Two initiatives seek to preserve, protect Laolao Bay

  Two grassroots initiatives dedicated to preserving and protecting Laolao Bay-considered a “community treasure” for its lush greens, abundant marine ecosystem, and historic value-were launched yesterday, paving the way for future generations to have the opportunity to enjoy one of Saipan’s most important environmental and cultural sites.

The “Our Laolao Litter-Free On Land & Sea” campaign and the Tasi Watch outreach program took off at the local non-profit group Mariana Islands Nature Alliance’s hut in Laolao Bay, with the support of government officials, natural resources agency staffers, students, fishermen, and other community members.

Our Laolao campaign aims to highlight stories from stakeholders or “champions” who talk about the significance of Laolao Bay in their lives and in doing so, drum up support in making the bay litter-free. These stories are featured in the campaign website, during local events, or through local media.

The campaign is a collaborative effort between the Division of Environmental Quality, Coastal Resources Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, MINA, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and the international non-profit organization SeaWeb.

MINA’s Tasi Watch outreach program seeks to have the users of Laolao Bay become the “Eyes of the Sea” by becoming volunteers who will receive training to assist and enforce local and federal laws that protect coastal areas, and help ensure that resources in the bay are maintained for future generations.

“This campaign reinforces the authority of regulating agencies in positive ways that help the community to become better environmental stewards of the bay,” said MINA executive director Sam Sablan, adding that the program also strives to reduce dependency on government services for natural resources management and conservation.

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, who led the launching of the two initiatives, said that he is “tremendously pleased” that programs engaging community involvement are taking place besides physical improvements at Laolao Bay.

Inos said both initiatives “are prime examples of efforts to inspire and empower community members to actively participate in conservation efforts and demonstrate the difference we can make when a community comes together for a good cause.”

Taunya DeBoer, adviser for Saipan Southern High School’s Youth Environmental Ambassadors, said they support the initiatives because “it aligns well with our mission statement.”

“Everything that they’re trying to do to make Laolao litter-free is exactly what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to do it at several different areas,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Gene Weaver, president of the Saipan Fishermen’s Association president, said that the two initiatives are “a step in the right direction.” Not only would it help protect the resources, it would also improve the island’s main industry which is tourism.

“It takes the community to come together to conserve,” said Weaver, who brought his children Tori, 7, and Garrett, 6. “We all have to do what we can to protect our own resources. If we don’t do anything, there is not going to be anything left soon.”

For information about Our Laolao campaign, visit their website at www.ourlaolao.com or their Facebook page. Contact the campaign team through Jihan Buniag at 664-8522 or at jihanbuniag@gmail.com. For Tasi Watch, contact Shin Perez at 233-7333 or at minaoutreach@gmail.com.