CNMI representatives Henry Hofschneider of the Office of the Lt. Governor; Sylvan Igisomar, Department of Lands and Natural Resources secretary; and Chris Sablan, deputy director, Office of Planning and Development, joined counterparts from Guam and federal agencies to collaboratively address conservation priorities for the Mariana archipelago.
Photo by Jordan Akiyama/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
APPOINTED by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios on April 23, 2025 to represent the CNMI, Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan O. Igisomar, Deputy Director of Office of Planning and Development Chris Sablan, and Lt. Governor’s Special Assistant Henry S. Hofschneider joined representatives from Guam and key federal partners in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, from April 29 to May 1, 2025, for a strategic in-person dialogue focused on strengthening conservation efforts across the Mariana Archipelago.
This high-level meeting brought together representatives from the CNMI, Guam, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Department of Defense to collectively discuss ways to promote species recovery, conserve fragile ecosystems, and enhance long-term resilience — while also supporting existing and future infrastructure development, cultural priorities, and military readiness.
The CNMI emphasized the importance of protecting their unique island biodiversity and conserving habitats that are home to culturally significant and listed species. The conversations highlighted the urgent need to ensure that environmental stewardship is balanced with community growth and economic development, the CNMI’s limited resources, and federal obligations under the Endangered Species Act.
“Protecting our natural resources is not just about regulation — it’s about sustaining our way of life, honoring and perpetuating our cultural identity, and creating an indigenous influenced legacy for future generations,” said Igisomar.
The in-person forum underscored the critical role of local government agencies and communities in driving conservation efforts from the ground up. The CNMI delegation contributed on-the-ground insights and emphasized the need for more inclusive decision-making that respects and implements indigenous knowledge, community priorities, and regional perspectives.
The meeting served as a foundational step in establishing a unified path forward that is meaningful and workable among non-federal and federal stakeholders. Key takeaways included a shared commitment to developing a collaborative action plan that aligns federal conservation regulatory requirements and policies, along with the CNMI’s ongoing efforts to protect terrestrial species and native habitats, both within and outside military installations.
“The outcome of the meeting was very productive,” said Igisomar. “While additional work remains, there was shared recognition that achieving positive and enduring conservation outcomes relies on all of us working together.”
Moving forward, the CNMI looks to continue this momentum by working closely with federal and regional partners to develop and implement a shared vision for conservation in the Mariana Islands — one that upholds both environmental and cultural integrity.
