, including sedimentation, nutrient enrichment from agricultural and sewage runoff and bacterial and chemical contamination.

The study used field assessments and mapping to identify developments that may be contaminating these water ecosystems. The data obtained present some alarming results. All five sites tested positive for Escherichia coli to varying degrees and the presence of Enterococci coliform was also detected. These bacteria tend to indicate contamination with fecal material. Excess levels of these contaminants are a consequence of the stronger human presence in the vicinity of these rivers, with the development of hotels and extension of settlements. The team has made recommendations for mitigating the detected contamination.

The research team from the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa has shared its findings with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The data generated by the project have since been included in national data inventories used by these and other government ministries. The data provide credible evidence which should guide policy and economic decisions in the future.

The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa has also shared its findings with Conservation International and the Samoa Conservation Society, to inform their work.

The monitoring of water quality in the five rivers complements a second study commissioned by UNESCO, in which researchers from the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa collected samples of endemic plants to identify those with potential for contributing to drug development. Both studies are in line with the government's priorities outlined in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (2021-2026). The focus in this document is on conservation and the promotion of sustainable and innovative use of natural resources for the country's development.

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87% of inland waters in Samoa in a fair state

Samoa's State of the Environment report finds that 87% of the terrestrial environment and inland waters are in a fair state and the remainder in a good to fair state. For the marine and coastal environment, the figure is 71%.

The state of the built environment is rated 60% fair to poor. With regard to the latter, the report states that 'most of the population have excellent access to safe sanitation (97% of households) and drinking water (99% households). However, there are some serious challenges to the state of septic systems and leachates to the environment, causing contamination to groundwater'.

The report observes that water quality data are incomplete. Filling this knowledge gap was one of the reasons for the study conducted on the island of Savaii. While most households have access to safe drinking water, water quality data are incomplete.

The report also observes that 'waste management has been and continues to be a major challenge for the country'.

The report is the fourth in the series, the previous one dating from 2013. Another output of the United Nations Joint Programme, the report is the product of several technical working groups. It was launched on 7 October this year by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, UNESCO having served as project coordinator.

Contact

Susan Schneegans: [email protected]