Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On October 26, 2024, Finafinau led a transformative Coastal Clean-Up and Stabilization Day in American Samoa, in collaboration with the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) LEAD program. The initiative, which drew close to 200 enthusiastic participants, highlighted the importance of nurturing youth leadership in environmental stewardship.

Finafinau, under the leadership of Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, the organization’s founder and the first Young Pacific Leaders Alumni Network Chairwoman, organized this event to address critical coastal and environmental challenges facing the islands.

Members of Finafinau chapters from Samoana High School and Tafuna High School pose for a photo during the recent Coastal Clean Up, last Saturday, Oct. 26. [Finafinau photo]

The Coastal Clean-Up and Stabilization Day brought together approximately 150 youth participants and almost 30 adult participants, including students from the Finafinau chapters at Samoana High School and Tafuna High School. With support from local organizations, including the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) – ACNR Land Grant program, participants planted 20 native trees along the coast as part of an ongoing effort to stabilize and protect the Pala Lagoon shoreline.

Supporting Finafinau, Hawaiian Airlines (HA) demonstrated its commitment to community engagement by sending its new CEO, Joe Sprague, along with his executive team and the entire HA Pago Pago station staff to participate in the initiative. Their involvement underscored the significance of cross-sector partnerships in fostering environmental sustainability.

This event, part of a broader Sustainable Ocean Alliance initiative in American Samoa, not only removed debris but also planted native vegetation to enhance the health and aesthetics of the shoreline. Through this collaboration, Finafinau collected over 4,000 pieces of trash, which was logged by the type of debris using the Litter Monitoring sheet from the AS Environmental Protection Agency - Keep American Samoa Beautiful program. While the tracking of debris can make a clean up more tedious, Finafinau uses these sheets to provide ASEPA with data that can be used to help ban harmful pollutants like styrofoam or single-use plastics. 

The Finafinau Coastal Clean Up this past Saturday featured a strong contingent of young leaders, with about 150 youth actively taking part. These students were drawn from the Samoana and Tafuna High School Finafianu chapters, which have emerged as key platforms for youth engagement in environmental issues. [Finafinau photo]

The Coastal Clean Up featured a strong contingent of young leaders, with about 150 youth actively taking part. These students were drawn from the Samoana and Tafuna High School chapters, which have emerged as key platforms for youth engagement in environmental issues. At Samoana High School, advisors Lottie and Annie Haleck have been instrumental in nurturing the students' passion for environmental advocacy, while at Tafuna High School, advisors Marianna Pato and Darius Vaofanua are playing a critical role in shaping the next generation of environmental leaders.

“Our youth are our future, and it’s vital that we empower them to lead in protecting and preserving our natural environment,” said Dr. Suluai-Mahuka. “This event is more than just a clean-up; it’s about instilling a sense of stewardship and pride in our islands.”

The Coastal Clean-Up and Stabilization Day saw participation from a wide range of community groups and organizations, including:

• •          Hawaiian Airlines Executive Office and Pago Pago Station Staff
• •          Tafuna High School HOSA, Science, and Interact Clubs
• •          South Pacific Academy Leo Club
• •          Leone High School Forestry Club

In addition, the event was supported by Finafinau Board members Kacey Iloilo (also a YPL Alumnus), who serves as the Communications Chair, and Uisaina Collins, the Chapter Liaison. Their leadership was crucial in coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring the event’s success.

The Finafinau Coastal Clean Up this past Saturday featured a strong contingent of young leaders, with about 150 youth actively taking part. These students were drawn from the Samoana and Tafuna High School Finafianu chapters, which have emerged as key platforms for youth engagement in environmental issues. [Finafinau photo]

LOOKING FORWARD

The collaboration between Finafinau and the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) – ACNR Land Grant program is poised to continue, with future initiatives aimed at planting more native trees and reinforcing coastal resilience. “The goal is to restore and preserve our coastline for generations to come, while empowering our youth to take pride in the land and sea that sustain us,” Collins emphasized.

This event marks a significant milestone in Finafinau’s journey to promote intergenerational learning and environmental stewardship across American Samoa. Through initiatives like the Young Pacific Leaders LEAD program and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, the organization Finafinau continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers dedicated to safeguarding their cultural and natural heritage.