ASG revises Am Samoa’s Invasive Species Plan by Executive Order

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “In a significant move to safeguard the territory’s unique marine and terrestrial resources,” the Administration has issued a new executive order, that amends a 2016 order, which initially established the American Samoa Invasive Species Plan and the government’s Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

The new order, dated Aug. 24 and signed by Lt. Gov. Talauega E. V. Ale in his capacity as acting governor, underscores American Samoa’s commitment to preserving its environment, culture, and economy, according to the Administration’s statement.

According to the new executive order, the “American Samoa Government aims to protect the marine and terrestrial resources of the Territory and associated habitat to promote sustainable use of these resources and to foster the Fa'aSamoa.”

“We need to take a proactive approach to managing invasive species to protect our territory’s rich biodiversity and support sustainable industries. Additionally, this order is not just about protecting our natural resources; it also helps preserve our way of life and our future," Talauega said in the statement released last Friday.

The executive order points out that several established invasive species have already affected the resources in the Territory; and the movement and proliferation of invasive species needs to be prevented, managed, and monitored through a territorial plan and an advisory committee.

The revised/ amended new order, repeals the 2016 directive, and full details of the Action Plan and the Committee, goes into effective Aug. 24, 2023.

ACTION PLAN

Under the revised order, the Action Plan provides the framework and principles to manage invasive species. It may contain the general approaches to prevent, control, monitor and manage the spread of invasive species in collaboration with its partners.

It also says that respective partners who obtain funding for their invasive projects are responsible for the method(s) and consultation used to carry out their projects in accordance with the Action Plan.

The Action Plan shall also include an education and outreach component to solicit the views and recommendations of relevant stakeholders for projects funded by this Committee — as applicable.

Additionally, the Action Plan should consider compatibility with relevant state, national, regional, and international conventions and strategies and coordinate its efforts with those programs and strategies when appropriate and relevant to American Samoa.

Furthermore, the Action Plan shall contain a monitoring and evaluation system to evaluate its implementation and must be adaptable to address future issues and scenarios involving invasive species.

According to the order, the Action Plan shall include lists of invasive species currently established in American Samoa as well as lists of priority species of which to prevent introduction into the Territory. And the Plan is an evolving document and should be amended as needed.

The Committee is required to review the Action Plan at least once every two years.

COMMITTEE

The Committee — tasked with selecting its chair and vice for two year terms — is to provide leadership, coordination, and direction for invasive species prevention, control, and eradication in American Samoa, the order says and noted that membership of 17 individuals from ASG agencies, departments and office as well as a representative from the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group.

The order allows the committee to seek technical assistance from relevant federal and regional agencies, educational institutions, and NGOs. And the Committee may establish subcommittees and working groups as it deems necessary, including but not limited to marine, terrestrial, education, and outreach.

Among the main tasks of the committee is to create and implement the Action Plan. Additionally, the committee may review and evaluate invasive species management efforts and provide letters of support for the invasive species project proposals of government agencies and other organizations.

The Committee shall seek funding through grants. Local government agencies, programs, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for invasive project funding when applicable.

All of these entities are encouraged to coordinate funding requests to put the Territory in the best position to be awarded funding and maximize utilization of those resources.