NEWSPAGE 13 December
2010

(Photos: United Nations Development Programme)

SAMOA: Over 100 volunteers join hands in coastal clean-up and mangrove planting
Source: United Nations Development Programme Press Release

On 4th December 2010 in marking the International Volunteer Day (IVD), over 100 local and international volunteers joined hands in cleaning up and planting mangroves in Fasitootai, northwest of the Samoa’s Upolu Island. The event was organized by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme in cooperation with the Government of Samoa, other United Nations agencies and various local and international volunteer-involving organizations including Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organizations (SUNGO), Samoa Red Cross Society, Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), New Zealand Agency for International Development and US Peace Corps.

The yearly International Volunteer Day provides an opportunity for organizations and individual volunteers to celebrate their invaluable contributions in communities worldwide. This year the celebration focuses on the theme, Volunteering for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are a set of objectives that include halving poverty and ensuring environment sustainability by 2015.

“Through volunteering, people provide a much needed vehicle for improving the lives of their fellow citizens, especially those vulnerable and marginalized groups.” said Nileema Noble, United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in her opening remark of the event. Echoing this, Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff emphasized the important role volunteers play in helping Samoa attaining its 2015 MDG targets. He said, “We have to build on our strong traditions, the faa Samoa, which emphasizes social cohesiveness and reciprocity. But more importantly, we need to encourage more Samoans, women and men, young and old, to volunteer outside of their family obligations.”

Building on the theme of volunteering for the MDGs, this year’s celebration supported the Community-Based Adaptation Programme (CBA), a five-year United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global initiative funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) within the Small Grants Programme (SGP) delivery mechanism.

The Pacific is one of the most vulnerable regions to the adverse impacts of climate change. Thus achieving the MDGs is made more challenging. “Fasitootai is facing severe coastal erosion from both local and climate change induced stresses. The project aims to build coastal resilience in the face of climate change by planning mangroves. This not only protects the coastline but is also a key ecosystem which the village relies upon for subsistence fishing and livelihoods,” said Kevin Petrini, CBA regional programme coordinator.

“We are working closely with the Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Fasitootai community. The target is to, plant 5,000 square meters of eroded area with mangroves, renovate village water resources and establish mangrove and coral reef protection areas”, Kevin added.

The coastal clean-up and mangrove planting event not only brought together community members from the village, but also voluntary groups from the capital city of Apia and the neighboring villages. “We have done similar clean-up in our village and now we want to help our neighbors”, said Vaisilika (Silk Water) group from Faleasiu village. The event also gathered foreign volunteers in Samoa from Australia, China, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and USA.

"We are so moved by the spirit of volunteerism. Today’s activity is a real boost to our project. We will take ownership from now and continue to mobilize our village women and men, old and young, to build a more sustainable Fasitootai, " said Rev Elder Lale Ieremia, Fasitootai’s CBA village committee member.

In less than two hours, thanks to the tireless and coordinated efforts, the volunteers cleared about 10,000 sq meters of Fasitootai’s coastline from seaweed and debris and planted 250 mangrove seedlings.


About United Nations Volunteers

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UNV volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.

UNV is helping to develop volunteerism in Samoa in support of enhancing the national capacity for MDGs. For more information, see www.unvolunteers.org

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Volunteers passing on seaweed and debris to clear areas for mangrove planting.

Photo 2 - Ale Pule Lauina, a primary school principal: "We need to educate our fellow villagers, old and young, about the importance of mangrove conservation."

Photo 3 - Rose (left), Vaisilika group of Falesasiu village and Yasu, Japanese volunteer: "Giving is rewarding in itself!"
 

(Photo: U.S. Pacific Command)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Command Sergeant Major Savusa to speak at ASCC graduation
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will hold its fall 2010 commencement ceremony on Friday, December 17th, beginning at 10 a.m. in the College Gymnasium. Although the final number will depend on final examination results and other factors, the ASCC Student Services Division estimates that 136 graduates will receive their degrees and certificates during the College’s 53rd commencement.

