Local News

‘Accentuate the positive’

17 years ago CPRManila

In thinking about the Marianas Marine Monument/Marianas Sea Park, or whatever you want to call it, people might want to follow the advice of that old song that went: "Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative" (and I believe it continues: "don't mess with Mr. Inbetween"). Briefly put, some "positives," as I see them, are:

In thinking about the Marianas Marine Monument/Marianas Sea Park, or whatever you want to call it, people might want to follow the advice of that old song that went: “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative” (and I believe it continues: “don’t mess with Mr. Inbetween”). Briefly put, some “positives,” as I see them, are:

WORLDWIDE ATTENTION: From media, from scientists, from tourists;

“BRAGGING RIGHTS”: For the CNMI’s contribution to the Micronesian Challenge, for its role in protecting the marine environment, for hosting the 2nd largest marine preserve in the country (the world?);

INCREASED REVENUE: From jobs created directly, from jobs created indirectly for support services, from new related businesses; from increased visitors—tourists, scientists, media, etc.; from Federal facility support;

RESOURCE PROTECTION: Through terms of the monument agreement, through federal monitoring of Northern Island waters, through the stability of long-term commitment;

INCREASED POLICY PRESENCE: Through terms of the monument agreement; through a seat on the management board, through a voice/role in formulating regulations;

EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE ACCESS: Through co-management with the federal government;

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Through research/researcher presence; through greater edu/eco-tourism potential.

What’s to lose?

[B]Ruth Tighe[/B]
[I]Tanapag, Saipan[/I]