Samoa

Manono, Apolima and Nuulopa Cultural Landscape

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  • Shandos Cleaver

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  • João Aender

Manono, Apolima, and Nuulopa Cultural Landscape is a series of three volcanic islands whose isolation from the two main islands of Samoa has allowed the three islands to maintain a traditional way of life for approximately 3000 years.

Manono Island is covered with plantations and traditional villages, and, together with Apolima Island, has served in a peacekeeping role as an arbitrator between competing factions in Samoa. Nuulopa Island is home to the cemetery for the high chiefs of Manono, who are greatly respected in Samoa.

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Official Information
Full Name
Manono, Apolima and Nuulopa Cultural Landscape (ID: 5091)
Country
Samoa
Status
On tentative list 2006 Site history
History of Manono, Apolima and Nuulopa Cultural Landscape
2006: Added to Tentative List
Added to tentative list
Type
Cultural
Criteria
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org

Community Information

  • Community Category
  • Cultural Landscape: Continuing
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First published: 15/11/25.

Kurt Lauer

Manono Island

Manono, Apolima and Nuulopa Cultural Landscape (On tentative list)

Manono Island

Manono, Apolima and Nuulopa Island are located between the two main islands of Samoa. Manono is the easiest to visit and the most populated. Access is by the wharf on Northern Upolu Island - a few kilometers west of the main ferry terminal. Semi regular ferries go back and forth, or you can hire your own boat, which I did.

The island is not that large, about 6 kilometers in circumference. There is a path around it, which I walked. At a leisurely pace it took only an hour and a half. The island had homes and villages around the whole island.

The nomination says it represents a traditional way of living. As a casual observer and someone not too versed in Samoan culture, I didn't think the island looked that much different from the homes and villages I saw on Upolu Island. The main difference was that there are no cars or dogs allowed on the island, which made the walk pleasant. Like other places in Samoa, people were friendly and I didn't feel uncomfortable walking around (and basically crossing in front of everyone's home).

Not knowing enough on Samoan culture, I can't really comment on if these islands are WHS worthy. The walk around Manono Island and the twenty minute boat ride was a pleasant way to spend a few hours on my Samoa trip.

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