This past Saturday, several government departments and groups together with the village of Faga’alu celebrated Faga’alu’s accomplishments during its time as a US Coral Reef Task Force National Priority Watershed.
Faga’alu will be graduating from the Watershed Partnership Initiative but will remain a local priority watershed with work continuing to improve the health of the watershed and its coral reefs.
The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, ASCC-Marine Science Program and Ridge to Reefs, were part of the celebration.
They participated in lotonu’u or village spirit activities that demonstrate ways to improve watershed health. These include:
– Building a Rain Garden to help manage runoff in Faga’alu Park
– Weaving ma’ilos to reduce the use of styrofoam and single use plastics
– Building cement fales to plant and restore coral
– Knot tying, casting, and sustainable fishing practices
– Snorkel skills to explore the reef
Reverend Lalomauga Pa’au of the Fagaalu CCCAS said, “We are guardians of God’s creations. If we keep our back yards clean, the seas will be clean. Whatever is dumped in or back yards will end up in the ocean, destroying fish and marine life that God has created for our village.”
Photos: American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group
