Alliance outlines goals, projects for first year

Faced with a myriad of environmental challenges, the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance will initially focus its resources on eliminating illegal dumpsites, as well as the wanton taking of nearshore marine resources in the Commonwealth.

These two main goals were hammered out during a weekend barbecue attended by group members, government officials, and business leaders Saturday at the 13 Fishermen Memorial Monument along Beach Road.

Alliance secretary Kathy Yuknavage said the two goals were based on community input culled during a daylong strategic planning session facilitated by The Nature Conservancy’s Bill Raynor and Pohnpei Conservation Society’s Willy Kostka last May.

Yuknavage said that, although the two goals may seem ambitious, she is very confident that MINA would deliver. In fact, she said the group’s members have already begun fleshing out details for the projects and outreach efforts necessary to make them a reality by 2008.

One task at hand is the cleaning up of the San Vicente sinkhole, which MINA hopes to do in cooperation with the Division of Environmental Quality.

Yuknavage said MINA would also be conducting a door-to-door education and outreach program in San Vicente to lessen the risk of future dumping once the site is returned to a healthier state.

Saturday’s barbecue was attended by MINA chair Erica Cochrane, vice chair Jesus C. Borja and other board members. Yuknavage said the informal event allowed people who normally shy away from formal settings a chance to voice their concerns about the fate of the islands’ environment.

She said MINA is planning to establish an environmental hotline and tracking system where island residents may report environmental concerns and illegal activities.

Yuknavage said MINIA would also partner with the government’s Coral Reef Initiative agencies to develop and manage an environmental outreach campaign focused on coral reef protection, including materials that discuss environmental laws for non-English speaking residents.

She also took the opportunity to make it clear that MINA is not a lobbying group, but rather is a group that works with community leaders to help preserve the environment.

Yuknavage said MINA is extending its gratitude to the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Coca Cola Micronesia, DFS Galleria, PHI Pharmacy, Pacific Trading Co,, and MarPac Distributors for attending Saturday’s barbecue.

“It is hoped that the many dignitaries that joined the barbeque on Saturday will partner with MINA on these and future projects,” she said.

For more information about MINA, interested in becoming a member, or have questions on how you can help the environment, contact 287-8343 or e-mail them at mina@minapacific.org.