Author: Kyle Mandapat

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G3’s biannual meeting highlights progress, emerging opportunities

Kyle Mandapat

The recent Guam Green Growth biannual meeting, held at the Governor’s Complex in December, served as a platform for the different working groups to review progress in 2023 and chart future strategies.

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability facilitates Guam Green Growth, or G3, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.  

During the meeting, G3 working group leads and representatives presented their updates and reports to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who serves as co-chair of the G3 biannual meetings alongside University of Guam President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA.

Highlights from Working Group Presentations:

1. Healthy and Prosperous Communities:

The group reported accomplishments such as the opening of the 3rd G3 community garden in Dededo and the registration of 578 bonafide farmers with the Department of Agriculture. Progress was also noted on initiatives such as the Guam Forest System Plan Economic Impact Statement and the Guam Agriculture Master Plan. Notable opportunities include the ongoing development of the 2050 Guahan Sustainability Plan and substantial federal funding to support local farmers.

2. Educated, Capable, and Compassionate Island:

The group highlighted achievements such as the launch of the UOG Island Wisdom initiative and the groundbreaking of the UOG Student Center, Engineering. They also discussed the Internet for All Guam initiative, aimed at providing digital access to disadvantaged youth, supported by a $156 million grant.

3. Thriving Natural Resources:

The group showcased efforts to preserve Guam’s natural resources. Activities included a successful tree planting event with over 4,400 trees planted in collaboration with various organizations. Additionally, initiatives such as the assessment of Guam’s coral reefs and community engagement on fisheries regulations were discussed. Plans were announced to establish an online repository of articles, journals, and reports related to Guam’s environmental efforts.

4. Sustainable Housing, Utilities, and Transportation:

The group reported the approval of the Guam Tropical Energy Code, which promotes green housing construction. Emerging opportunities include rebate programs for electric motorcycles and provisions for solar energy in government-owned buildings. Possible collaboration with the Mayors’ Council of Guam to provide solar lights for certain facilities was also highlighted. Further opportunities include biodiesel projects and initiatives to utilize closed landfill cells for energy and mitigate contamination rates in waste collection.

5. Sustainable Alliances:

The group reported continued engagement with the United Nations, including efforts to facilitate a visiting mission to Guam. They also reported the launch of Giha Mo’na: A Self-Determination Study for Guahan, along with engagements with community stakeholders for its promotion. Conferences, such as the 2023 Fanhita: Security, Sovereignty, and the Path to Peace, were organized to foster dialogue and collaboration.

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UOG’s Guam Green Growth features sustainable art and fashion at DFS

Kyle Mandapat

In recognition of Sustainable September, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, Guam Green Growth (G3), in partnership with DFS T Galleria, organized an event at the retail chain’s Tumon location, featuring sustainable fashion and art. 

The event took place on Thursday, September 28, as one of three events marking the culmination of Sustainable September. On Friday, a wave will happen from 4:30 to 5:30 in front of DFS T Galleria to wrap upthe month-long celebration, and Saturday morning will feature a tree planting event inInalåhan at the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative Ugum projectsite. 

2030 is on the horizon, signifying the culmination of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, in collaboration with Guam Green Growth and its diverse partners, is actively raising awareness throughout Sustainable September. 

At the event, Marlena Pangelinan, UOG Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, stated, “Guam Green Growth is a partnership between the University of Guam and the Office of the Governor. We have witnessed firsthand the impact of G3’s work on the island, whether it’s educating about food security at the G3 community gardens, developing our workforce with the Conservation Corps, or assisting with typhoon recovery. They work with the people, for the people.” 

The displays at the event prominently highlighted one of the core objectives of the G3 initiative: diverting waste from the landfill. G3 recognizes that, as an island, Guam’s resources are finite, intensifying the need for conservation and sustainable practices 

Austin Shelton, PhD, Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, said, “The exhibit goes beyond environmental aspects of sustainability. It highlights how green growth expands our economy. We need to imagine waste as resources rather than trash to bury in the ground. Through Guam Green Growth, we are developing new circular products and sparking new green industries for the island.” 

