26 Mar 2007

Possible World Heritage status for American Samoa's Fagatele National Marine Sanctuary

11:31 am on 26 March 2007

American Samoa's Fagatele National Marine Sanctuary could be designated a United Nations World heritage site, if the territory's application is approved.

The Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Daniel Basta, who has been visiting the territory, says such a designation will bring world wide recognition of the local sanctuary.

He believes that would create added benefits for American Samoa:

"There are very few of these around the world. It gives you world attention, by world body of one of the most important heritage places on earth. No money comes with that. But what comes with that is influence and attention. That is probably more important in the end than a cheque tomorrow."

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