Celebration for Falealupo Retirement Program Held
As reported in the last issue of Seacology, revenues from the aerial rain forest canopy walkway are now funding a retirement program for village elders in Falealupo, Samoa. In January 2000, Dr. Paul Cox was able to meet with village chiefs in Falealupo. "The villagers were very cognizant that their village of Falealupo, due to its proximity to the International Date Line, would be the last place on earth to experience the 20th century," Cox reported. "I was awestruck last November when I received the villagers letter suggesting that for a millennium project they would like to use funds generated by the aerial walkway to fund a modest monthly retirement check for each elderly man and woman in Falealupo," Cox reported. "My family and I decided for our own millennium project to match the initial village allotment to the scheme, because their concept of entering the new century by ensuring dignity for their elders seemed to us to be extraordinarily beautiful."
A large celebration was held by the village on the beach at sunset December 31, 1999 at which the retirement scheme was announced by village chief and Samoan Minister of Agriculture Solia Papu Vaíai. Seacology was represented at the ceremony by Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Thomas Elmqvist and his family.
"The retirement scheme demonstrates the importance of empowering indigenous people in conservation efforts," Cox said. "I am always amazed at the wonderful ideas generated by the villagers. The aerial walkway, built by Seacology with Force for Good Funds from Nu Skin Enterprises, has shown other villages that they need not cut their rain forests to generate revenues. It also shows that a key cultural value - respect for elders - can be facilitated by conservation efforts."
The rainforest walkway, high in the trees above the forest, has been featured in full page photos in Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic Explorer, and has attracted visitors from around the world. The walkway is owned and operated by the villagers who retain all revenues.
