Source: Samoa Conservation Society. For all you Mt Vaea hikers, the next time you walk up to visit uncle Robby, do check out the new Digital Nature Trail!
The Mt Vaea Digital Nature Trail Project is a partnership between the SFS Sosaiete Fa’asao o Samoa (Samoa Conservation Society) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa (MNRE).
The trail was developed by staff of the SFS and MNRE to provide information about the Mt Vaea Nature Reserve and to raise awareness about the biodiversity found there.
Photos of trees, birds and butterflies as well as bird calls – are all included!
There is also useful geological information and interesting local legends about Mt Vaea.
The New Zealand High Commission in Samoa generously provided funding support for the nature trail.
The 180 hectare Mt Vaea Nature Reserve was established in 1958 but wasn’t officially declared a National Nature Reserve until 1978.
The reserve protects the foothill forest on the slopes of Mt Vaea and provides trail access to Robert Louis Stevenson’s tomb near the summit of the mountain.
Four digital information panels have now been installed – two on the short trail and two on the long trail.
In future, digital tree identification labels will be placed on many of the prominent trees.
All panels have been installed as QR codes rather than physical signs to allow access to more online information and to ease revision and updates. Usage of QR codes can be monitored so we can also get information on usage of the trail.
President of Sosaiete Fa’asao o Samoa, Afia James Atherton, expressed the organisation’s gratitude to the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa for the funding support.
He also acknowledged Efi Va’a of Capital Designs Samoa for the great work on the webpages, Tisaan Graphic Design for all the panels, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa for the ongoing partnership!
Faamalo, Faafetai to SFS ma le MNRE for this great innovative initiative!
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