The American president, George Bush, has designated Rose Atoll in American Samoa as a national monument following a request last year by Governor Togiola Tulafono.
Speaking over the weekend, Togiola said a ceremony would be held in Washington D.C. on January the 6th so that Mr Bush can sign the directive designating Rose Atoll as a national monument.
The governor says Rose Atoll serves as a vital undisturbed nesting ground for the endangered green sea turtle, and provides a habitat to 12 species of migratory birds.
Togiola says the national monument status will provide greater protection for the atoll.
He also says this status is an attraction for world scientists to visit American Samoa to conduct research on Rose Atoll.
