conserving samoa’s natural heritage strickland [email protected] seema deo [email protected]...

Samoa Conservation Society/Fa’asao Samoa, Box 2035, Apia, Samoa E: [email protected]; W: http://samoaconservationsociety.wordpress.com

Conserving Samoa’s Natural Heritage

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY

APIA YACHT CLUB, SATURDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2014 10.00 AM‐ 12.00 PM

MINUTES

Present: Mark Bonin, Juney Ward (Treasurer), Josephine Stowers‐Fiu, Easter Galuvao, Anna Bertram, Bronwyn Sesega, James Atherton, Danita Strickland, Seema Deo, Rebecca Stirnemann, Posa Skelton, Mike Donoghue, Schannel van Dijken, Sue Taei, Cherelle Jackson, Paul Anderson, Aolagi Jackson‐Anderson, Neil Lumsden, Galen Steinweg, Samantha Kwan, Cameron Kwan, Galumaninoa Maselusia Tasi, Stuart Young, Leilani Iosefa (Secretary), Sam Sesega, Tepa Suaesi (President) Apologies: Sue Mulvany, Greg Sherley, Robin South, Malaki Iakopo, Yvette Kerslake

1. WELCOME & PRESIDENT’S REPORT Meeting started at 10.20 am with a prayer (Mark). President welcome members and presented his report (verbal).

Highlighted the partnership meeting that was held at Conservation International office and noted that this arrangement proved to be ideal for the Society and recommended that this be continued.

Noted a number of achievements with regards to internal processes of the Society including: o Adoption of the Society’s Constitution. o Society’s logo o Merchandise (t‐shirts, greeting cards) o Official launching of the Society during the Environment Week, which was also linked

with the Manumea Project that is being funded by the Darwin Initiative and coordinated by Rebecca Stirnemann.

Acknowledged the contributions and support of the members for making these things happened. Expressed hope that the Society will engaged with the youth more.

2. APPROVAL OF 2013 INAUGURAL MEETING MINUTES The Secretary provided a brief overview of the minutes from the 2013 meeting. No issues raised from the minutes: Minutes endorsed (Sala/Cherelle). 2013 Minutes in Attachment 1. 3. TREASURER’S REPORT Treasurer (Juney Ward) provided copies of the Financial Report and gave a brief summary. The financial report was audited by Su’a and Pauga Associates (ww.sua‐pauga.com). The financial report was for 16 months (ending on 31st October, 2014). Financial Report endorsed (James/Mark). Financial Report in Attachment 2.



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4. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS As per the Society’s Constitution seven committee members are required to serve on the Executive Committee. These positions include the President, Secretary, Treasurer and four executive committee members. Members discussed and nominated three candidates for the positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer and one executive committee member to replace Sue Mulvany (who had communicated that she was not interested in continuing). Three other executive committee members (James, Mark and Cherelle) had indicated their availability to continue to serve and members endorsed their service for 2014‐2015. Voting on ballot papers was conducted and the new Executive Committee members are:

President: Sala Josephine Stowers

Secretary: Posa Skelton

Treasurer: Juney Ward

Executive Committee members: James Atherton, Leatigaga Mark Bonin, Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Leilani Duffy.

Meeting acknowledged with deep appreciation the service and leadership provided by the previous Executives with special mentioned of the outgoing President – Tofilau Tepa Suaesi and Executive Committee member – Sue Mulvany. The new President presided on the remaining agenda items acknowledging the hard work undertaken by the previous Executive Committees. Further acknowledged the support of the members in electing the new office bearers. 5. GENERAL BUSINESS – Q & A SESSION 5a. Manumea Project Presentation. Rebecca provided a presentation on the Manumea Project. Noting that the Manumea is unique as this is the last remaining species of its genus in the world. Other related species have gone extinct in neighbouring islands. The Manumea is a fairly large pigeon with an orange beak. Current estimate puts the number of birds at around 200 but there’s a lot of knowledge gap about the population of the bird. As the number gets smaller it becomes even more challenging to find them. Noted a recent sighting of a juvenile Manumea in Savaii, which is a great sign that the bird is still reproducing. The Manumea Project builds on recent projects including the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and Conservation Leadership Project relating to the Manumea. There is still a lot that remains unknown about the bird such as whether this bird is a ground‐nester or nests on trees? Three key project components:

a) Biological survey b) Identifying areas for conservation c) Implement conservation actions



