THE 2nd CNMI Green Growth Convening and the 32nd Pacific Islands Environmental Training Symposium or PIETS were two environment-focused events held concurrently at the Crowne Plaza Resort on Monday, June 9.
The PIETS was organized by the CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality’s Division of Environmental Quality to “foster innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges and strengthen regional resilience.”
Zabrina Cruz, DEQ director, said representatives from American Samoa, Guam, Chuuk, Palau, Yap, Pohnpei, the Marshall Islands, and Kosrae are on island to take part in training opportunities and site visits.
“We really tried to make it an opportunity for our agencies and partners to come together and provide and exchange knowledge, training, and updates across the Pacific in regards to environmental issues and challenges, as well as our successes,” Cruz said.
Day One of PIETS activities included a presentation on lithium-ion battery cleanup and disposal, followed by a mangrove planting at American Memorial Park, and a cleanup at Tank Beach.
PIETS is scheduled to run through Friday, June 13.
Training sessions include pesticide enforcement, zero waste efforts at the Port Authority of Guam, nonpoint source pollution planning and project implementation, and grant writing training.
Green Growth
Meanwhile, at Crowne Plaza’s Hibiscus Hall, the committee heads of the CNMI Green Growth Initiative convened to update the public on their progress since the CNMI signed onto the initiative in February of last year.
“It’s really a chance for us to call everyone together, have them assess where they’re at, where they need us to support them more, and just overall see if we’re doing our job in progressing toward more green growth in the CNMI,” said Patricia Coleman, CNMI Green Growth co-lead.
First developed by the United Nations Environment Program, the Green Growth Initiative focuses on the following goals:
• No poverty
• Zero hunger
• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Clean water and sanitation
• Affordable and clean energy
• Decent work and economic growth
• Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
• Reduced inequalities
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Responsible consumption and production
• Climate action
• Life below water
• Life on land
• Peace, justice, and strong institutions
• Partnerships
Participants of the 2nd Annual Green Growth Convening pose for a group photo at the Crowne Plaza on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Patricia Coleman, CNMI Green Growth Initiative co-lead, speaks at the 2nd Annual CNMI Green Growth Convening on Monday, June 9, 2025.
