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SVES students help keep Laolao Bay litter-free
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Posted on Jun 07 2012
By Clarissa V. David
Reporter
Reporter
Sixth graders from San Vicente Elementary School will take part in efforts to protect Laolao Bay.
A total of 120 students will volunteer for the Our Laolao Campaign, which emphasizes the importance of keeping Laolao Bay litter-free on land and sea.
Our Laolao Campaign is a collaborative effort of the Coastal Resources Management, Division of Environmental Quality, Division of Fish & Wildlife, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, & SeaWeb.
“The goal of the Our Laolao Campaign is to empower community members to speak about why they want to protect Laolao Bay,” said Jose Quan. “Their stories in turn inspire other users to help keep Laolao Bay litter-free.”
The young volunteers, who were inspired by the campaign’s message, have taken part in a two-day cleanup beginning yesterday from 8am to 11am.
The group is focusing on clearing the main road into Laolao Bay of trash and other harmful debris.
Quan added that Our Laolao Campaign also shines a light on the rich cultural and environmental value of the bay and what community members can do to protect it.
Like many places on Saipan, Laolao Bay reefs and forests are under environmental threat because of critical issues such as sedimentation, invasive species, and habitat loss.
In 2007, Laolao Bay was designated as the focus of the CNMI’s efforts to restore marine and terrestrial environments, given its environmental and cultural value and its increasing degradation. These efforts can only be successful, however, if community members “lead the way.” They can be empowered through various initiatives that protect the island’s natural resources, including Laolao Bay.
Quan encouraged other community members to join the San Vicente sixth graders in the cleanup, which ends today.
For ways to get involved in the campaign or for more information, visit www.ourlaolao.com.
