Dina Tenorio leads 2nd Annual Marine Debris Awareness Weekend

AS the first female certified commercial diver in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Dina Tenorio, who owns Latte Marine Diving & Salvage, LLC, has made it her mission to protect the marine environment that sustains island life.

In honor of Earth Day and CNMI Environmental Awareness Month, Tenorio recently organized the 2nd Annual Marine Debris Awareness Weekend on Tinian—a community initiative that combines hands-on cleanup efforts with environmental education.

Question: Can you tell us the purpose of this event? Was it a cleanup initiative, an awareness campaign, or something else?

Tenorio explained that the event served a dual purpose:

“This event was held in honor of CNMI Environmental Month, and it was both a cleanup initiative and a community-wide awareness campaign. Our goal was to bring the community together—especially our youth here [on] Tinian—to better understand the harmful effects of marine debris and why it’s so important that we each take part in protecting our land and sea.”

But the weekend was about more than just removing trash—it was about fostering long-term stewardship.

“It wasn’t just about picking up trash. It was about education, empowerment, and inspiring real change through hands-on outreach, activities, and games that promote environmental stewardship. It was a space for learning, laughter, and building pride in protecting our home.”

Q: How does this align with your company’s mission in marine salvage and ship repair?

As a professional diver, Tenorio witnesses the devastating effects of marine debris daily.

“Latte Marine Diving & Salvage, LLC is a local, woman-owned business specializing in marine salvage and underwater construction. We see the damage that marine debris causes firsthand. After hosting this event last year and seeing its impact, we knew we had to bring it back, especially for the youth of Tinian.”

For her, this initiative was never about profit—it was about giving back to the community that has supported her business.

“Tinian has always welcomed us with open arms during our work trips, and this event was never about contracts or money; it was about giving back. When our good friends at Bwiibwiis Professional Lawncare Services heard about last year’s event, they said, ‘If you ever do this again, we want to be part of it.’ And they meant it.”

She emphasized the power of collaboration:

“We may be two small, humble local businesses and we don’t make much, but we give what we can. We teamed up not just as colleagues, but as friends and fellow islanders who believe in community and in the power of possibility.”

Ultimately, this event was a promise—“A promise that as long as we’re able, we’ll keep giving back to our people and the islands that raised us.”

Q: Were there any notable partners or collaborators involved in this event?

The success of the Marine Debris Awareness Weekend relied on strong partnerships. Tenorio highlighted the key supporters:

“Latte Marine and Bwiibwiis teamed up early on, and from there we reached out to the Honorable Mayor Edwin Aldan and his team [on] Tinian, who were immediately supportive. Their commitment never wavered; they helped us with logistics, permits, site support, and so much more.”

She also praised the involvement of the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance.

“Together, we reached out to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance. They responded with excitement and were eager to join our efforts. Their heart and passion for environmental education helped bring the vision to life.”

Many other sponsors stepped up to contribute:

• Citadel Pacific Ltd.
• Marianas Variety
• Isla Community Health – Tinian
• The HookUp
• Tinian Shipping
• Rose1 Charters and Rentals, LLC
• Hagu Real
• Herman’s Modern Bakery
• Fresku
• KKMP
• Northern Marianas College CREES
• CNMI Green Growth Initiative
• Pacifica Insurance Underwriters Inc.
• Star Marianas Air
• Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan
• Turnkey Solutions

“Their generosity—through monetary support, in-kind donations, or simply showing up—made all the difference. This event was built on unity, trust, teamwork, and the deep love we all share for these islands and the ocean that surrounds us.”

Q: How many volunteers/participants joined, and what activities took place?

The event drew an impressive turnout:

“We were blessed with over 100 participants, including 40 hardworking volunteers, families, school clubs, and local organizations.”

Day 1: Lasaniru Beach Cleanup

The first day focused on restoring Lasaniru Beach, a popular fishing and family gathering spot. Volunteers removed debris hidden beneath dense vegetation—a challenging but rewarding task.

Day 2: Outreach & Recognition Day

The second day was all about interactive learning:

• Educational booths on marine life, recycling, and conservation
• Banana painting and recycled marine debris art
• Face painting
• Marine Debris Obstacle Course
• Passport Game (encouraging kids to visit each booth to earn rewards)

“Everything we did was designed to be fun, interactive, and meaningful, especially for our youth.”

Q: What impact do you hope this event will have on the local marine environment?

Tenorio’s goal is to plant seeds of responsibility:

“We hope this event planted seeds—seeds of awareness, pride, and responsibility. We want our community, especially our kids, to grow up knowing that they have the power to protect their island and that every small effort matters.”

She stresses the importance of cultural change.

“This is about changing mindsets and creating a culture of care and conservation. And it starts with community events like this, where we come together not just to clean, but to learn, share, and grow as stewards of the land and sea.”

Q: What were the biggest challenges during the cleanup or outreach effort?

Organizing a large-scale event without a formal budget came with hurdles.

“This year’s Marine Debris Awareness Weekend didn’t include an underwater cleanup, but our focus on land-based cleanup and education came with its own challenges. Lasaniru Beach needed a lot of prep—there was heavy overgrowth, and much of the debris was hidden beneath dense brush and tall grass. Coordinating equipment, volunteers, site preparation, and outreach activities—without any formal budget—was one of the biggest hurdles.”

But teamwork prevailed:

“Thanks to the help of our sponsors, the Tinian Mayor’s Office, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, Tinian Department of Public Works, Tinian Division of Fish and Wildlife, and our incredible volunteers, we pulled it off—together.”

Q: Were there any guest speakers, demonstrations, or educational booths?

The event opened with two young environmental advocates—Tenorio’s 8-year-old daughter, Camille, and 10-year-old Bryana Lisua.

“Their words were heartfelt and powerful.”

Guest speakers included Joseph Santos, chairman of the 20th Tinian Municipal Council, and Joseph Nekaifes of MINA.

The event was emceed by Marrill Ayuyu and Arlene Rebauliman-Ayuyu, who kept the energy high.

Educational booths covered:

• Marine life conservation
• Proper debris sorting
• Recycling initiatives
• Eco-friendly art

“It was a hands-on learning experience for the entire community and, most importantly, for the next generation of island caretakers.”

Tenorio’s Marine Debris Awareness Weekend proved that real change starts at the grassroots. By combining cleanup efforts with education, she empowered Tinian’s youth to become lifelong environmental advocates.

“This wasn’t just about cleaning a beach. It was about showing our children that they have a voice and that, together, we can keep our islands beautiful for generations to come.”

As Earth Day reminds us, protecting our planet requires collective action. Thanks to leaders like Tenorio, the CNMI’s future looks brighter—and cleaner.

“This wasn’t just about cleaning a beach. It was about showing our children that they have a voice and that, together, we can keep our islands beautiful for generations to come.”

<p style=”text-align: right;”><strong>—Dina Tenorio</strong>