MINA wants open dialog to continue

Early this week, The Marianas Islands Nature Alliance made the following resolution:

“MINA supports the concept and creation of a marine conservation area around the three northern islands of Asuncion, Maug and Uracus and calls upon the Commonwealth Government to open a dialog with the community to ensure that the interests, concerns and management are done in the best interests of both the Commonwealth and the precepts for which this marine conservation area should be created.”

The Commonwealth is presented with the unique opportunity of thrusting itself onto the world stage in a positive endeavor, which addresses international concerns about the environment, and will allow us to take a greater national and international, perhaps leading role in marine resources management. Such a project could help redefine the Commonwealth as a serious champion of preserving natural and cultural resources.

The reason this issue is being debated now is because the Pew Charitable Trust has proposed the creation of a National Marine Monument. The fact that this idea has come from outside has justifiably caused concern about the proposal. Let us move away, however from “killing the messenger” and give discourse to the message, i.e., the merits and consequences of the creation of a marine conservation area. Although the Fitial administration opposes the creation of a National Monument “at this time” and the 16th Legislature is in the process of creating a resolution not to support a monument, it is MINA’s position that it is premature to forgo the idea of creating a marine conservation area while the debate and information have not fully run their course.

This decision (pardon the pun) will be monumental! The debate and opinions should therefore continue. The choices we contemplate will have far-reaching ramifications for future generations. In the following days we hope to explain the following:

The Declaration of creating a marine conservation area: Timing is everything and we have a unique opportunity.

Governing Management: This presents a great opportunity to show a sterling example of a Commonwealth and Federal partnership. The nature of this partnership has yet to be determined and the Commonwealth need not consent to an agreement, which is not in their best interests.

Resources Management: Just exactly is it we are protecting? And is it worth it?

Economics. Fisheries and mining are legitimate concerns. But, there are other concerns yet to be heard, weighed and considered. Tourism, scientific study and the business of government infrastructure are just as legitimate. Are these and other factors a higher economic priority worth developing?

Politics and the International Stage. We should be aware of the message we send beyond our borders, especially in regards to tourism (our number one industry). The Commonwealth strongly promotes its environment. We need to do whatever we can to enhance our image.

Lastly, before ending this first in a series of letters, we strongly encourage that a dialogue continue within our community, and that the Commonwealth Government take this opportunity to explore its options with the Federal Government. A task force should be created with representative members of the Commonwealth government, the private business sector and the environmental community. We encourage Pew to continue to facilitate this dialog and to be open and inclusive to the marine conservation area’s critics.