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The objectives of the survey were to: (1) identify plant species presently causing problems to natural and semi-natural ecosystems; (2) identify species that, even though they are not presently a major problem, could spread more widely or are known to be problem species elsewhere; (3) confirm the absence of species that are a problem elsewhere and, if introduced to Samoa, could be a threat there; and (4) make appropriate recommendations.

This is a continuation of the survey of islands in Micronesia and American Samoa for invasive plant species requested by the Pacific Islands Committee, Council of Western State Foresters. A survey of selected Micronesian islands was conducted in 1998 and was discussed in a previous report2. This report is based on perceptions gained from a trip to American Samoa from 16 to 23 July 1999, including the islands of Tutuila, Ofu, Olosega and Ta'u. The objectives were three-fold: (1) To identify plant species on the islands that are presently causing problems to natural and semi-natural ecosystems; (2) to identify species that, even though they are not presently a major problem, could spread more widely or spread to other islands where they are not present, potentially causing problems; and (3) to confirm the absence of species that are a problem elsewhere and, if introduced to American Samoa, could be a threat there.

Ecosystem services are indispensable to the well-being and health of people everywhere. In addition to providing life's basic needs, changes in their flow affect livelihoods, income, local migration and, on occasion, political conflict. The resultant impacts on economic and physical security, freedom, choice and social relations have wide-ranging impacts on well-being and health.

The Mauritius Strategy provides a framework for specific actions and measures to be taken at the national, regional and international levels in support of the sustainable development of small island developing states. Many of the issues faced today are related to the surrounding oceans such as climate change and sea level rise, global warming and the preservation of biodiversity.