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MINA: The islands’ newest conservation group
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Posted on May 11 2005
What does the word mina mean to you? If you speak Chamorro, you might recognize it as literally translating to “mine, quarry, subterranean passage.” You might also realize that it has another meaning behind its literal translation. Mina is slang for treasure, like the gold that comes from a mine. But, were you aware that MINA is also the name of a brand new conservation organization? The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA, for short), held its first fundraising event on Friday, May 8, at Neo Remington’s bar in Garapan. Well over 100 people showed up to support the organization and to kick off MINA’s first strategic planning event held the following day at the Dai-Ichi Hotel, where board members and interested individuals helped to decide the issues that the group will focus on over the next year or two.
MINA was formed because its founding members believe that the CNMI has diverse, unique and beautiful natural resources that greatly benefit both residents and visitors. However, these resources, the CNMI’s natural heritage, are at risk and we need to take action to save them. The group believes in the power of community involvement, and thinks that a community-based non-governmental organization can contribute meaningfully to the long-term protection of our natural heritage.
So what is MINA going to do? Saturday’s strategic planning session began to answer that. Using techniques such as education, research, and policy development, MINA intends to help the government and other key partners address the problems of poor water quality in our nearshore environment, coral reef degradation, loss of habitats, and illegal dumping, by filling important gaps that others have not been able to tackle. Over the next few weeks, founding board members Jesus Borja, Fran Castro, Erica Cochrane, Roxanne Diaz, Ray Mafnas, Lino M. Olopai, Benigno Sablan, Christina Sablan, Qamar Schuyler, and Kathy Yuknavage will develop a detailed action plan for the group.
If you are interested in becoming a member of this organization, or would like more information, you can contact MINA@MINApacific.org, or call 235-3076.
