In an interview, Mrs. Torres said her foundation will donate $1 for every tree that is planted. She said the proceeds will go to the Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance or MINA.
Mrs. Torres said Plant 500 was conceived during the filming of the Lady Diann Torres Foundation-sponsored web event about women empowerment. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a293CtEk20)
“The project was an idea that was presented during a casual conversation with our two beauty queens (2019-2020 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto and 2020 Miss Northern Marianas Earth Maria Terlaje). As they were sharing their future plans and projects, the topic of environment came up. It was then when I proposed that we team up to establish this worthwhile program of Plant 500,” Mrs. Torres said.
To participate, an individual must post his or her photo while planting a tree on Facebook or Instagram and tag @ladydianntorres, @missnorthernmariansearth, @missnorthernmarianas
From left, 2020 Miss Northern Marianas Earth Maria Terlaje, 2019-2020 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto, first lady Diann Torres, and Shirley Ogumoro, Women’s Affairs Office special adviser. Contributed photo
“Our end-goal is to get everyone excited about planting,” the first lady said. “We want them to plant and grow trees to help protect our planet for generations to enjoy.”
Through this project, she added, community members will also have the “opportunity to regrow or repopulate our greenery after a devastating loss from Super Typhoon Yutu.”
“I am extremely excited and hopeful for our #Plant500Marianas Project to improve and preserve our environment as well as benefit MINA, an organization that has continuously worked for the betterment of our environment through community efforts,” Sasamoto said in a statement.
“Trees are a great part of our culture and history proven through the tradition of weaving, the huts our ancestors lived in, and the many uses of the coconut tree. This is a way we can preserve not only our environment, but our culture as well,” she added.
Sasamoto said planting trees also promote physical and mental health. “It gives us an activity to focus on throughout these trying times. Trees such as papaya, lemai, banana, coconut, and mango can provide healthy snacks for our community.”
For her part, Terlaje said she wants to remind community members, especially the youth, that “little actions, like planting a tree, can create an enormous impact on… our environment.”
She added, “Through this project, I want to encourage our fellow planters the importance of our native trees. The more native trees we plant, the more sustainable and adaptable it will be for a prosperous terrestrial future. I hope the CNMI desires to take part in this initiative, for it is truly a long-lasting endeavor.”
For inquiries about the project, email ladydianntorres@gmail.com
