Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Felisi Mai Project is a place where local student voices are heard.

What do you want to talk about? Students can share their views on what is happening in the world through essays, poems and/or pictures.  

For more information email: fatoata.amsamoa@gmail.com

Why Rose Atoll is important to me

By Ashlee Faitala

They asked me why Rose Atoll was important to me. The Samoan people rely heavily on their culture in their everyday lives. The ocean and islands are deeply rooted in culture and traditions. Protecting Rose Atoll helps preserve the natural beauty and heritage for future generations. This also helps protect local wildlife, including birds, turtles, and our fisheries. Healthy corals inspire art and photography.

Think about it, Rose Atoll is the natural habitat for all of these species that we cherish. The Rose Atoll National Marine Monument protects that space for those species.

Rose Atoll represents the beauty and richness of the Pacific Ocean that the Samoan people have depended on for generations. Rose Atoll is a big part of the Samoan people’s identity. It helps preserve nature and supports the cultural value of environmental stewardship. Rose Atoll has a big connection to the Samoan’s because of our deep, abiding connection and relationship with the ocean.

That is why Rose Atoll is important to me. Let us work to keep Rose Atoll protected from commercial fishing so that the next generation can benefit from its beauty, history, culture, and resilience.

(Ashlee attends Fagaitua High School and is from the village of Alofau.)

[Rose Atoll: Joelle Aina]