Far out in the waters of the South Pacific are the Samoan Islands. They make up an island paradise, a contested territory, an ecological haven. They might also hold a key in the fight to protect endangered coral reefs.

“steady us mother/ your eye lights the way

your heart moves our blood

your hand steers our boat.”

Welcome to season 2 of As She Rises. In this episode, we visit the islands of Samoa. Poet Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard reads her poem “Sā Nafanuā” and discusses how language and ancestral stories can guide us in the present. Motusaga Vaeoso, who studies corals with the Coral Reef Advisory Group of American Samoa, tells us about resilient coral species and the important role communities play in sustaining conservation efforts. She reminds us that there is a lot left to fight for.

Take Action:

• Read Caroline’s poetry collection, Alchemies of Distance and her other book mohawk/samoa: transmigrations
• You can follow Motu’s work through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website. Keep up with the state of Samoa’s coral reefs at americansamoa.noaa.gov.