The consultation for sustainable management of soil resources in Samoa was held at the Samoa Conference Convention Center, T.A.T.T.E. building yesterday. 

The consultation was to highlight the celebration of soil resources as the physical cornerstone of life on earth. 

Presentations were based on land and soil management issues and soil experts, national stakeholders, private sectors and the public were invited to attend.

Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Land Management Division for Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.), Manumaleuga Felisita Ikenasio-Heather stated part of this initiative is to put great awareness on soil resources. 

“The consultations that we hosted throughout this week have been very fruitful. It served to inform us of how interested our people are not only of our lands but also soil. Our goal from this land and soil week is to continue on with awareness programs and not only that to have this initiative annually,” she said.

Manumaleuga also added they work in partnership with the Government. “The government is well aware of the issues the people are concerned about, so be rest assured that the lands of the Samoan people are well protected.” 

Principal Land Management Officer, Grace Laulala, highlighted the Soil Resources Management Bill 2018. 

Grace said the objective of the Bill is to provide the M.N.R.E. with a broad strategic monitoring and regulatory mandate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

 It also implements Samoa’s obligations under the United Nations Convention to combat desertification and other relevant international environmental conventions. 

Another is to regulate the exploitation of soil resources so as to protect the health and fertility of soil that support Samoa’s livelihood and ensure food security.