A Letter from the Chairman
A few weeks ago we visited Tafua and Falealupo villages. Both villages have spent considerable time and effort in clearing beautiful trails to their respective rain forest preserves. We were heartened that both forests have significantly recovered from typhoons, but even more heartening was the enthusiasm of the villagers in rain forest conservation.
Your donations made possible construction of these trails, as well as continued support for Fa'asao Savaii, the indigenous conservationist organization on the island of Savaii. Seacology also made a grant to begin construction of a rain forest information center near the airstrip adjacent to the Tafua rain forest. This center will offer information on the rain forest preserves to overseas visitors and provide office facilities for Fa'asao Savaii. Three of our previous Indigenous Conservationist of the Year Awardees are involved in the organization; Chief Ulu Taufa'asisina, Chief Moelagi Jackson and Chief Fuiono Senio.
The gala reception for Governor A.P. Lutali of American Samoa, who was awarded our Indigenous Conservationist of the Year Award, 1995 was also a huge success. Governor Lutali announced that he would seek to add an entire island (Aunu'u) to the United States of America National Park that Seacology helped to create in American Samoa. Seacology also pledged support to Governor Lutali for his dream in establishing a captive breeding program for vanishing Pacific birds.
Please know how deeply your support for the conservation of island ecosystems and cultures is appreciated. Unlike other conservation foundations, 100% of all donated funds received by Seacology are directed to conservation projects. Generous support from our friends in the business community such as Murdock Madaus Schwabe make it possible for us to cover all administrative costs and overhead so that donated funds can be completely sheltered. Thank you so very much for your support in helping us save the world, one island at a time.
Warm regards,
Nafanua Paul A Cox, PhD
Chairman of the Board