Meanwhile, Gina Bamba Artero, DFS T Galleria General Manager recognized the importance of the partnership with Guam Green Growth and UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant. She said, “I’m really honored to take part in this important initiative. Bringing forth an increase in sustainability even in this luxury environment is really critical for us to be able to affect the future generations on this island.” 

Abby Crain, G3 Circular Economy Coordinator and the creative mind behind local brand Blue Latitude, designed the sustainable creations.  

The displays featured designs inspired by the slow fashion movement, which promotes sustainable and ethical production methods and encourages consumers to invest in durable, long-lasting clothing. Crain’s designs used handcrafted garments from vintage fabrics, as well as remnants of vegetable-tanned leather. 

Crain also crafted fashion pieces from food packaging and bubble wrap. She also made a manta ray and surfboard display from marine debris. A separate display showcased a large guasåli with hand-folded butterflies made from 300 aluminum cans.  

“This is my way of illustrating how trash can be beautiful and repurposed as a valuable resource. I also wanted to convey the work we do at the Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub by turning it into tangible products we can sell on Guam,” Crain said.  

Sustainable September brings together a multitude of voices, actions, and commitments to amplify the shared impact of the UN SDGs. The month-long initiative carries a mission to shine a spotlight on sustainability, raise awareness about environmental challenges, and strengthen collaborative efforts dedicated to safeguarding Guam’s biodiversity.

DSC05579 (1)
Abby and Franceska
Austin at DFS
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G3 Makerspace workshop: Crafting new things from discarded plastic 

Kyle Mandapat

With the goal of discovering innovative ways to repurpose waste, the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub organized a plastic fusion workshop this month at CHamoru Village. 

During the workshop, Abby Crain, the coordinator of G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub, demonstrated techniques to transform discarded plastic bags into wallets, purses, and pouches. 

She explained plastic fusion as a process in which plastic sheets are melded together into a pattern using heat. Crain used specific types of plastic bags (#2, #4, or #5) for each project, along with patterns, parchment paper, and a flat iron as a heat source. 

Proper heat application is crucial in plastic fusion, so participants were instructed to follow safety precautions, according to Crain. 

At the beginning of the workshop, Phil Cruz, the sustainability coordinator at UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, helped participants understand the necessity of finding alternative uses for plastic waste. 

Cruz emphasized that plastic waste not only mars the island’s landscape but also contaminates the oceans. Safeguarding the environment is paramount for an island community like Guam, as ocean-bound waste can infiltrate the food chain. 

Plastics degrade into microplastics, which are ingested by fish. When these contaminated fish are consumed by other marine animals and humans, microplastics travel up the food chain, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health alike. 

Moreover, culturally significant and endangered marine animals like the green and hawksbill sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for food since they resemble jellyfish. 

“Not only is it (plastic waste) an eyesore but it also goes into our ocean. As an island community, we must do our utmost to protect our environment,” Cruz said. 

While plastic pollution is a common concern in the community, Guam also faces challenges in proper waste management and recycling due to the global collapse of the plastic recycling industry in 2020. Consequently, shipping plastics off the island is no longer viable, according to Cruz. 

 “Therefore, the island community must find creative solutions,” he added. 

The concept of Zero Waste becomes crucial in this context, involving the reduction of landfill waste by being mindful of consumption and waste generation, according to Cruz. 

  With this in mind, workshops are held at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub to repurpose discarded plastics, shaping them into new and useful items.  

 Additionally, the hub utilizes precious plastic machines to break down specific plastics and mold them into innovative products. 

These initiatives reflect Guam’s commitment to addressing its plastic problem while actively involving the community in sustainable practices. 

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Catalyzing sustainable change: G3 initiatives shine at BSP symposium

Kyle Mandapat

At the 8th Assembly of Planners Symposium organized by the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Kyle Mandapat, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement, delivered a presentation on advancing sustainable development through the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative. 

G3 is a crucial component in advancing the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The G3 movement was conceived when Guam became a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network, a consortium comprising other island nations and jurisdictions. This commonality allows Guam to engage in productive discussions on issues that impact island communities. 

