In this file photo from Earth Day 2025, Aria Keilbach, left, participated in a Tank Beach cleanup alongside Miss Northern Marianas Earth 2024 Heavenly Pangelinan and other Miss Northern Marianas Earth 2025 contestants. Keilbach is encouraging the community to join International Coastal Cleanup Day this Friday, Sept. 19.
AS part of an island-wide participation in International Coastal Cleanup Day on Friday, Miss Northern Marianas Earth 2025 Aria Keilbach and the Bureau of Environmental Coastal Quality are inviting the community to join her in beautifying Tank Beach in Kagman from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Keilbach, who is also an animal welfare advocate, said she’s excited to use her crown to “branch out and contribute” to the environment in meaningful ways.
“Our oceans and coastlines are vital to life not only here in the Northern Mariana Islands but across the entire planet,” she said. “Unfortunately, as an island, we see marine debris that threatens wildlife, damages ecosystems, and impacts our food security and economy all too often on our own shores. By coming together as a community to remove trash and raise awareness, we are taking direct action to protect our environment and preserve the natural beauty that sustains us. I take great satisfaction in knowing that, although we can’t solve every major environmental crisis in one day, we can clean a beach and inspire others to do their part, showing that every individual can make a difference.”
At the beach cleanup this Friday, organizers will provide gloves, trash bags and refreshments for participants.
Keilbach said she will leave for Manila to participate in the international competition portion of the Miss Earth Pageant on Oct. 20. She called it an “incredible honor and great responsibility,” and she is also asking the community to speak with her about how best to represent the island at the pageant.
“I moved to Saipan at 15, and I want to make sure I honor the culture, traditions, and wisdom of the CNMI in the most respectful and knowledgeable way possible,” said Keilbach, who is now 23. “That’s why I welcome the guidance, advice, and requests of our people. Please share with me what you would like the world to know about the Northern Mariana Islands—the culture, history, resilience and values. What should I carry with me to Manila that reflects who we are as a people? Your voices, your stories, and your insights will allow me to represent the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with authenticity and pride.”
Aria Keilbach, Miss Northern Marianas Earth 2025, is well known as an animal welfare advocate.
