By Dikaiosune Atoa Tamaalii, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Samoa.
On August 24, a collaborative discussion between representatives from Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the U.S. Department of State were able to join a live Q&A with conservationists gearing up for the world’s largest conservation event, the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawaii.
The interactive discussion featured voices of conservation specialists Samuel M. ‘Ohukani‘ōhi‘a Gon III and Amanda McCarty, who were able to take on questions from HCN representatives joining from the U.S. Embassies in Apia, Port Moresby and many more online. The panel spoke about the importance of the habitats they are working to protect and the conservation methods they are using. Both speakers also had the opportunity to talk about the changes that are occurring in our environment, more specifically changes in the ocean and forests in this region and how these changes are negatively affecting biodiversity. In conclusion, panelists spoke about the work that their agencies are doing to help conserve and protect these important ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots.
