NMC to host Rota eco-adventure

The Northern Marianas College’s School of Education and NMC Rota, in cooperation with the Community Development Institute, are hosting the first Rota Eco-Education Summer Camp from July 24 through July 28. The recreational and environmental component is being coordinated by the NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellow, at the Department of Environmental Quality in Rota.

With tourism and development encroaching on the otherwise pristine environment, there is a need for increased ecological awareness among CNMI youth. The purpose of the summer camp is for middle school students to gain an understanding and appreciation of local natural resource conservation issues. The Camp will serve as a Northern Marianas College Pilot Project with potential to evolve into an eco-tourism venture.

Students will experientially learn about Coral Reef and Wildlife Conservation, Watershed Issues, Savannah Lands Ecology, Human Impacts on the Environment, and Strategies to Conserve Rota’s Natural Resources. The outdoor “hands on” learning stations are scattered around the idyllic island including Sasanhaya Bay Fish Reserve, Wedding Cake Mountain, and the Bird Sanctuary. On the evening of July 27, there will be an overnight camp-out, barbecue, and stargazing event on Mt. Sabana. The week will be a fun-filled learning experience for the students, who for some will be their first time snorkeling and kayaking.

NMC thanks their partner agencies on Rota whose expert staff will lead the learning station activities. This initiative would not be possible without the involvement of representatives from the Rota Mayor’s Office, Rota High School, Rota Junior School, NMC CREES, NMC Natural Resource Management Program, NOAA/NMC Hutchuman Project, Luta Marine Center, Rota Municipal Council, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Resource Management Office, Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Interested middle school students should enroll now, as space is limited to 40 students. Applications are available at NMC’s Rota Administration Office. For more information, please contact the NMC Rota Director, Severina Ogo at 532-9477 or the NOAA Coral Fellow, Lihla Noori at 532-3102. (PR)