The Expo at Northern Marianas College introduced students to a variety of subjects, ranging from wildlife conservation to forest restoration to marine monitoring.
The event was a follow-up to the Saipan Environmental Expo at American Memorial Park.
“This is one way to educate our young community; through this effort hopefully our children will be prepared and be educated about the environment that surrounds our island,” said Department of Lands and Natural Resources Rota Resident Director Joey Quitugua.
“If we are to stop the illegal activity I believe that we have to start with our children. We must teach them that everything from the fanihi, the aga, and all other wildlife are responsible for the reforestation. These animals basically transport seeds that will eventually find its way to the ground, and grow into beautiful green fruit producing trees.”
Quitugua continued, “Our community must take action and be proactive in the effort to stop the burning of our forest. Illegal activities such as burning basically cause a lot of damages not only our forest, but the animals both on land and in water. I hope that the students will bring what they’ve learn home and eventually educated their parents as well.”
About 150 Sinapalo Elementary and Rota Junior High School students in the 5th, 7th and 8th grades visited the expo.
The coordinating resource agencies plan to collaborate on similar events in the future, focused on making stronger connections between CNMI educational standards and benchmarks and exhibit topics.
Participating agencies and individuals included DLNR-Rota, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Rota, Fanihi and Mariana Crow Conservation on Rota: Julia Boland and Phil Hannon, Coastal Resources Management- Saipan, Division of Environmental Quality-Saipan and NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Office-Saipan.
