Samoa: Law, Custom and Conservation

New Zealand Journal of Environmental Law, Vol. 10, pp. 361-380, 2006

19 Pages Posted: 3 Mar 2008

See all articles by Erika J. Techera

Erika J. Techera

The University of Western Australia Law School

Abstract

Since gaining independence 30 years ago Samoa has been proactive in returning control of government, land and resources to traditional owners. The most recent challenges have been in the areas of biodiversity conservation and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Samoa has taken a progressive approach by recognising the unique value in traditional knowledge and cultural practices that have developed over generations. By incorporating customary law and practice into natural resource management laws and policy, Samoa has created a multifaceted system empowering indigenous communities and maximising their participation. This article focuses upon Samoa's marine protection regime to illustrate the many advantages of blending old and new to create an effective, modern and sustainable conservation regime.

Keywords: Samoa, customary law, community based conservation, environmental law, sustainable development

Suggested Citation

Techera, Erika J., Samoa: Law, Custom and Conservation. New Zealand Journal of Environmental Law, Vol. 10, pp. 361-380, 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1099594

Erika J. Techera (Contact Author)

The University of Western Australia Law School ( email )

M253
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Western Australia 6009
Australia

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