AMERICAN SAMOA, Fagasa Village, Tutuila Island - January 2006
Removing exotic tamarind trees and other exotic species that are invading the rainforest within the National Park of American Samoa
Fagasa Village is one of four villages on Tutuila Island that allowed their primary rainforest to be incorporated into the National Park of American Samoa. The chiefs of Fagasa Village are concerned by the incursions of the aggressive tamarind tree in the rainforests of the National Park that surround their village. Originally introduced to American Samoa as a street tree, this species is shading out primary rainforest species and is damaging the National Park. Seacology is providing funds to the Fagasa Chiefs Council to completely remove invasive tamarind trees from their land that has been leased to the National Park. *
UPDATE June 2006 - In April 2006 American Samoa National Park officials trained five Fagasa villagers in tree removal techniques and safety. These villagers participated in the two month program to remove the invasive plant and tree species surrounding the village and are expected to finish the work by mid-June, 2006.
UPDATE January 2007 - Members of the Seacology Samoa expedition with Japanese Fellows and board members visited the village and the rainforest in July 2006. Project leader Tavita Togia gave a presentation on the project and a tour of the rainforest, and Fagasa villagers held a ceremony for the group in recognition of Seacology’s support.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by: 
