Save the date!

The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, MINA, is hosting a celebration on Friday, Jan. 20, at the 13 Fishermen Pavilion.

From 5pm until 9pm, the organization invites the public to come and socialize with other people who are concerned about protecting our island’s environment, hear about MINA’s newest plans and projects, and enjoy light snacks.

MINA was founded in May 2005 with the goal of protecting and preserving the full range of habitats within the CNMI. The group, composed of over 40 members, aims to do this by working in partnership with government and community members to create and run programs in education, research, resource management, policy development, and enforcement. MINA’s 2005-2008 strategic plan focuses on the areas of coral reef protection, solid waste management, and education. Specifically, MINA aims to decrease illegal harvesting of nearshore marine resources, reduce litter and illegal dumping, increase community involvement in reporting violations, and provide additional support to teachers through field trips, lectures, workshops, and institutes.

In accordance with these goals, MINA has chosen four main projects to work on in its first years of existence. One is an education campaign advocating against illegal fishing. The campaign will target not only English speakers, but will also incorporate outreach materials translated into a variety of languages.

As part of the campaign, MINA will publicize its second project, an environmental hotline, to encourage community support in ensuring compliance with environmental laws. A third project is to lobby for trash collection at several popular beaches such as Wing Beach and Ladder Beach. These beaches are currently not designated as tourist areas, and therefore do not benefit from the Parks and Recreation trash removal services.

Finally, MINA intends to run a summer environmental education camps for teachers. Focusing on a different topic or habitat each year, the weeklong course will give teachers a strong background in the science, management issues, and human impacts affecting our island environment.

MINA is currently actively seeking funding to carry out these projects and to hire a part-time executive director. The Nature Conservancy Micronesia has issued a Challenge Grant to the organization, so if a total of $25,000 is raised, TNC will add an additional $10,000.

MINA has already received generous gifts from CTSI, DFS, PHI Pharmacy, Saipan Stevedore, Deloitte, and Angil Design, among others.

If you are interested in finding out more about MINA, becoming a member, or contributing to the fundraising campaign, you can call 256-1041, or email mina@minapacific.org. (Qamar Schuyler)