By Andrew Roberto
andrew@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Mariana Islands Nature Alliance commemorated two decades of land and ocean conservation with its annual Green Gala, held at the Crowne Plaza on Friday. Organizers confirmed to Variety last week that all tables had been booked for the event.
MINA Executive Director Roberta Guerrero told the media that the event was a way to gather people who “celebrate the environment,” as well as to guarantee natural resources for “future generations.”
“Our resources here are very limited, and if we don’t take care of them, we don’t have anything to give to our kids,” Guerrero said. “I think that’s what this whole [movement] in this room is about — their desire to have something sustainable, so future generations can still call Saipan their home.”
MINA’s stated mission is “empowering environmental stewardship through science and island wisdom,” according to its official website.
Guerrero added that this year’s celebration comes amid “economic doldrums,” so MINA did not offer the customary Environmental Stewards awards that recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses exemplifying the values of conservation.
“We were touch and go for the first six months of this new [federal] administration,” she said, adding that there were some concerns about making payroll. “Right now, we’re being cautious. We’re implementing programs that have approved funding, but we’re also looking forward to other future opportunities. In previous years, the donations for the galas have been extraordinary. This year has been challenging.”
Despite scaling down the celebration slightly, Guerrero said MINA still received strong community support.
“We are sold out because of the desire of the community to step up and say, ‘Let’s do this together,’” she added.
She said concerns over funding highlight the importance of community partnerships and other fundraising opportunities outside of grants, such as the Green Gala.
In an address, founding board member Fran Castro said the work of MINA has “stood at the heart of island conservation.”
“From beach cleanups to establishing a culture of recycling, to new programs and advocacy, our work has always reflected one simple truth: when the people of the Marianas come together, we can achieve lasting change.”
Andrew Roberto is an alumnus of Saipan Southern High School, Northern Marianas College, and the University of Guam. He holds a degree in English. He is a published author, a staged playwright, and a former classroom teacher.
