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A call to unity: Strengthening resilience in American Samoa
The 3rd Annual Amerika Samoa Disaster Resilience Summit, held last week in Pago Pago, brought together community leaders, government officials, and international partners to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
"As an island community, we know all too well the challenges that climate change brings to our shores," stated the Honourable Lemanu Mauga, Governor of American Samoa, in his opening speech.
“These challenges demand more than just resilience; they require a collective effort from our entire community. Government agencies, religious organisations, non-profits, and regional and international partners all share a profound responsibility to ensure that American Samoa remains safe, strong, and prepared for the future.”
Drawing on the power of community, he added, “We are all here because we believe in our ability to work together, and today presents a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and cooperate. Your presence here highlights that American Samoa is not alone; each of you plays a vital role in our resilience and preparedness.”
Reflecting on the legacy of our ancestors, Fiji’s Roving Ambassador, His Excellency Ratu William Toganivalu, echoed this sentiment as he delivered the keynote address at the opening of the Summit. The theme, "Our Community, Our Responsibility", served as a powerful reminder of the unity and strength that binds our Pacific Island nations and territories together in the face of climate change and disaster risks.
“Our ancestors lived in harmony with the land. Traditional knowledge coupled with modern technology, community kindness and solidarity (Solesolevaki) of our people can be attributed to the swift response that Fiji saw in the aftermath of Category 5 Cyclone Winston in 2016,” H.E Toganivalu added.
Samoa’s CEO for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ms Frances Debra Brown-Reupena reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership as key elements for resilience building in the Pacific
The Summit, hosted by the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM) in partnership with the Governor's Resilience Office, the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Samoan Affairs, attracted esteemed guests, including representatives from the US Federal Government from Washington and Hawaii, the Fijian and Samoan Governments, US State Department Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and SPC's Geoscience, Energy, and Maritime Division (GEM). Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration in enhancing disaster risk management across the region.
“The Pacific Islands are uniquely positioned as both custodians of the world's largest ocean and as vulnerable targets for the rapid impacts of climate change,” emphasised the ODAPM Director, Lisa Tuatoo during the Summit.
SPC’s GEM Deputy Director Exsley Taloiburi was invited to speak at the Summit and took the opportunity to provide an update on regional opportunities in disaster resilience and reaffirm SPC's commitment to collaborating with the Government of American Samoa and supporting the vital work of the ODAPM.
Among the discussions at the Summit was the need to go beyond building seawalls, as they not only fail to completely stop the sea from encroaching on land but can also lead to food security issues. Shortages of planting materials, such as taro affected by blight and declining banana supplies, underscore this problem. Additionally, there is a pressing need to preserve the Naumati Forest, one of the last remaining forests in the region, which acts as a crucial natural filter for the country’s groundwater.
In this spirit of unity and shared responsibility, the Summit sought to strengthen our resilience and secure a brighter, more sustainable future for American Samoa and the entire Pacific region.
