MINA, partners collect over 20K lbs of typhoon debris
MINA rangers and community workers from the office of Rep. Vinnie Sablan help remove debris from Tanapag Middle School. (Contributed Photo)
After the storm passed Saipan, one of the most visible signs of Typhoon Soudelor was the debris strewn across the island. The beaches were no exception. Tin, nails, wood, and trees made these places largely inaccessible and sometimes unsafe for the communities that frequent them. It wasn’t only a problem for the people. This debris on the beach, which can easily make its way to the water, had the potential to damage reefs, harm fish, and pollute Saipan’s amazing marine environment.
To help address this problem and to assist with the islandwide recovery effort, the Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance and volunteers conducted several debris cleanups. During the months of August and September the team collected over 20,000 lbs of debris from Tanapag and Laolao.
MINA will continue to hold cleanups throughout the year. If you would like to volunteer, contact Jojo Cruz at 233-7333, check out our Facebook page, email minaoutreach@gmail.com, or visit us at our office on Middle Road in the Gualo Rai Center. (MINA)