The College continually seeks to feature local residents or individuals with roots in American Samoa who have made significant life accomplishments to be the guest speakers at its graduation ceremonies, and this semester ASCC has the honor of welcoming Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua T. Savusa, currently the highest ranked enlisted serviceman of Polynesian ancestry in the US military. CSM Savusa serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader and advisor to the United States Pacific Command Combatant Commander and staff. He provides an enlisted perspective on AOR strategic vision, theater security cooperation, including partner nations enlisted leadership development, and the operational readiness of 430,000 United States military personnel.

A son of American Samoa, CSM Savusa assumed duties as Command Sergeant Major, International Security Assistance Force/North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Afghanistan in July 2008, and later as Command Sergeant Major, United States Forces, Afghanistan in October 2008. Initially enlisting in June 1975, he spent the majority of his career in infantry, ranger, air assault, and airborne assignments. CSM Savusa has continually served in leadership positions, such as team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, scout platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, senior air assault instructor, chief instructor light fighters infantry course, Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor, first sergeant, and operations sergeant major. CSM Savusa has also served as battalion CSM of 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky., brigade CSM of 3d Brigade, 187th Infantry Regiment (Rakkasans), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky., CSM, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La., CSM for Southern European Task Force (Airborne), Vicenza, Italy, and as the CSM United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Heidelberg, Germany.

In support of the Global War on Terrorism, in 2002 he deployed to Afghanistan and served as the CSM, Task Force Rakkasan, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Operation Enduring Freedom I. Over the next two years he also deployed in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VI. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal with “V” (2nd oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (7th Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Ribbon (Bronze Service Star) and many others.

American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has commended CSM Savusa for his “outstanding leadership and service”. “CSM Savusa fought in the Iraqi war, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was the first soldier from the 101st Airborne Division to cross the border of Iraq,” said Faleomavaega. “I admire CSM Savusa for his bravery and I also admire him for his humility and for the way he cares about the welfare of our Samoan soldiers serving in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Faleomavaega said. “Over the years, he has contacted me many times to discuss matters of interest to our Samoan soldiers, including ways we can protect the rights of our active duty service men and women to vote in federal elections held in American Samoa. Throughout the war in Iraq, CSM Savusa also took time to update me on the status of his troops, and especially the Samoans serving with him.”

“In his more than 30 years of service to our country, CSM Savusa has provided a shining example of the excellence our people can achieve in the military,” said ASCC Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i. “We feel honoured that he has accepted our invitation to address this semester’s graduates, and I’m certain that both our students and their families will find his speech inspiring.”

Photo Caption: For its fall 2010 Graduation on Friday, December 17th, ASCC will have the honour of welcoming Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua T. Savusa as the commencement
speaker. During more than 30 years of serving his country, CSM Savusa has achieved numerous awards and decorations, and is currently the highest ranked enlisted serviceman of Polynesian ancestry the US military.
 

(Photo: Fiji Village)

FIJI: Burotu named best player of the South Africa 7s
Source: Fiji Village

Though Fiji did not walk away with the Cup, Seremaia Burotu made the country proud by walking away with two awards at the South Africa 7s this morning.

Burotu who was instrumental in setting up tries and breaking through defense walked away with the Tournament top scorer award after running in a total of nine tries and was also named the man of the Tournament award.

Fiji is the only team to have a total of four players listed in the Tournament’s top try scorers with the likes of Nikola Matawalu, captain Emosi Vucago, Seremaia Burotu and Mitieli Nacagilevu.

Meanwhile, overall the Digicel Fiji 7s team have dropped to fourth spot in the Series standing following their semi final exit this morning.

Following the Dubai 7s last weekend, Fiji was third equal with New Zealand in the official 2010-2011 IRB World 7s standing, however New Zealand has jumped to second spot after successfully defending the South Africa 7s.

Fiji's 26-19 loss to New Zealand this morning sees us still sit with 32 points while England still lead the points table with 44 points, New Zealand has 40 points while Pacific neighbors Samoa have 36 points.

