National Park Service seeks way forward for lopa tree

lopa-jewelry

The superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa Scott Burch says negotiations are on going on the best way forward regarding the eradication of the Lopa tree in forest areas of Manu’a.

Like the Tamaligi tree which the National Park Service targeted for eradication, the Lopa tree is considered an invasive species because it poses a threat to native trees.

Burch says last year the National Park Service put a hold on the Lopa tree eradication for Ofu and Ta’u islands in the Manu’a group  and they are seeking a balance between protection of native species and concerns that have been raised by Manu’a leaders including Rep Toeaina Faufano Autele,.

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Representative Toeaina went as far as carrying out research on whether Samoa has any concerns about the Lopa tree.

He pointed out that not only is the tree valued as a source of traditional medicine in Samoa, it has also become an economic earner.

NPS Superintendent Burch said the Tamaligi and Lopa were targeted because they harm native trees.

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