Mt Vaea Digital Nature Trail


The Mt Vaea Digital Nature Trail Project is a partnership between the Sosaiete Fa’asao o Samoa/Samoa Conservation Society and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and was developed by staff of the SCS and MNRE to provide information about the Mt Vaea Nature Reserve and to raise awareness about the biodiversity found here. Funding support for the nature trail has been generously provided by the New Zealand High Commission Apia.
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 been installed – two on the short trail and two on the long trail. In addition name tags have been placed on 34 specimen trees on the long and short trails. 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. Please note that the Digital Nature Trail is still under construction and will be improved over time with more information added.

Panel 1: Introduction
Here you will learn about the key features of the Mt. Vaea Reserve including its ancient volcanic geology, its diverse native flora and fauna, and ongoing efforts to restore its rainforest.

Panel 2: Invasive Species
Invasive species are spreading in Samoa and here you will learn what impacts invasive plants have on our native biodiversity and ecosystems.

Panel 3: Lowland Rainforest
Mt. Vaea still preserves some patches of native lowland rainforest and here you will learn about why the conservation of remaining native forest is so important.

Panel 4: Robert Louis Stevenson and the Legend of Vaea and Apaula
A brief look into the life, work, and legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson in Samoa, as well as the legend of the giant Vaea and his wife Apaula.