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Although the project is largely focused on the Manumea, there are tangible benefits for other endemic bird species including the Samoa Giant Forest Honeyeater, the Samoan Broadbill and the Samoan Whistler. The project needs support from the members, which could assisting with identification of critical sites, raise funds to assist with the implementation of other project components (those not funded under the Darwin Initiative), and advocate for protecting of sites and native trees. Rebecca acknowledged partners involved in the project including the Darwin Initiative, Conservation International, Government of Samoa, Auckland Zoo, Australia National University and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and others. Rebecca also highlighted some other potential partners and funding partners that have shown interest in supporting the Manumea project, including the Germans and Durrell Institute. Discussion followed the presentation.

The number of Manumea sightings (with some level of confidence) is 3‐4 in Savaii and 9 in Upolu. The most recent sighting was in Savaii.

The arrangement between ANU and SCS is currently being discussed by the Executive Committee and that a likely agreement will be signed in early 2015.

A similar arrangement will also be made with Auckland Zoo so that parties are aware of expectations, obligations and responsibilities.

Engagement of members on the project could best be done through clear and frequent communications.

Concerned noted that decisions being made by some may have some bearing on the process and governance of the Society. Agreed that this be addressed by the new Executive Committee.

Further noted that an officer will be appointed by the Society that will be working alongside Rebecca. The Terms of Reference for this person need to be developed. The Executive Committee will oversee this.

Further noted that sub‐committees were established in 2013 to progress some of the issues identified by the members. These committees have not met, therefore there’s a need to reactivate them. The Executive Committee will meet to discuss this.

Members raised concerns of the need to focus on other key conservation issues, such as the Mt Vaea Restoration work and also on the marine. There’s potential to lever funding support to SCS through marine activities.

Meeting was reminded that the Society currently comprises of volunteers and that all of the members (including the Executive Committee) are already committed to their official obligations through their employment. Important to consider this so as to be more realistic with expectations.

5b) Conservation International offers to SCS

Sue Taei (Director Conservation International – Pacific Programme) in support of the Society offered to donate 50 % of the rent currently being charged to the Manumea Project (ANU/SCS partnership) to the Society. Requested that this be recognized as Conservation International’s contribution under the corporate membership. Conservation International further offered office space to Society’s members at the Auckland University campus, should they need it?



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President acknowledged the offer by Conservation International highlighting the importance of partnership to the Society. 5c) Amendments to the Constitution

Mark Bonin requested an amendment to Article 7 of the Constitution (Executive Committee) to allow for the appointment of a Vice‐President. It was noted that as per the current Constitution, this was not possible as it requires a 14 day notification.

The meeting agreed that there are merits to the motion and that this should be discussed in an Extra Ordinary General Meeting.

President advised that the Executive Committee will meet first and then decide on the date to hold an Extra Ordinary General Meeting. Given that the Christmas holidays are near, it is unlikely that this will take place this year.

5d) Constitution obligations As per the Constitution three key positions are identified as mandatory for appointment during the AGM: a Patron, Honorary Solicitor and an Honorary Auditor. Subject to the agreement by the nominated individuals, the members agreed to endorse Clark Peteru (Legal Officer at SPREP) and Sharlene (Su’a & Pauga Associates) as Honorary Solicitor and Auditor, respectively. A number of names were suggested for the Patron including the current Head of State (Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese), Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Sam Sesega and Tuala Donald Kerslake. The meeting agreed that the Executive Committee will meet to discuss the best way forward on identifying a Patron. 5e) Keeping members informed Members raised concerns on not being informed of some of the activities of the Society and suggested better communication including through a newsletter. It was agreed that this will be taken up during a future Executive Committee meeting. Members noted the open door policy with regards to attending Executive Committee meetings. This was an outcome of the inaugural meeting held in June 2013. President reiterated that the Extra Ordinary General Meeting will take place in the near future, once the Executive Committee meets. 6. CLOSURE AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS Meeting was closed with a prayer at 12.30 pm



