A local nonprofit, MINA received a $100,000 competitive grant from NOAA to fund its project titled, “Establish an Island Culture of Recycling to Reduce Marine Debris in Saipan’s Waters.”
Through the grant, industrialized recycling bins will be purchased and placed in 7 high traffic beach sites. The project objectives are to: 1) prevent harm to living marine resources by reducing the amount of land-based marine debris entering Saipan’s waters; 2) restore natural scenic views to revive the CNMI as an eco-tourism destination; and 3) extend the life of Saipan’s Landfill through increased recycling.
MINA will accomplish these objectives by conducting an 18-month Marine Debris Education and Outreach Campaign to increase public awareness of debris impact by 25% and to establish an Island Culture of Recycling, through the promotion of proper waste separation and disposal, thereby reducing the amount of land-based sources of marine debris by 70%. These strategies will remove both real and perceived barriers to proper waste disposal, resulting in a decrease of beach litter and marine debris.
MINA will also partner with businesses to promote a community “Adopt-A-Bin” Program, which will pay for recycling bin acquisition and, maintenance and waste hauling. Each business will be able to place their logo on bins, sponsoring them for one (1) or more years. The program will promote and provide recognition for Saipan’s eco-friendly and community-oriented businesses.
The grant also provides job opportunities for a part-time Executive Director and a project manager for the Marine Debris program.
MINA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the diverse natural resources of the Northern Mariana Islands. MINA’s members come from all walks of life and are united by the clear understanding that the people of the Northern Mariana Islands have the right and responsibility to act as stewards of their natural inheritance.
For more information, please contact the MINA Office at 670.233.7333, email [email protected] or visit http://minapacific.org.
