UOG launches second season of Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps

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Members of the new season of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps bring perspective and potential from all over Micronesia. With representatives from Palau, Yap, Marshall Islands, Pohnpei and Kosrae all members are current UOG Tritons from the UOG Residence Halls.

UOG Triton Keng-ichi Techur from Palau expressed his dedication to seeing the benefits of his time with the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps on his home island. Techur spoke about the responsibility all Pacific Islanders have for the land and the sea.

The University of Guam (UOG) ushered in the second season of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps (GLINCC) with a launch event at the UOG Residence Halls.

The event brought together community leaders, students, and environmental enthusiasts to look back on the group’s first season accomplishments and look forward to a year of continued environmental stewardship with the all-new roster of members.

The GLINCC is composed completely of UOG students that currently reside at the Residence Halls, showcasing the diversity and dedication of the current crop of Tritons.

“You are a part of something big that will help all of our islands,” explained Austin Shelton Ph.D., Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, which facilitates the Guam Green Growth Initiative. “The intent is for you to gather these training opportunities in the green economy and bring them back home. Become qualified for green jobs and lead the charge for a sustainable future in our island region.”

Gena Rojas Ph.D., the Interim Dean of Enrollment Management & Student Success, welcomed the group to the next stage of their scholastic careers, while imparting words of wisdom.

“We are all from the islands. We have deeply held ties to the land and the sea and when we don’t have that, we are lost,” said Rojas. “I hope that on top of the things you are learning, the planting and the science behind it, in a way, you are connecting back to home and you feel that you have space here, you are valued here and what you bring is valued here.”

Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps Season 2 Members:

Deavonie David (Pohnpei): Accounting
⁠Ashlyn Meriam Asher (Kosrae): Business Administration
Alpagino Roby (Pohnpei): Computer Science
Tristan Ruway (Yap): Civil Engineering
⁠Devante Abne (Marshall Islands): Criminal Justice
⁠Keng-ichi Techur (Palau): Criminal Justice
Katchuo Nena (Kosrae): Computer Science
Terilynn T. Ingais (Palau): Sociology
Ivy Este (Pohnpei): Public Administration
⁠Blaine Melairei (Belau): Accounting

All members of the group expressed their desire to prepare their islands for future generations of sustainability through the program and the lessons they will learn in focus areas including agriculture, aquaculture, circular economy, watershed restoration, natural resource conservation and more.

The Vice Speaker of the 37th Guam Legislature, Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes offered her support to the new cohort and expressed her pride in the newest Guam Green Growth conservation corps program.

“It is a privilege to welcome you as you begin this amazing and honorable journey and to witness the sense of pride you bring to your family, UOG and our islands,” said Barnes. “This is not just a program, it is a testament to our islands’ commitment to a sustainable future, it is a clear beacon of hope inspiring all of us to protect and preserve our beautiful homes.”

For member Ashlyn Meriam Asher the decision to join the group was an easy one, helping her to give back to the land and sea that have given so much to her family.

“I grew up going to the sea with my mom to fish and going to the mountains with my dad to farm. So truly I have seen that God has blessed us with the seas and the land to provide for us,” explained Asher. “What better way to give back than to join this program and learn about the ways I can help [the land and the sea]. It really does connect me to my home.”

The Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps is a year-long program in partnership with the Local2030 Islands Network, University of Hawaii Sea Grant, UOG CIS and Sea Grant and the UOG Residence Halls and is funded by the National Sea Grant Office and the United States State Department.

May 22, 2024December 31, 2024

University of Guam wraps up first cohort of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps

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(From Left to Right) Austin Shelton, PhD, Director of UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant; Don David, Jesley Ferdinand, Johnathan Mitsur, Mc Gee Mereb, Dexter Ilek, Aira Ngalongalo, Alyshia Lehban, Toyolynn Hilton, and Kyle Mandapat, Associate Director for Communications & Community Engagement

Recent graduates of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps pose with their Certificate of Completion at the UOG Residence Halls.

Crops cultivated by the Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps housed at the UOG Residence Halls

Another gardening plot that has been maintained by the outgoing Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps

Members of the first cohort of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps (G3LINCC) recently celebrated the completion of their term at the University of Guam.

The group which consisted of 10 members from islands all around Micronesia was open specifically to students living in the UOG Residence Halls.

Don David, a graduate of the UOG Class of 2024, who will now return home and begin work at the Micronesian Conservation Trust, felt the experience was beneficial for not only members, but for the community they will serve after graduation.

“I will bring all of these lessons home with me when I move back to Pohnpei,” said David. “I am grateful for these experiences. I have learned a lot from this program and I look forward to working with my government to bring these things to Pohnpei.”

Amongst the current cohort, 4 of them turned their tassels at the UOG Commencement ceremony held at the UOG Calvo Fieldhouse to signify the end of this semester and earning their respective degrees.

According to Austin Shelton, the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, this program was done in partnership with other organizations to build capacity through the rest of the region.

“Along with the Local2030 Islands Network and University of Hawaii Sea Grant, we wanted to provide opportunities for workforce development that would benefit communities throughout our region,” said Shelton. “We are proud of this cohort of motivated and inspired islanders doing their part to advance Green Growth in Micronesia.”

The next cohort of the G3LINCC will be accepting applications soon. Follow Guam Green Growth on social media or check out guamgreengrowth.org for more information and updates.

October 31, 2023December 31, 2024

‘Trick or Trees’ sow seeds of sustainability

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Volunteers plant acacia trees at the Cotal Watershed area to prevent erosion and revitalize the surrounding soil.

Guam Green Growth (G3) Project Coordinator Joey Certeza mentoring a G3 Local2030 Dorm Corps member during tree planting event

Members of the Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division, Guam Green Growth Local2030's Corps, and John F. Kennedy High School students spreading out to cover more ground during tree planting event

Two members of G3 Local2030's Dorm Corps spread mulch around the base of a freshly planted acacia tree.

A handful of the over 80 volunteers at the 'Trick or Trees' event in the Tarzan Falls area of Talofo'fo'

Despite rain and various ghouls roaming around the Tarzan Falls area of Talofo’fo’, nothing could spook over 80 volunteers from participating in the Guam Department of Agriculture (DoAg) Trick or Trees event on Saturday October 28. This costumed tree planting affair aimed to help stave off erosion.

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Local2030 Conservation Corps, in support of the DoAg Forestry and Soil Resources Division, arrived early at the Cotal watershed area. They assisted John F. Kennedy High School students in planting approximately 500 acacia trees.

Josh Fanapngag from the G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps worked alongside the other groups, digging holes for tree planting, providing mulch and fertilizer. To his surprise, the effort was completed in just over an hour.” I was really surprised when we finished [in an hour]. I was expecting to be there for about three or four hours.”

Erosion at the Cotal watershed area has been a persistent problem, prompting numerous restoration attempts over the past 40 years. While acacia trees are not native to Guam, their ability to provide nitrogen to the soil makes them crucial for sowing native trees.

Thanks to the sheer volume of volunteers and savvy preparation, the planting of 500 trees concluded in record time, leaving a few hours for the Local2030 Conservation Corps to enjoy the cool waters cascading from atop Tarzan Falls.

Fanapngag, a native of the island of Yap, recalls the experience with a smile, commenting on how the event unfolded.

“[The event went] way better than I expected. It was fun, I got to meet a lot of new people, and it’s good to establish new connections. It was a nice feeling to see what we are protecting, even though I am not from Guam. The island is really beautiful.”

October 28, 2023December 31, 2024

Local2030 Conservation Corps learns environmental justice in summit

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The Guam Green Growth (G3) Local2030 Conservation Corps actively participated in the two-day “Making Waves: For Peace and Climate Justice Summit,” gaining profound insights into environmental justice issues.

The event, held at the Sinajana Community Center, was a collaborative effort between the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance and Our Commonwealth 670. In partnership with the Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School, the summit aimed to unite regional and global leaders in environmental justice movements. Their goal was to address concerns affecting island communities and brainstorm potential solutions.

Jonathan Mitsur, a member of the G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps, attended the summit and found it deeply impactful. One presentation, delivered by Joseph Certeza, G3 Project Coordinator, resonated strongly with Mitsur.

In his presentation, Certeza emphasized the significance of indigenous languages and the urgent need to practice and preserve them for future generations.

Mitsur was moved by the summit. He noted, “I liked the passion. There was a lot of emotion during the event, and it shows that this group can actually grow because there are a lot of people who want to do these things but cannot really express themselves as openly or freely.”

When questioned about his concerns regarding the preservation of language and culture on his home island of Yap, Mitsur expressed alarm after encountering new generations of Yapese individuals with limited language understanding or the inability to speak it at all. “Getting to hear from [Local2030 Corps]—their experiences, struggles, and the things they have had to overcome—brings a lot of concerns to my home island.”

He added, “Growing up, I was taught my own language, customs, and traditions, but as I got older and moved away from home, I noticed that the Western way of living is becoming a barrier, hindering the younger generation from learning.”

In addition to his active participation, Mitsur volunteered as an usher and timekeeper for the event’s first day. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked, “I would say that everything went smoothly. Everyone was working together to keep the event running and on time.”

Regarding his final thoughts on the summit, Mitsur shared, “Never take anything for granted. Even though Yap is still conservative in its culture, you never know what the future holds. The summit itself taught me that if we work together and engage in activities that help preserve and document our culture for the next generation, that would be the best thing to do.”

September 12, 2023December 31, 2024

G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps digs into trash

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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.

September 1, 2023December 31, 2024

UOG Sea Grant launches new conservation corps for regional impact

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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.