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List of Attendees:

Member Email:

Leatigaga Mark Bonin [email protected]

Juney Ward [email protected]

Sala Josephine Stowers‐Fiu [email protected]

Easter Galuvao [email protected]

Anna Bertram [email protected]

Bronwyn Sesega [email protected]

James Atherton [email protected]

Danita Strickland [email protected]

Seema Deo [email protected]

Rebecca Stirnemann [email protected]

Posa Skelton [email protected]

Mike Donoghue [email protected]

Schannel van Dijken [email protected]

Sue Taei [email protected]

Cherelle Jackson [email protected]

Paul Anderson [email protected]

Aolagi Jackson‐Anderson [email protected]

Neil Lumsdew [email protected]

Galen Steinweg [email protected]

Samantha Kwan [email protected]

Cameron Kwan

Galumaninoa Maselusi Tasi [email protected]

Stuart Young [email protected]

Leilani Iosefa [email protected]



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Some of the participants of the Samoa Conservation Society Annual General Meeting [photo | Mark Bonin]



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Attachment 1

Minutes for the Samoa Conservation Society Inc Date: 14/6/2013 Venue: CI-Pacific Office (note temporary office for SCS Inc.) Present: Tepa Suaesi, Sala J Stowers, Mark Bonin, Tessa Tafua, James Atherton, Rebecca Stirnemann, Sue Mulvany, Elizabeth Kerstin, Malaki Iakopo, Juney Ward, Siosina Lui, Cecilia Amosa, Siniva Tuuau-Enosa, Schannel Van djken, Lagipoiva C Jackson, Greg Sherley, Mark Bonin and Leilani Duffy-Iosefa Apologies: Posa Skelton, Easter Galuvao, Yvette Kerslake Meeting started at: 12.15pm

1. Agenda overview by Leilani 2. Welcome – Brief introduction among members present 3. SCS draft Constitution presentation – James presented the draft constitution he had

prepared with the support from Tracy (solicitor). Presentation by James also gave another chance for everyone at the meeting to make final edits and comments. The SCS Constitution was endorsed with some amendments by members present.

4. Endorsement by 15 members for incorporation of the society. Fifteen SCS members signed the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour’s application form for forming an incorporated society.

5. Appointment of Officer bearers: this was done through voting (nominations requested then voted on by raise of hands for the person nominated)

Greg Sherley indicated that he can’t be nominated to be part of the Executive Committee because he is already involved in other Committees which will be of benefit to this group in terms of applying for a grant;

James Atherton was also nominated for President but he declined the offer due to his many commitments and obligations;

Sala J Stowers was another nominated candidate but she decline due to her contract with Government, it doesn’t allow her to hold any position outside of her current employment even if it’s voluntary.

Finally the following people were nominated and unanimously elected by the group

1. Tofilau Tepa Suaesi – President 2. Leilani Duffy-Iosefa – Secretary 3. Juney Ward – Treasurer

Other 4 Executive members nominated to lead the SCS Inc main area of focus are:

4. James Atherton 5. Sue Mulvany 6. Mark Bonin 7. Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson



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The total number of members for the Executive is 7 and these members holds office for one year. A quorum of no less than 3 members is required for the Ex Committee to meet. It was agreed that although there would be only seven formal executive members

that all SCS members would be invited to attend Executive Committee meetings. It was also agreed that any Executive Committee member not able to attend an Executive Meeting would need to select a proxy to attend on their behalf (as per the constitution).

6. Proposed next meeting Friday 21st June at 6pm Yacht Club and everyone agreed. Other items on the agenda were postpone due to limited time and they will be discussed at the next meeting (Brainstorming session – immediate priorities and activities, logo development etc)

7. Meeting closed at 1.15pm



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Attachment 2



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conserving samoa’s natural heritage strickland [email protected] seema deo [email protected]...

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