Mandapat mentioned some of the guiding principles that underpin the network’s initiatives, including the establishment of public-private partnerships and concrete action plans.  

“After looking at the SDGs, we assembled a team of amazing partners, over 100 members from the private and public sector, from education to business to community groups and we formed the largest private-public partnership in the history of Guam, all to address a sustainable future,” he said. 

The next significant step was the development of the G3 Action Framework, which outlines the necessary measures for Guam to progress toward sustainability.  

Mandapat emphasized that the concept of sustainability has evolved beyond just addressing climate change. It now encompasses a wide array of components, including poverty alleviation, health and wellbeing, inequality reduction, and education enhancement.  

“We are really trying to look at sustainability from an entire spectrum,” he said, adding that these components are the basis for the action framework.  

Another vital component of this framework is the G3 dashboard, a tool designed to monitor the progress of each action point. 

Mandapat outlined some of the accomplishments in the dashboard. 

Among them is the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative. In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division, GROW has been actively involved in reforestation and watershed restoration projects in environmentally challenged areas. One notable project employs drones to distribute seeds, demonstrating innovative approaches to restoration. 

Under the umbrella of workforce development, Mandapat showcased the G3 Conservation Corps. This program prepares its members for careers in the emerging green economy. The conservation corps engages in various focus areas, including aquaculture, invasive species management, renewable energy, and waste management. 

Mandapat also spotlighted the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub, a vital contributor to transitioning towards a circular economy. Through the resources and workshops available at Makerspace, the community can explore innovative ways to repurpose discarded materials like plastic and wood into new products. “We provide training to teach people, including potential entrepreneurs, with the skills to use these materials and machines,” he emphasized. 

Additionally, Mandapat mentioned other significant programs, such as the UOG Sea Grant’s aquaculture program and initiatives that support traditional island knowledge, including traditional navigation and the Yo’Amte project, which promotes traditional medicine and healing. 

Given the urgency of achieving the 17 UN SDGs, Mandapat stressed the importance of community collaboration in securing a better, more sustainable future for the island.

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UOG and University of Hawai’i Sea Grant partner to expand Green Growth Initiative

Kyle Mandapat

The University of Guam announced the expansion of the Green Growth Initiative across the Western Pacific. A $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of State via the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program will strengthen the partnership between the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and the University ofHawai’iSea Grant College Program. 

 UOG made the announcement on Tuesday, September 12, during the National Sea Grant Association meeting at the Hyatt Regency Guam. This marked the first time that Guam hosted the biannual meeting, bringing together over 70 directors and representatives from nearly all of the 34 Sea Grant programs nationwide. 

The new grant will support efforts to expand the scope of Local2030 Islands Network and UOG’s Guam Green Growth Initiative to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. 

During the press conference, Austin Shelton, Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, emphasized the potential impact of this collaboration, stating, “This seed funding will enable our island neighbors to hire their own Green Growth coordinators. We aspire to collectively strengthen our capacity across Micronesia and the Pacific to advance sustainable development.” 

Shelton further highlighted the value of knowledge exchange with regional partners, saying, “Our island neighbors are at the forefront of sustainability, and this partnership offers an exciting opportunity to expand capacity and knowledge exchange throughout the Pacific.” 

Randall V. Wiegand, Acting President of UOG, acknowledged the transformative potential of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership expands the ways we, as a region, can support each other in advancing the green economy and addressing climate change.” 

Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero, President of the Northern Marianas College and one of the program partners, said the partnerships “are essential to our collective efforts to improve the world.” 

“Our aspirations are as expansive as the Pacific our ancestors traversed, and as profound as the Marianas Trench,” Deleon Guerrero added. 

Darren Lerner, President of the Sea Grant Association and Director of the UH Sea Grant College Program, commended the long-standing partnership between the two universities. He praised UOG for its commitment to excellence, emphasizing the strength derived from the dedication of every program to this shared goal.

Jonathan Pennock, Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, also recognized the impressive growth of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant program in a relatively short period of time. He emphasized its strong connection to the community and praised the program for effectively carrying forward the mission of Sea Grant. 

