Building partnerships for the environment

The Division of Environmental Quality is focusing on building partnerships with various organizations and the community in hopes of protecting the environment.

According to Juliana de la Rosa, chairwoman of the 2005 Environmental Awareness Week committee, the division is currently hosting activities aimed at promoting awareness and the importance of protecting the environment.

de la Rosa said the activities fill up the months of March and leads up to the celebration of the 22nd Annual Environmental Awareness Week, from April 17 to 23 and the 32nd Annual National Earth Day.

Activities include various contests opened to schools, government agencies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.

Currently ongoing is the Recycling Contest, which began Feb. 1 and continues to April 8. Unlike in the past years when the contest featured just recycled cans, this year’s competition also includes paper, plastic, and cardboard.

de la Rosa said $1,000 in cash prizes has been donated by Errico-Maeda JV and will be divided for first, second, and third place finishers.

The EAW committee is also spearheading a poem and essay-writing contest, both with deadlines on March 31.

The essay-writing contest is open to high school students, who must write a 300-500-word essay on this year’s theme, “Our Environment, Our Health, Our Future.” The three-line poem contest, meanwhile, is intended for elementary school students and also focuses on the theme. Top three winners in both contests will be awarded with prizes.

DEQ is also hosting various clean-ups, including the Island-wide Marianas Clean-up scheduled for April 23. Nine routes along the island have been designated for the event, which is considered the biggest clean-up event of the year.

A Lagoon Clean-up will also be held on April 21, which features interested individuals trooping along the beach side and waters of Civic Center and picking trash. “The public is invited to join hands in taking a stand in protecting the environment, “ de la Rosa said.

Scuba dive shops will also have an opportunity to assist in providing clean surroundings for their customers as the committee will also head a Scuba Dive Clean-up on April 22. Various scuba shops have already committed to taking part in the event, which will take place as all dive sites, Sugar Dock, and the Garapan Fishing Base.

DEQ is also conducting presentations at various schools as well as lab tours.

“We try to get them at an early age,” de la Rosa said. “It’s training for them. We want them to know how the environment plays a role in their lives, and we just want to get everyone involved. We have to educate the community in hopes of having everyone pitch in and protect the environment.”

de la Rosa also disclosed that she has already received confirmation from the Governor’s Office for a proclamation signing on April 13 at the DEQ office in Gualo Rai, officially marking the Environmental Awareness Week.

The committee will also hold its annual Environmental Expo on April 19 at the Chamolinian Village and April 21 during Street Market. The expo will feature various government, private, and non-profit agencies joining forces in spreading the word of how important keeping a healthy environment is, de la Rosa added.