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April is Environmental Awareness Month
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Posted on Apr 01 2008
Lt. Gov. Tim Villagomez signed a proclamation declaring April as Environmental Awareness Month, in celebration of the Division of Environmental Quality’s 25 years of service in the CNMI.
The proclamation signing, which took place at the Governor’s Conference Room, was also intended to raise awareness for the upcoming Earth Day.
The proclamation stated that, to mark DEQ’s 25th anniversary, the event could be used as an opportunity to appreciate one’s own natural heritage, increase ecological awareness and to take active steps to protect and preserve the islands’ natural resource.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial declared 2008 as the International Year of the Reef. DEQ has adopted the national theme, “Our reefs enrich our health, our wealth, our lives.”
The theme aims to emphasize that coral reefs are part of the islands’ subsistence and culture and that they provide a home for thousands of reef organisms and are known for their medicinal value.
Coral reefs also protect the island’s shoreline from storms and erosion, “and provide the foundation for our eco-tourism industry.”
Earth Day, which is on April 22, is a day for every individual and institution to think and act as a responsible trustee of the Earth, ecologically, economically and ethically, to create a sustainable future without pollution.
Villagomez urged all citizens of the Commonwealth to take an active interest in their environment and help protect it for the benefit of future generations.
“I urge all citizens and organizations of the Commonwealth to observe the month in recognition of our goal of maintaining a healthy, clean, and beautiful Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” he said.
