Group welcomes talks on marine monument

A local environment group has expressed keen interest in meeting with a team being sent by President Bush to the CNMI to discuss the proposal designating the northernmost three islands of the Commonwealth as a marine monument.

Ignacio V. Cabrera, chairman for the recently organized “Friends of the Marine Monument,” said: “We applaud the White House for listening to the people of the CNMI and coming to speak directly with us.

“We are confident that public support will grow as more people come to understand the multitude of potential benefits the monument will bring to the CNMI. We believe that a marine monument in the northernmost waters of the CNMI would be good for our marine life, good for our economy, and protect our culture,” he added.

Another member, former congressman Andrew S. Salas, echoed this, saying: “I am happy that President Bush and the federal government are coming over to talk to us regarding the monument project. …As a former congressman, I see that the announcement shows that the President wants our input and it is important for our people. With any good ideas, there are always concerns; but in the end, when you have a dialogue, a better product is developed.”

Many members of the Legislature have expressed worries that there would be a unilateral decision to declare the monument without local input. Local lawmakers and the CNMI community have been clamoring for more information about the advantages and challenges of the proposed Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, and for the chance to directly talk with the federal government about it.

“I just want to thank President Bush for respecting our people and coming over to the CNMI to further discussions. It shows the local peoples’ input regarding local customs and traditions are important and we thank the President for that respect. This monument project is important both economically and environmentally for our people. I am a strong supporter of this project and look forward to seeing it move forward,” Salas said.

The Associated Press has reported that the White House will begin a dialogue with the Commonwealth regarding the possibility of establishing the monument. This kicks off the process where the federal government will assess the area for its potential as a marine monument. A forthcoming White House announcement will fulfill the request by the CNMI House and Senate joint resolution asking for more information with the federal government before any action is taken to designate a monument.

Supporters of the plan argue that a marine monument in the northern waters of the CNMI would foster significant benefits to the islands, including protection of the marine life in the monument from illegal fishing, depletion of fisheries from industrial commercial fishing, and protection of the rich diversity of corals.

A recent economic analysis has shown that a monument would bring in at least $10 million annually into the CNMI economy through increased tourism, and government spending; and it would provide 400 local jobs.

Opponents of the plan believe the move encroaches on the self-governing status of the local government, is a violation of the Covenant agreement, and will strip the CNMI of control over the islands.

The White House has proposed other potential areas for marine monuments that CNMI will be competing with. They include the Rose Atoll near American Samoa and the Line Islands in the central Pacific along the equator. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]