The village of Lano on Samoa's Savaii island has banned the sale of sand from their beaches.
Anyone caught removing sand and selling it will be punished.
Lano MP, Vui Tupe Ioane, says the move is to address environmental concerns.
Mr Tupe Ioane says the removal of sand is now illegal.
He says the the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is also concerned that sand was being removed from Lano and sold.
Villagers who want sand for construction purposes have to petition the village council.