ON ENVIRONMENTAL MESS Officials: ‘We are partly to blame’

While admitting that they share the responsibilities for the environmental problems besetting the Northern Marianas today, political leaders yesterday vowed to carry out measures to make sure that the island’s limited resources are properly managed.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio warned that an environmental disaster may occur in the CNMI as a result of rapid population growth, development pressures and unsound management of the resources unless people work together in taking care of the island’s ecosystems.

In preserving the island’s ecosystems, officials must strike a balance between seeking economic development and carrying out environmental protection measures, Tenorio told the opening of the 18th Pacific Islands Conference.

With the theme “Management of Pacific Islands Resources for the Next Millennium,” over 100 delegates from island nations in Micronesia gathered for the five-day annual meeting.

To all those foreign and local businessmen who want to invest in the CNMI, the governor offers a bit of advice: make sure that the environment is enhanced and protected.

The CNMI experienced rapid development in a short period of time during the ’80s with the construction of hotels, resorts, condominium and apartment buildings as tourist arrivals reached its peak.

In their efforts to achieve economic development, political and business leaders in the CNMI have neglected its detrimental effects to the island’s resources, said Senate President Paul A. Manglona.

“Having witnessed such a phenomenal amount of growth in such a short period of time has made it more apparent to us than ever before that our resources are not unlimited and that we must continue to seek ways to balance and diversify our strengths and our weaknesses,” said Manglona.

The chief executive, likewise, emphasized the need to take utmost care in ensuring the protection and enhancement of the environment. “The potential for great environmental disaster is made more so because of our small land masses and fragile ecosystems,” Tenorio said.

In protecting the environment, perhaps, one of the biggest challenges is finding a better ways to get the indigenous population more involved in the long-term decision-making process of the island resources.

Since the CNMI depends on tourism as its main source of revenue, environmental protection is not just a responsible act but a logical and sensible business decision as well. The island’s natural beauty — its crystal clear waters, rich marine life, clean air and beaches are the primary reasons that have enticed tourists to come to the CNMI.

Amid the backdrop of an ailing tourism economy, Tenorio admitted that the CNMI must begin preparing the strong foundation of a sound environmental planning.

The chief executive commended the Environmental Protection Agency for its guidance in funding vital programs and infrastructure necessary to help the Commonwealth meet the Constitutional mandate of a clean and healthy environment.

As Pacific Islanders share the same goal of achieving sustainable development, House Speaker Diego T. Benavente said the conference provides an opportunity to deal with the common issues such as solid waste disposal, conservation and management of natural resources and economic viability of recycling.