“I want to emphasize that the CNMI direct its energy to either oppose Pew’s proposal by informing the president’s office officially, or to commence a dialogue with the federal government if it wants to, rather than to worry about Pew’s freedom to exercise its rights as a non-profit, non-governmental organization,” Tenorio said in a statement.
Tenorio had met with Pew Charitable Trusts key staff members as well as other groups with interests on the proposal, including the President’s Council on Environmental Quality.
“I have been told, and I want to emphasize this, that the president will only create a National Monument in our commonwealth if the people of the CNMI ask him. Pew’s proposal is an independent initiative and not authorized by the White House,” Tenorio said.
“While they possess experts and advisors to advance their interest, they have neither say nor authority over our resources, or how our resources should be managed,” he added.
As a geologist by profession, Tenorio said the people of the CNMI should protect their natural resources without sacrificing their cultural heritage and way of life.
“I am fully aware of the potential sacrifices of our resources if we failed to understand what the resources offer, and this is the reason why I insist that the CNMI government direct its concerns about any resource protection and proposals, including designation of a portion of our land and marine areas into an irreversible federal marine monument to the federal government,” said Tenorio.
The Legislature adopted a resolution rejecting the Pew’s proposal “at this time.” So did Gov. Benigno R. Fitial who even wrote to Bush explaining the reasons why he is against the idea.
Tenorio said “heritage protection and economic exploitation are compatible” given the right policies.
He said he cannot in his good conscience sign a petition against Pew’s proposal if it “permanently closes the door on a cooperative venture that will promote conservation and economic development in joint cooperation with our federal government.”
He added, “We as a people must decide how to protect our resources and what economic benefit we can derive from those resources. We need to stop focusing on Pew and seriously start talking among ourselves about what resources we have and how best to economically utilize as well as protect them for us now living and for future generations.”
