Qualitative-Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity of Western Samoa (SW Pacific) to Identify Places of Interest for Further Geoconservation, Geoeducation, and Geotourism Development

The assessment of geodiversity is a relatively new field of research connecting abiotic aspects of nature to the wider environment. The study of geodiversity is still in development, so a uniform and complete paradigm remains to be defined. Therefore, an assessment of geodiversity may be highly dependent on the nature of the territory subject to study, available databases, and the researchers’ field of specialization. The main quantitative method for the assessment of geodiversity was proposed to the scientific world only few years ago and may only be relevant to some places in the world, rather than all, which would be desirable. However, while similarities in research methods may be apparent, the directions, scales, and data utilized are clearly different. This article demonstrates a quantitative-qualitative method for an assessment of geodiversity, based on a five-point evaluation system and the utilization of widely available standard databases such as geological maps, SRTM models, and satellite images. Western Samoa Islands (Savai’i and Upolu Islands) were selected for assessment, as a typical example of basaltic ocean island volcanism generating relatively homogenous rock formations and subject to gradual geomorphology (e.g., shield volcano). While initially appearing as a region of simple geology and morphology, complexity is added by considering rock ages, the position and type of eruptive centres, and the coastal geoenvironment. By considering these factors, the assessment becomes specifically tailoring for geodiversity assessment of the islands of Samoa. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated a simple methodology of general assessment of geodiversity with additional improvements to take account of variability in other abiotic factors.

Representative Institutions in Western Samoa During the Mandate 1919 - 1946

<p>This study began as a description of the government of Western Samoa as a whole during the Mandate period 1919-1946. It soon became apparent that within the limits imposed by the time and space available it would not be possible to give an adequate treatment of such a wide subject, The scope was then reduced to a study of representative institutions during the period; the thesis is thus concerned with a well defined aspect of colonial administration rather than to provide a well rounded study in comparative political institutions. (To put the study in its correct perspective it was necessary also to include a brief chapter on District and Village Government and quite lengthy descriptive and historical chapters.) An additional reason for reducing the scope of the work was the wealth of untouched primary material available in the records of the Department of Island Territories, which were made freely available by the Secretary (Mr. J.M. McEwen). The scarcity of documentation available on the controversial history of New Zealand's Mandate a matter of considerable concern in view of the Territory's imminent independence made it seem worthwhile to collate as fully as possible material from this primary source. Although this may perhaps have been achieved at the cost of developing an original narrative, the exercise of compilation will have been of some value if it provides a starting point for more analytical studies.</p>

Representative Institutions in Western Samoa During the Mandate 1919 - 1946

<p>This study began as a description of the government of Western Samoa as a whole during the Mandate period 1919-1946. It soon became apparent that within the limits imposed by the time and space available it would not be possible to give an adequate treatment of such a wide subject, The scope was then reduced to a study of representative institutions during the period; the thesis is thus concerned with a well defined aspect of colonial administration rather than to provide a well rounded study in comparative political institutions. (To put the study in its correct perspective it was necessary also to include a brief chapter on District and Village Government and quite lengthy descriptive and historical chapters.) An additional reason for reducing the scope of the work was the wealth of untouched primary material available in the records of the Department of Island Territories, which were made freely available by the Secretary (Mr. J.M. McEwen). The scarcity of documentation available on the controversial history of New Zealand's Mandate a matter of considerable concern in view of the Territory's imminent independence made it seem worthwhile to collate as fully as possible material from this primary source. Although this may perhaps have been achieved at the cost of developing an original narrative, the exercise of compilation will have been of some value if it provides a starting point for more analytical studies.</p>

Ludwigia hyssopifolia (water primrose).

L. hyssopifolia is an extremely widespread weed of rice and wetlands across three continents. Holm et al. (1979) record it as a 'serious' or 'principal' weed in Indonesia, Borneo, Thailand, Malaysia, Nigeria and Trinidad, and common in Colombia and the Philippines. More recent publications confirm its importance in Malaysia (Begum et al., 2008) and in Sri Lanka (Chandrasena, 1987). While usually no more than 1 m high, it can grow to 3 m in height according to some authorities. Although there is some uncertainty over its native distribution, it is recorded as introduced and invasive on several Pacific islands, including Fiji, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Upolu (Western Samoa) and Christmas Island (HEAR, 2012). It is thus an aggressive weed of rice and of wetlands that poses a real threat to these ecologies. It has recently been identified as a 'new invader' in Spain (Ferrer and Laguna, 2009; Ferrer et al., 2009). Although this may be a slight exaggeration of its status there it does apparently have the ability to naturalise well north of its current distribution.

Clerodendrum chinense (Chinese glory bower).

C. chinense is a highly invasive weed in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. This species has the capacity to move into a habitat and reproduce aggressively by root suckers. C. chinense is classified as a "major weed" in Hawaii, Fiji, Western Samoa, and America Samoa (PIER, 2012) where it grows commonly along roadsides and as an ornamental shrub in gardens. This species rapidly invades pastures and plantations wherever it is planted forming dense thickets that exclude other species (Space and Flynn, 2002; Motooka et al., 2003). In the West Indies, C. chinense is included in lists of invasive species in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands (Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong, 2012; González et al., 2012) and is classified as a widespread exotic plant in the Lesser Antilles (including Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent; Broome et al., 2007).

Issues for School Libraries in the Pacific: A Case Study - Western Samoa

This paper reviews the literature and previous research about the development of school libraries in South Pacific countries. Then the practical issues currently facing school libraries in the South Pacific are considered, drawing on recent experiences in Samoa, where the authors have worked together on the upgrading of libraries in government schools. Some of the issues arising from this work, and possible solutions, are discussed.

Clerodendrum paniculatum (pagoda flower).

Clerodendrum paniculatum is a shrub which is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its spectacularly showy inflorescences. This species often establishes as a garden escapee. Its ability to produce root suckers allows the species to easily colonize new areas. Once established, it can form clonal stands of several plants. C. paniculatum is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds and listed as invasive in Singapore, Cuba, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Micronesia, Fiji, Palau, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Western Samoa.