In 2022, UOG achieved Sea Grant Institutional Status following a unanimous recommendation from the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and official designation from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) senior leadership.

The National Sea Grant College Program is a collaborative effort between universities and NOAA. It is dedicated to enhancing the practical utilization and conservation of coastal and marine resources, with a vision of fostering a sustainable economy and environment. The Sea Grant network comprises more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, public outreach experts, educators, and students.

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G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps digs into trash

Kyle Mandapat

Two weeks after its official launch in September, the Guam Green Growth (G3) Local2030 Conservation Islands Network Conservation Corps (G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps) has already rolled up its sleeves, conducting a waste audit at the residence halls.  

Building on the success of the G3 Conservation Corps initiative, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant introduced the first-ever G3 Local 2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps at the university dorm this month. 

The ten members of the G3 Local 2030 Conservation Corps, representing a diverse group of students from the region, currently reside in the campus residence halls. The waste audit is just one of the capacity-building activities on their agenda. 

A waste audit is typically conducted by a group or organization to assess the types of waste generated in a particular area. The data collected from the audit is then used to address and improve waste practices within the group and inform the development of a comprehensive waste management plan. 

Joseph Certeza, G3 Local2030 coordinator, explained that the goal of the waste audit was to provide an in-depth look at what is being disposed of in the residence halls. “Through this audit, we challenged the team to explore ways to divert waste from landfills to streams, such as through composting, upcycled projects, or recycling initiatives on the island,” Certeza said. 

He emphasized that the waste audit fulfills one of the circular economy goals and encourages the UOG residence halls to adopt a more sustainable approach to waste management.  

“We plan to conduct a couple more audits to obtain a clearer picture. By the end of this semester, our aim is to propose a waste management plan for the UOG residence hall and its residents,” Certeza added. 

He outlined the steps involved in the waste audit process. First, the group has to identify the need and desire to conduct the process. Afterward, they need to consolidate and sort the trash in the dorms into categories, including food waste, recyclables, compostables, and landfill items.  

Then, they weigh all the sorted materials. Data analysis and collection follow, all of which will be used for developing the next steps and evaluating progress 

Certeza stressed, “The waste audit is crucial for us to understand our consumption patterns and challenge ourselves to do better for our island.” 

In tandem with G3 program’s accomplishments, participants in the G3 Local 2030 Conservation Corps are embarking on an immersive journey of instruction and practical training across various sustainability themes. 

These areas of focus include island beautification and circular economy practices.. Additionally, the inaugural cohort will engage in activities supporting civic involvement and leadership development.

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Plastics drive kicks off at G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub

Kyle Mandapat

Every Wednesday from 3pm to 8pm is the dedicated time for people to drop off their
clean #2 and #5 plastic containers at House 114 (formerly the Chocolate Factory).


These plastic donations will become part of the circular economy diverting waste from the landfill that can be recycled into products with Makerspace machines that transform the plastics into new and useful products.


Make a difference and become part of the circular economy.

Reduce, Reuse, and
Recycle!

For more information, please call (671) 683-7715.

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UOG Sea Grant launches new conservation corps for regional impact

Kyle Mandapat

Following three successful seasons of the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant launched the new regional-focused G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps at the UOG Residence Halls on Friday, September 1.  

The G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps is strategically tailored to empower university dorm residents from the broader Micronesia region with the skills and knowledge for the emerging green economy, while addressing pressing environmental concerns. 

The ten new G3 Local 2030 Conservation Corps are Sirena Braiel (Chuuk), Don David (Pohnpei), Joshlynn Eberdong (Palau), Josh Fanapngag (Yap), Jesley Ferdinand (Pohnpei), Toyolynn Hilton (Marshall Islands), Jon Arthur Kihleng (Pohnpei), Mc Gee Mereb (Palau), Jonathan Mitsur (Yap), and Aira May Ngalongalo (Saipan). As part of the first cohort, they will receive a $1300 stipend per semester and 120 continuing education units (CEUs) for their participation in the program. 

For UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, this pioneering initiative represents the next phase of the G3 Conservation Corps. She emphasizes, “As we launch this new program, we’re not just empowering dorm residents – we’re nurturing a network of change-makers who will drive sustainable solutions for our evolving world.”  

During the launch event, Sharleen Santos Bamba, UOG Senior Vice President and Provost, highlighted the importance of efforts like these in raising awareness, consciousness, and fostering a change in mindset. 

 According to UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps plays a vital role in advancing the larger movement toward achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals on Guam and in the region.   

He states, “This initiative builds on our past success, reaffirming our commitment to prepare our region for a future that harmonizes human well-being, economic growth, and environmental health.” Shelton also noted that the program serves as a crucial bridge between education and action.  

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, co-chair of the G3 steering committee, declared, “It is here, at UOG, where we lay the foundation for the Micronesian community. It is here that we encounter the future leaders of Micronesia.” 

The first ten G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps members represent a diverse group of students from Micronesia.  

On the reason for joining the new corps, Aira Ngalongalo, a BS Business Administration student and dorm resident assistant, said, “I am excited to work with my new team. I want change for the CNMI. In the CNMI, we have landfills that cause contamination to the land.” 

Jesley Ferdinand, a BS Civil Engineering student from Pohnpei said, “I want to bring the knowledge back to the island and help sustain it. And since this is my home away from home, I also want to help the island.”  

Parallel to the G3 program’s achievements, participants of the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps are poised to embark on an immersive path of instruction and practical training across a spectrum of sustainability themes. 

These focus areas include agriculture, aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species mitigation, reforestation, circular economy practices, ocean conservation, and harnessing renewable energy. In addition, the inaugural cohort will also participate in activities that support civic engagement and leadership.  

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UOG Celebrates Third G3 Conservation Corps Graduation 

Kyle Mandapat

The Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative at the University of Guam celebrated the graduation of its third conservation corps cohort on Friday, August 11, at the Sinajana Community Arts Hall.  

The innovative workforce development program is designed to prepare the island for the emerging green economy. Launched in collaboration with the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and UOG Global Learning and Engagement in 2021, the G3 Conservation Corps program is a full-time training experience spanning five months each year.   

Participants received instruction on a wide range of sustainability topics, covering areas such as agriculture, aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy, ocean conservation, and renewable energy.  

The latest batch of G3 Conservation Corps members who successfully completed the comprehensive program include Maria Balbin, Jace Blas, Zeriah Blas, Cassie Bordallo, Michael Herbert, Michael Jude Hernandez, Connor Law, Laura Layan, Javier Mercado, Ciara Taijeron, Michael Torres, and Elisa Rose Padilla.  

“We’ve learned a lot here and from all of our partners,” said Balbin, who served as corps crew supervisor. 

Also at the graduation, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez hailed the graduates as conservation corps warriors. “You are a special group of conservation leaders. You represent us as ambassadors to our youth and to members of our community through your experiences…Congratulations! We look forward to seeing you do amazing things.” 

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero also commended the graduates. “The 12 of you are very significant to the conservation of our island. You have gone through an experience that we will probably never go through,” she said.  

Meanwhile, Austin Shelton, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant director, highlighted the unique experience of the third batch of conservation corps. He said the process prepared the corps for the environmental challenges that are occurring in the region and the rest of the world. 

“This season was a little bit different. We had an unexpected typhoon, and we had to do things differently. You got on-the-job training for what is becoming the new reality. Climate change is here, and we are seeing an increasing frequency of storms and rising sea levels,” he said. 

Shelton also mentioned the impactful multiplier effect generated by the G3 Conservation Corps program, especially in partnership development. For example, he said the program facilitated the establishment of the G3 Art Corps and the newly formed G3 Kupu Corps collaboration with Kupu, a Hawai’i’-based youth leadership development program, now providing eight additional year-long corps positions in Guam and CNMI.   

He also underscored G3’s ongoing commitment to expand the movement. He said current efforts of the program attracted new federal funding, enabling the future development of G3 partnerships across Micronesia and the Pacific. 

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