MINA presses on with environment programs

The community-based, nonprofit group Mariana Islands Nature Alliance seeks to become “the voice of conservation in the CNMI through its various programs that promote and advocate for the protection and restoration of natural resources.

Executive director Sam Sablan said yesterday that they are carrying on with these programs and events through the help of the community.

Among these events was the inaugural Eat Out for the Environment last Sept. 9. The event featured five restaurant-Aoi Restaurant at Saipan Grand Hotel, Chambre at Fiesta Resort & Spa, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, 360 Revolving Restaurant, and Shenanigans-that donated to MINA a portion of their revenue on that day.

The event successfully raised $1,191.12. “It’s not as much as we had hoped for but we’re hoping to continue with this event every year and hopefully, from there, grow,” said Sablan, adding that they plan to do it one restaurant per month in next year’s event.

Another program that just started in October is the MINA Mondays at Java Joe’s in Dandan, during which the coffee shop would donate a small portion of the cost of coffee to MINA if customers come in with traveling mugs to discourage the use of Styrofoam cups and promote environmentally-friendly consumer practices.

“By bringing your travel mug, you’re saving the environment,” said Sablan.

He also disclosed that the 15 sponsors-individuals, businesses, and government agencies-of their Adopt-a-Bin program, which started in March 2010, have agreed to continue and renew their adoption of 17 bins.

Sablan expressed hope that more businesses will support the program by paying for the fabrication of bins and the hauling of trash so as not to be restricted where they would place the bins.

“Rather than just in coastal areas, I would also like to help public schools, churches, or wherever there’s a large number of people gathering,” she told Saipan Tribune. “We want to make an impact.”

Last month, MINA also coordinated with the members of Saipan Unity Lions Club, Saipan Marianas Lions Club, and Saipan Fil-Am Lions Club who planted about 50 trees at the Lao Lao Bay beach area.

Sablan urged the public to support MINA in their efforts to help the environment, promote conservation, and raise awareness in environmental issues in the CNMI.

“In order for us to continue to raise those awareness, we need the support of the community financially and volunteer-wise,” she said.

For more information, visit MINA office along Beach Road next to Naked Fish, call 233-REEF (7333) or email sablansam@gmail.com.