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The survey confirmed the finding from the initial cetacean survey in 2001 that humpback whales have not recovered from commercial whaling and appear to be in very low numbers in Samoan waters. A seminar held at the National University of Samoa concluded the survey and highlighted preliminary results.

Modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) fundamentally change all social relationships with the establishment of a new information society. New technologies change not only the modes of production of goods and services but also create new opportunities in execution of civic rights, personal self-actualisation, obtaining knowledge, education of the new generation, preserving culture for future generations and spending leisure time. In an information society, distances reduce, good governance emerges, globalisation occurs, corruption reduces and unprecedented opportunities for development of countries and regions are created. Samoa does not want to be left behind.

THE Government of Western Samoa and the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (hereinafter called SPREP),HAVING regard to Article 8 of the Agreement Establishing the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme.

As the world’s small islands grapple with the search for ways to balance economic development and environmental protection, an inter sectoral and interdisciplinary platform for ‘Environment and Development in Coastal Regions and in Small Islands’ (CSI) has been established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to assist in that process.Through three main modalities: pilot projects, university chairs/twinning networks and a global internet-based discussion forum on‘Wise coastal practices for sustainable human development’ (WiCoP forum), the CSI plat-form seeks to develop wise practices, guide-lines and principles which will provide for the prevention and resolution of conflicts over resources and values in small islands and coastal regions. In the long term, it is envisaged that ethical codes of practice, tailored for specific wise practices, will be prepared which will provide a policy framework for equitable resource sharing.

Samoa, a volcanic archipelago, consists of two large islands (Upolu and Savaii) and several small ones with a total land area of approximately 2 935 sq km. It lies in the southwest Pacific in an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 120 000 sq km, the smallest in the Pacific area. The country has a total population of 168 000, estimated in 1999 . More than half of the population lives on Upolu, where the capital Apia is located. Samoa has a tropical climate with a rainy season from October to April and a dry season from May to September. Rainfall varies from 5 000 mm to 7 000 mm on the windward side and 2 500 mm to 3 000 mm on the leeward side.

The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Mongabay rainforest profiles: American Samoa, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu