MVA backs controlled visits to the Grotto

The Marianas Visitors Authority supports the idea of having controlled visits to the Grotto and even prohibiting access to it in the evening.

The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality found increased amounts of contaminants in the site a few months ago. That prompted MVA to express concerns to the bureau, Department of Public Lands, and the Division of Parks & Recreation.

“We all [agreed] that something must be done to prevent or limit the damage [to the Grotto] as much as possible,” said MVA managing director Chris Concepcion in a statement to Saipan Tribune on Sunday.

“The MVA views the Grotto as unique and distinctive and we strongly feel that steps must be taken to protect it from further impairment before it’s too late,” he added.

Concepcion said the Grotto was known as the second best cavern diving site a few years back.

There have also been talks about charging a small fee for nonresidents and tourists that visit the site.

“Similar to the DPL Rangers at Managaha who collect a landing fee at the dock from all tourists, we are not opposed to having this same type of arrangement at the Grotto as long as the fee will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the Grotto, for conservation efforts, and for beautification of the public areas including the lookout deck, staircase, pavilions, parking lot and restrooms,” said Concepcion.

Concepcion wants the fee affordable and geared toward the Grotto’s conservation, instead of for-profit.

“We caution against imposing an excessive fee that may harm our partners in the tourism industry, but I think we all can agree that the Grotto is precious and peculiar and must be shielded and safeguarded for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

DPL has direct jurisdiction over the Grotto. MVA funds the security of the site from 8am to 5pm, the daily restroom maintenance, and the restroom water supply.

“We fund the water supply that must be delivered periodically since there is no waterline or public sewer system in the Marpi area,” said Concepcion.

A suggestion to close the Grotto at certain times has also been talked about among government agencies.

“There is a suggestion out there that the Grotto be closed at night to prevent vandals from damaging the site, to protect tourists from potential danger, and to add additional protection of the Grotto itself,” said Concepcion. “We are not opposed to this proposal.”

“Of course we expect to receive both positive and negative reaction from the community but if it’s done right, I think DPL can make it happen, and in the end the people of the CNMI will know that our efforts were worth it,” he added.