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RC&D votes in favor of marine monument
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Posted on May 12 2008
The Resource Conservation & Development Council executive board has voted in favor to support the establishment of the Marianas Trench Marine Monument in the far northern islands of Asuncion, Maug, and Farallon De Pajaros.
RC&D vice president Ignacio V. Cabrera in a letter to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial cited “excellent reasons” why such a project would be beneficial to the CNMI such as how the CNMI would benefit from millions of dollars in federal funds, the creation of over 30 jobs, the building of a visitor’s center, global recognition etc.
According to Cabrera, the new paradigm in ocean conservation is being led by Ocean Legacy, a program of the Pew Environment Group, “whose goal is to create large ecosystem-sized marine reserves to protect the continuous degradation of our marine ecosystem, and preserve for the future, for ourselves, and our children, a global marine heritage.”
Cabrera suggest that the establishment of the marine monument would be an “integral part of the worldwide effort by Ocean Legacy to protect our marine environment so that we have fish to catch and eat for generations to come.”
He added that it will also help the CNMI “meet and possibly exceed our commitment to the Micronesia Challenge.”
Cabrera is a local fisherman and a former director of the Division of Environmental Quality where he served for over 20 years until his retirement.
Cabrera said the purpose of the RC&D is to develop partnerships with government, non-government and private organizations such as the Beautify CNMI Coalition.
“These alliances provide necessary tools and resources that allow us to accomplish our goals and objectives,” Cabrera said.
