The U.S. Peace Corps Samoa Office has launched a five-year environmental initiative named Ridge-to-Reef Resilient Samoa. This project is in collaboration with the Government of Samoa.
On July 18, twelve Peace Corps Environment Trainees were welcomed during a Memorandum of Understanding signing and Ava Ceremony. Present at the event were the Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development Loau Donina Tili Vaa, Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Tarapacki.
This initiative aims to foster collaboration between the U.S. and Samoa by supporting community-identified priorities related to their environment and natural resources. Volunteers will work alongside community members to plan, implement, and monitor environmental projects throughout Samoa.
Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson expressed enthusiasm for the new program: “I am very excited about the launch of our new Environment Program, Ridge-to-Reef Resilient Samoa, created at the request of the Samoan government through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. We are proud that the work of the Environment Volunteers will support the goal of building a more resilient Samoa.”
The partnership between MNRE, MWCSD, and Peace Corps will assist in reaching more communities by providing project management support for coastal ecosystems, forest habitats, watershed areas, and waste management efforts. The program emphasizes capacity building for various groups including women, youth, and children.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Tarapacki stated: “Ridge-to-Reef Resilient Samoa is about building resilience, nurturing stewardship, and protecting the natural beauty of Samoa for generations to come. Volunteers will work hand-in-hand with local organizations and communities to support environmental education, conservation initiatives, and sustainable practices.”
The collaboration between the Government of Samoa and Peace Corps has been ongoing since 1967 with over 2000 volunteers serving in various capacities across Samoa.