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DLNR secretary meets with Pacific leaders
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Posted on Aug 04 2000
Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Joaquin Tenorio left yesterday for American Samoa to discuss with Pacific leaders coral reef initiatives appropriate for the region.
Dr. Tenorio said the week-long meeting will give him a chance to consult with experts from around the Pacific basin on other environment issues plaguing the CNMI such as the long-delayed Upland Mitigation Bank project.
But the secretary emphasized that formal talks will mainly dwell on the preservation of coral reefs.
The Coastal Resources Management Office earlier expressed optimism the agency’s plans to conduct a survey of the coral reef conditions on the island may push through after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved the project barely two months ago.
The $280,000 grant for the project, according to acting CRMO Director Peter J. Barlas, will cover a three-year period to establish a baseline data that will monitor the condition of the coral reef.
Earlier, the United States Coral Reef Task Force has assured the CNMI that funds in connection with coral reef protection will be given to the CNMI for the implementation of its own programs.
Aside from the implementation of conservation measures, information and educational campaign are all part of the programs under the US All Islands Coral Reef Initiative.
The Northern Marianas may soon have a more accurate and detailed map of its coral reef resources after an inter-agency task force recently revealed plans of carrying out such undertaking in the Pacific Island jurisdictions of the US.
Also instrumental in the initiative to create map are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Interior.
The planned coral reef map will assist lawmakers pass legislation that will set aside marine protected areas in the CNMI.
CRM will be installing coral reef protection signs along the coastline of selected beaches that include Managaha, Smiling Cove, LaoLao Bay, Micro Beach, Rota Swimming Hole, Tachonga Beach, Kammer and Taga Beach. (Marian A. Maraya)
