Local policy has been influenced, with strict village by-laws being put in place on use of the bridge and its surrounding mangrove. This will ensure sustainability of the results from this project and increase livelihood security to climate change.

Members of the Moata Special Development Committee (MSDC) are all born and raised in Moataa village, ensuring local participation from men, women and youth groups. All implementing activities are also carried out by all members of the community, highlighting the projects strong inclusion aspect.

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The new walkway is well-constructed and will provide access to and from Moataa and neighbouring villages if it is maintained and not misused. It is important for the MSDC to continue to reinforce the new local policy to ensure this is achieved.

The recognition and acceptance by the leadership of the village council of the need to prepare and implement a mangrove management plan and make it part of village by-laws is key to the sustainability of this project. Furthermore, this project has been in the pipeline for more than 10 years. However, due to the lack of financial resources and technical expertise these activities have been on hold. The village leaders have seen the changes to their mangrove areas and have heard the request of the elderly, disabled, women and children for an improved access during daily flooding events. As one of the members of the Committee is also a member of Parliament, they will be very active in the process through proactiveness in voicing the concerns of their residents regarding their vulnerability towards climate change and has mobilised partners to support the Moataa village with development projects including this conservation effort and the improved mangrove access walkway.

The safety and security of the local residents with the improved access walkway providing a clear route for evacuation during times of natural disasters is guaranteed with this initiative. There is also a high possibility of resurrecting marine species spawned in the area that was once abundant such as the mullet or ?agae? and sea urchins and restoring this fishing community with resources it once had in the past. The fishermen and fisherwomen in the area are still relying on shell fish and reef fish for their catch to cater for livelihood needs. A few of them are selling their catch by the main road on a weekly basis with an approximate income of $100 WST/week. It is anticipated under this project that each fisherman/woman will increase their earnings to at least $300 WST/week.

The village youth, women and children play a crucial role in the implementation of conservation efforts to protect its natural resources. Women and youth members compose the village project committee and are key members of the village council decision making body responsible for the project. The project design and evaluation is spearheaded by a village woman of Moataa village, who is also an environmental engineer by profession. She is instrumental in the design of the mangrove walkway and mobilising the youth to lead activities during the construction phase of the mangrove walkway. Women and youth are huge players in the initiative and is well respected and appreciated by the village council for their engagement and participation in village development initiatives.

The village youth, women and children play a crucial role in the implementation of conservation efforts to protect its natural resources. Women and youth members compose the village project committee and are key members of the village council decision making body responsible for the project. The project design and evaluation is spearheaded by a village woman of Moataa village, who is also an environmental engineer by profession. She is instrumental in the design of the mangrove walkway and mobilising the youth to lead activities during the construction phase of the mangrove walkway. Women and youth are huge players in the initiative and is well respected and appreciated by the village council for their engagement and participation in village development initiatives.

Through carrying out a workshop within the Moataa village, all local community members will be made aware of the new rule and village by-laws that will be put in place once project completion is reached. The workshop is most likely to be attended by the Samoa Observer who often write articles on the ommuity work that is carried out across Samoa.