AS the world observed Earth Day yesterday, the Coastal Resources Management reminded residents to properly dispose their trash.
Joaquin Salas, CRM acting director, said the garbage left at the island’s beaches is a major contributor to the degradation of Saipan’s marine environment.
“When people go to picnic, they throw and leave their trash at the beach. We need to stop this to protect the corals and the general environment,” the CRM director said.
Salas said he will meet with representatives of the Bureau of Environmental Health and other government agencies to develop a program geared toward beach cleanliness.
He wants government agencies to visit picnic sites near the beaches on weekends.
“We will talk to the people, and remind them to dispose their soda cans, plastic bags and all other trash properly. This way we will be able to maintain cleanliness at the beach sites,” Salas said.
A survey of Saipan’s dirtiest beach picnic sites, he said, may also be conducted.
The CNMI government’s anti-littering law imposes penalties against violators, including those who throw or leave their trash at the beach sites.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta declared April as Environmental Awareness Month, reminding the community about the importance of protecting, conserving and preserving the commonwealth’s natural resources.
