Five territorial leaders selected for Environmental and Democracy Fellowship

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Five local leaders, one from each of the five U.S. territories, have been chosen by Right to Democracy to work across national lines to advance environmental advocacy, self-determination and equity.

The initiative is rooted in the understanding that environmental justice in the U.S. territories cannot be separated from the ongoing realities of colonial rule and democratic denial.

The fellow from American Samoa is Ms. Andra Samoa. She has over four decades of leadership and public service in American Samoa, being a former member of the House of Representatives, former CEO of the American Samoa Power Authority, and currently as the Public Policy Advisor for Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr.

Right to Democracy says Andra's career has been shaped by a profound understanding of how community challenges in American Samoa interact with issues of democracy, equity, and environmental justice.

"In all of our territories, we are facing great challenges related to the environment and climate, and civil society is organizing and doing great things to mitigate and adapt. Yet, we do not have the agency in decision making processes that affect us or our environment.

“I'm excited to see the energy, creativity, and commitment our fellows will bring to this work of sharing knowledge and co-creating actions to make our territories visible and affect change," expressed Dr. Adi G. Martínez-Román, Co-Director of Right to Democracy.

Fellows were selected based on their demonstrated community leadership and commitment to environmental and climate justice in their home territories.

Each Fellow will "embed" with a local organization, helping to build capacity while developing participatory advocacy campaigns that address the dual legacies of ecological harm and democratic exclusion.