By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

OVER 150 students from 10 elementary schools on Saipan learned about traditional marine conservation practices during a youth conference at the Hyatt Regency on Friday.
Sponsored and funded by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s coral program, the conference became a big classroom for the students.
There were eight guest speakers including Dr. Teny Topalian, coral reef ecologist of the NOAA’s Pacific Island Regional Office.
Topalian said the conference was held “to impart the wisdom of the elders on traditional marine conservation practices to the youth of the CNMI, which is not done very often.”
She said this is the first time that the children will learn something “not from the book, but from the very people who practice traditional means of utilizing and conserving marine resources.”
Topalian discussed the need to preserve cultural diversity and marine biodiversity.
Lino M. Olopai taught the children about the traditional Carolinian use of the marine environment while Raphael I. Rangamar discussed traditional fishing.
Valerio E. Mality talked about cultural taboos on marine life while Andrew M. Rapoulug discussed the role of the traditional chiefs regarding marine conservation.
Noel B. Quitugua demonstrated traditional Chamorro fishing tools and implements as well as their uses.
Lorenzo L.G. Cabrera discussed the impact of development on Chamorro culture and marine environment while Gonzolo Santos talked about the importance of preserving traditional coastal medicinal plants.
The participating students are from Tanapag Elementary, Gregorio T. Camacho, San Vicente, Dandan, William S. Reyes, San Antonio, Kagman, Garapan, Oleai and Koblerville.
The next youth conference for junior high and high school students will be held on May 23 at the same venue.