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This is one of two reports on the Uafato Conservation Area (CA) project in Samoa, based on a study carried out between 12 and 22 October 1998. This report is for the people of Uafato, as well as others in Samoa who may be interested to read, learn and share information about conservation of Uafato's biodiversity. There are aspects of this report that will apply equally to the biodiversity of other parts of the Pacific, as well as to related issues of concern to all.

Abaca is one of 6 villages inland from Lautoka, Fiji, that have together agreed to set aside part of their land as a conservation area. The special features that make their area very important are the presence of one of the few last stands of submontane dakua makadre (kauri) forest and an extensive nesting area for the now rare native ga-ni-viti (Peregrine falcon). In addition, this area has at least 11 plant species that have been found only here and nowhere else in the world. The Fiji government nominated this area to be one of 17 Conservation Areas (CA) under the SPBCP. The 17 CAs are scattered in 12 different island countries of the Pacific.

The vegetation of Uafato Conservation Area had been surveyed by the botanist Art Whistler and his team as part of the activities of the SPBCP. The indicators team did not have time to revisit all the area they surveyed but obtained an overview of the vegetation types described through a quick visit to selected areas and survey of the coastline through binoculars from a boat. A brief summary of vegetation types identified by Whistler and his team is provided here.