In Memorium Fuiono Senio
In Memorium Fuiono Senio, winner of the 1997 Goldman Environmental Prize and 1993 Seacology Foundation Indigenous Conservationist of the Year, died at his home in Falealupo village, Samoa, on May 17, 1997 from complications of cancer.
As paramount orator of Falealupo village, Fuiono championed rainforest conservation and was instrumental in creating the 30,000 acre Falealupo Rainforest Preserve. In his moving acceptance speech for the Goldman Environmental Prize on April 14 in San Francisco, Fuiono explained that the rainforest is the greatest of God's creations and merits conservation on a worldwide basis. He then gave an orator's staff and fly whisk to Richard Goldman, conferring upon him the authority and the responsibility to speak on behalf of the world's rainforests.
Although Fuiono's conservation initiatives were focused on his home country of Samoa, his dignity and courage have had global impact. Many other villages throughout the South Pacific are following Fuiono's example in establishing village-based reserves.
Fuiono Senio will be deeply missed by his family, his village, and conservationists throughout the world.
