A village in Samoa says it's reaping the rewards from a land lease deal for a nonu tree farm.
MP Laauli on right (front row) with several matais of Sasina village. Photo: Tipi Autagavaia
Sasina village signed a deal to lease five hundred acres of customary land for 120 years, and has just received its third annual payment of $US120,000
The MP for the constituency that includes Sasina, La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, said the money is contributing to the wellbeing of 500 families.
Despite sovereignty concerns, La'auli said the deal they've struck comes under regular review.
"We had a sort of safety valve there because we can't leave ourselves for 120 years. But in 30 years, whatever generation comes up on the time, they will decide whether they want to continue or not. And they decide themselves. No one wants to lose land, the land is our blood."
La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt says Sasina is considering entering similar agreements with more of their customary land.