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‘Accentuate the positive’
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Posted on Jun 16 2008
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]
