The U.S. Peace Corps Samoa Office has launched a new five-year environment program, Ridge-to-Reef Resilient Samoa, in partnership with the Government of Samoa.
Twelve Peace Corps Environment Trainees were welcomed during a Memorandum of Understanding signing and ‘ava ceremony on Friday, 18 July. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Chief Executive Officer Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena, Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development CEO Loau Donina Tili Vaa, Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Tarapacki.
The new initiative will support Samoan communities in developing and managing environmental projects focused on forest and watershed restoration, marine conservation, and solid waste management. The work will be guided by priorities identified through community consultations.
Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson said the program was developed 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,” she said.
The program will assist the government in reaching more communities through project management support and capacity-building for women, youth, and other groups. Volunteers will help with planning, implementing, and monitoring environmental initiatives with a strong focus on education and community engagement.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Tarapacki said the project is about resilience and stewardship. “Volunteers will work hand-in-hand with local organizations and communities to support environmental education, conservation initiatives, and sustainable practices,” he said.
The Peace Corps has been active in Samoa since 1967. More than 2000 Volunteers have served across the country, strengthening ties between Samoa and the United States through education and technical support.
This article is based on a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Apia, Samoa. It has been published by Samoa Newshub to inform the public about the launch of the Peace Corps’ new environmental program in partnership with the Government of Samoa.
Peace Corps Samoa
Welcome Ava Ceremony and MOU Signing
Peace Corps Environmental Project in Samoa
Remarks by Daniel Tarapacki, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Apia, Samoa
July 18, 2025
Honorable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Loau Donina Vaa, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Peace Corps Trainees
Talofa lava and good morning!
I am Daniel Tarapacki, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States to Samoa. It is an honor to join you today for this special occasion — the Welcome Ava Ceremony and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Peace Corps and the Government of Samoa.
Let me first extend my deepest thanks to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, and the Peace Corps who made today possible.
The Ava Ceremony reminds us of the values we share — respect, dialogue, and unity. Fa’afetai tele lava for your gracious hospitality and your commitment to working together in true partnership.
Today marks a very special occasion — the welcoming of a new group of Peace Corps Trainees who have answered the call to serve in Samoa. This is more than just an assignment — it is a journey of partnership, understanding, and shared purpose. Welcoming our new Peace Corps Volunteers is not only a historic tradition, but also a new chapter in our collaboration: the launch of the Peace Corps Environmental Project in Samoa.
Since 1967, the Peace Corps has stood alongside the people of Samoa — building friendships, supporting communities, and learning from your wisdom and leadership. That proud legacy continues, and today, it evolves to meet new challenges — together.
This new Environmental Project is about more than planting trees or reducing waste — though those actions are important. It’s 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.
To our incoming Peace Corps Trainees: your journey here is a special one. You are the first-ever Environmental Peace Corps Volunteers in Samoa. Samoa is a special place, with a deep-rooted culture, enduring values, and community spirit. You are not alone in this work. You will become part of a larger aiga, a family committed to caring for this land and each other.
And to our Samoan partners: Fa’afetai tele lava. Thank you for your trust and your continued partnership. You are the heart of this effort. With your leadership, this project will not only thrive — it will inspire future generations to honor and protect their island home.
As we sign this Memorandum of Understanding today, we affirm a shared vision — for a cleaner environment, for stronger communities, and for a sustainable future for all Samoans.
Soifua ma ia manuia!
May you all be well and richly blessed.
