Ghaydah Salave’a is a youth environmental advocate from American Samoa whose connection to the ocean has shaped both her identity and her sense of purpose. Growing up on a small island in the Pacific, she has seen firsthand how deeply communities depend on healthy marine ecosystems for food, culture, and livelihoods. This has inspired her to become a strong voice for ocean conservation and climate action.

Her passion for environmental work has led her to participate in programs such as NOAA’s Young Changemakers Fellowship and the Native Youth Climate Adaptation Leadership Congress (NYCALC), where she explored the links between science, policy, and community action. She also worked alongside her mentor, Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, through Finafinau, contributing to projects that promote environmental stewardship and empower young people in American Samoa to care for the places they call home.

As a 2026 U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassador, Ghaydah hopes to share the perspective of Pacific Island youth and inspire others to recognize that protecting the ocean is both a global responsibility and a deeply personal one.