Boys And Girls Club Ocean & Coast Youth Ambassadors Summit brings together the next generation of conservation champions

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Aptly themed "Making Waves - Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean & Coastal Conservation Champions," the Boys and Girls Club Ocean & Coast Youth Ambassadors Summit united 150 youth and adults from diverse backgrounds across the territory in order to arm our youth with the essential knowledge and skills required to lead initiatives in ocean and coastal conservation and preservation.

A press release from the governor’s office said the event concluded successfully with a call to action for ocean and coastal conservation.

Held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the American Samoa Community College Multipurpose Center, the welcoming remarks were presented by Maryann Tulafono, Chairman of the CGCAS Board of Directors & Chief Volunteer.

One of the highlights of the summit was the Student Shark Tank presentations, where participants showcased innovative projects under various themes, including food security, youth advocacy — climate action, and using "Art" to promote eco-tourism. These presentations demonstrated the creativity and dedication of young minds towards addressing pressing environmental challenges.

By empowering the next generation of conservation leaders, The Boys and Girls Club Ocean & Coast Youth Ambassadors Summit demonstrated the commitment of American Samoa's youth to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga delivered special remarks at the summit, urging the youth to seize the opportunity to learn and become change-makers for the future. He highlighted the urgent reality of climate change and its profound impact on marine ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of awareness and action. "Climate change is a reality! This disrupts the balance of marine life, affecting habitats for numerous species, including fish. If we remain unaware of these changes in our coastal ecosystems, how can we prepare ourselves? This is where your role becomes crucial," the governor said.

Acknowledging the significance of protecting both coasts and oceans to enhance resilience to climate change and human activities, Gov. Lemanu emphasized collaboration and innovative thinking as essential tools in ensuring the health of coastal areas for future generations, benefiting both marine life and communities alike.

Dr. Victoria Herrman, a National Geographic Explorer and a Climate Change researcher was the keynote speaker at the event.