HAGÅTÑA — Exciting advances in regional marine and terrestrial conservation will be presented during the seventh Mariana Islands Conservation Conference. This annual event is organized by Tåno Tåsi yan Todu and will be held from March 10 to March 14, 2025, at the Dusit Thani Resort, Guåhan. Admission to the conference is free. Join us and register to attend the MICC at www.marianasterrestrialconservation.org/.
The MICC was stablished in 2017, and more than 200 students, researchers, educators, and community members from Guåhan, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Oceania, and the United States participate each year. This weeklong conference includes research presentations, field trips, and workshops led by experts.
Topics include efforts to protect endangered species of the Mariana Islands, such as the Sihek (Micronesia kingfisher) and Fadang (Cycas micronesica), marine protected areas and fisheries management, and projects established to control invasive species including the Little Fire Ant and brown tree snake and restore native forest habitats.
On Monday, March 10, the MICC will feature students and researchers conducting conservation projects across the Mariana Islands and presenting posters illustrating research and project outcomes and opportunities to collaborate further. Anyone interested in participating in the poster session should contact Tihu Lujan at TLujan@tanotasitodu.org/.
“This is an opportunity for the people of the Marianas to learn more about the programs, projects, and initiatives that are central to restoring and protecting land and marine environments. We encourage the community, especially students and those interested in conservation, to register online today and join us,” said Tåno Tåsi yan Todu board member Ann Marie Gawel, Ph.D.
On Tuesday, March 11, the MICC will hold a Job Fair and event for students and the community to directly interact with representatives of local, federal, and community-based organizations established to protect and restore natural resources in the Marianas.
“The MICC is a great opportunity for students and professionals to learn about conservation in the region and build connections with experts. It’s a highly competitive field that is constantly evolving, but it’s also rewarding to be home and in the field at Anao or Taguan,” said Biologist CJ Paulino.
Employers and organizations interested in being present at the MICC Job Fair should contact Rachel Jolley, Ph.D. at JolleyR@triton.uog.edu/.
Participants will go into the field with experts on Wednesday, March 12, to Taguan and Mt. Lamlam to learn first-hand about forest restoration and rare native orchids of Guåhan. Others will travel to Island Dåno (Cocos Island) to support efforts to protect native bird populations and control brown tree snakes. These are some of the many opportunities available for hands-on conservation service during the MICC.
“Our islands are experiencing climate change now and our people are working, fighting, and rising to meet these challenges unique to our lands and seas. This conference provides not only information of value to the climate crisis, but it also elevates the voices of the CHamoru and other indigenous biologists and natural resource experts directly addressing environmental impacts in their communities,” said Biological Field Technician Tihu Lujan.
We hope to see you there! Maila! Join us.
For more information, visit www.marianasterrestrialconservation.org or contact tanotasitodu@gmail.com/. For conference updates, follow us on social media @tanotasitodu/.