Photo Caption: Jerry Burotu scores one of his tries.
 

(Photo: Scoop Independent News)

NIUE: Beautiful Niue tops Lonely Planet Lists 
Source: Niue Tourism Board Press Release via Scoop Independent News

Snorkelling just 20 metres above a whale and her calf saw the Niue ‘Snorkelling with the Whales’ top the list of Lonely Planet writer, Brett Atkinson’s five best experiences in the Pacific. The Auckland based travel writer has spent the past five years on the Lonely Planet circuit covering exceptional travel experiences right around the globe.

Atkinson first visited Niue in 2002 and has comfortably covered every Pacific destination on the map. A self confessed advocate for the destination, he says, “Niue is one of those places where once you go there, you become an absolute advocate for the place.” Atkinson also admits that his first visit to the island atoll was “surprising” in a way that exceeded his expectations.

Clearly, the word is getting out as Atkinson’s enthusiasm reflects the upward trend of kiwis choosing to visit Niue. Currently tracking at 40 percent up on the same time last year, the island’s Senior Tourism Development Manager, Hayden Porter remains firmly optimistic with the current marketing programme in place to finish the year with a 30-40 percent target of growth on previous year.

Activities such as snorkelling with the whales are make up just one of the number of compelling reasons to visit Niue says Porter citing other on and under water activities such as big game fishing and diving with 70m visibility as key attractants to visitors seeking a soft adventure holiday with a difference.

For a seasoned traveller such as Atkinson, the compact, yet idiosyncratic landscape and the people as key distinguishing features and highlights of the destination, Atkinson says it takes as little as “an hour and a half, and then everyone knows you, and you them.” Niue is one of the few places Atkinson has been, where from the moment you arrive, you cast off your shackles of city life and simply have to relax.

Photo Caption: Lonely Planet writer Brett Atkinson snorkelling with a whale and her calf in Niuean waters.
 

(Photo: Scoop Independent News)

WORLDWIDE: Culture offers opportunities for economic development
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

Creative, cultural and innovative industries offer unique opportunities for sustainable economic development in Pacific island countries, but initiatives to promote their development must be included in National Development Plans, says the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Speaking after a four-day Regional Consultation on the Cultural Industries, the Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade said that these industries could be developed from the traditional knowledge and rich cultures of the Pacific islands.

“Our Pacific island cultures are unique, and contain a wealth of traditional knowledge,” Mr Slade said.

“There is great potential to develop industries based on this knowledge, but we need to put the legal frameworks in place to protect its use and ensure our communities benefit from our traditions.”

“The Pacific Plan prioritises the recognition and protection of cultural values, identities and traditional knowledge for the opportunities it provides to build industries that promote sustainable development. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is pleased to be working with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Pacific island countries and development partners to build the national frameworks to protect our culture and knowledge.”

The Regional Consultation on the Cultural Industries was jointly organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and funded by the European Union. It was held at the Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, 6 - 9 December 2010.

Among the actions needed greater attention at the government level to promote cultural, creative and innovative industries. This could be done through initiatives such as establishing interagency and private sector committees; building the capacity of intellectual property and culture administrations, coordinating and building capacity in compliance, monitoring and enforcement of intellectual property and traditional knowledge

Mr Slade added: “At the regional and international levels, the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) and international development partners promote the sector by implementing the Traditional Knowledge Action Plan. The Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have been assisted to formulate policy and legal frameworks to promote and protect traditional knowledge and expressions of culture. More countries will be assisted in the coming year.”

He said: “This will help Pacific island countries to develop initiatives focused on promoting and protecting cultural industries. This could be done through the development of action plans, law and policy frameworks and selective administrative and policy support.”

The Secretary General also emphasised that national stakeholders need to ensure Governments take measures to protect cultural industries in any trade and economic agreements they may be considering.

“Governments need to work with national stakeholders and make their positions on these issues clearly understood,” Mr Slade said.

“With the right legal and regulatory frameworks, cultural industries have the potential to create strong, unique and long-lasting industries at the grass-roots level.”

Photo Caption: Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.