MINA, in collaboration with government, businesses and community groups will bring volunteers together to form a Tasi Watch Team, said MINA executive director Sam Sablan.
Using Laolao Bay as the pilot area, these volunteers will engage the local community and visitors in raising their level of awareness on marine conservation by becoming the “stewards of the bay.”
The volunteers, according to Sablan, will be equipped with basic knowledge of marine technology, turtle nesting and tagging methods, proper fishing and diving practices, watershed management and non-point source pollution management.
Sablan said the Tasi Watch Team will teach people how to reduce contributing to the environmental risks to Laolao Bay watershed.
The MINA board and some environmental volunteers have been conducting planning sessions over the past few days.
Every area of concern that has something to do with marine protection will be addressed, mindful of the preservation of the island culture, Sablan said.
MINA’s first approach is to conduct workshops to recruit and train Tasi Watch volunteers within the Laolao Bay community and neighboring villages.
MINA, Sablan said, offers a training program called “Get to know us, Get involved.” This will provide participants with a “clear and simple” and straight-to-the-point message that coral reef and island lifestyle depend on each other.
“By learning who we are, what we do, and why we do it, MINA hopes that we can engage the local community, visitors and users to actively participate and raise their level of consciousness to make a difference,” Sablan said.
MINA’s first line of action is to develop a social marketing strategy that will heighten public campaign. This will be carried out in two critical areas —coastal shorelines and coastal waters. The mobilization will concentrate in the community surrounding these two areas.
With the theme, “I Mattan I Tasi” or Eye of the Sea, the effort can change the behavior of local residents. Members of the community can commit themselves to take a more responsible and sustainable approach to become “natural stewards of the bay.”
Coastal shoreline
The coastal shoreline action focuses on picnic areas and turtle nesting sites. The strategy is to place learning stations at critical areas around Laolao Bay.
Tasi Watch volunteers will be on-site to educate beach goers, tourists and other bay users on the hazards posed by marine debris. The volunteers will help the people learn how to help prevent debris from entering the waters.
Information on green sea turtles will be provided to help the public understand their importance to the entire ecosystem and their symbolic importance to various cultures in the Marianas and Micronesia.
A clear understanding why laws are enacted to protect these turtles will help the public see how poachers have exploited cultural practices that result in the near-extinction of marine turtles throughout the Pacific islands.
Coastal waters
The coastal waters action covers snorkeling areas, dive spots and fishing. These activities, particularly diving, are an important component of tourism in the Marianas. Since healthy reefs are vital to this important industry, MINA wants to help tour agencies promote environmentally friendly activities and thereby encourage beach vendors to initiate best management practices and to incorporate them into their business activities.
The concept of “less pollution, more fish” will be promoted in the tourism industry while Tasi Watch volunteers will be on-site to promote this concept and encourage good diving and fishing activities.
Final approach
MINA’s final approach is to maximize its marine debris program in which the Tasi Watch team will collaborate with government agencies, non-government organizations and businesses.
Monthly, MINA will coordinate with the volunteers to conduct beach cleanups and monitor the mixed recycling waste on a regular basis. MINA said it will build on its successful marine debris program to jump-start the Tasi Watch project which will also promote the use of biodegradable and reusable products. Utilizing its existing trash bins, MINA will be able to encourage beach users to help prevent marine debris from entering the waters.
Tasi Watch volunteers and the surrounding residents of Laolao Bay will serve as “coastal patrol team” which will be the key players of the Tasi Watch project.
MINA hopes to reduce land-based pollution by 70 percent and increase its awareness campaign by 25 percent. Increasing the community’s knowledge on marine debris will also improve solid waste management practices.
The Tasi Watch volunteers will monitor all the learning stations in several sites throughout the Laolao Bay area. These stations will serve as resource center for locals and visitors. These will also provide useful information like laws and regulations that define responsibilities of visitors and users.
Also, these stations will provide general information on coral reefs and how the community impacts them, the effects and threats of climate change and how people can get involved and volunteer to make changes.
