UOG introduces 5th G3 Conservation Corps

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UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, speaks at the launch of the 5th cohort of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps. According to Shelton, the enhanced program resulted from the university's and its partners' commitment to workforce development, particularly through the G3 Conservation Corps program."

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez addresses the 5th cohort of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps. She called the new cohort, “the future leaders of Guam’s environmental movement."

The University of Guam (UOG) has announced 12 new participants for the Guam Green Growth (G3) Kupu Conservation Corps, marking its expansion into a six-month program that offers enhanced training and benefits.

The new cohort was introduced by the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant on Monday, March 31, at the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Building.

Over the next six months, the new G3 Kupu Conservation Corps members will receive comprehensive training and hands-on experience in various sustainability areas connected to Guam’s green economy. These areas include agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy practices, recycling, and renewable energy.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, called the new cohort, “the future leaders of Guam’s environmental movement.”

“You will gain valuable knowledge, background, and experiences that will ultimately be passed forward and appreciated through this movement for a more sustainable island,” Enriquez added.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, who co-chairs the G3 initiative with Enriquez, also emphasized the importance of having a new cohort participate in the program. “We need people who are very conscious minded of conservation, of sustainability. Because that’s how we can continue our quality of life that we so much deserve.”

Here are the new members of the G3 Kupu Conservation Corps:

1. 1. Christian Arriola
  2. Curtis-Robert Bukikosa
  3. Joshua Cepeda
  4. Marrae Cruz
  5. Audree Justine Amuan James-Perez
  6. Mi’yah Max
  7. Eyana Pereda
  8. Matthew Pangelinan
  9. Nicolas Quinata
  10. John Reynold
  11. John Rushworth
  12. Gideon Tyquiengco

Reflecting on his decision to join the conservation corps, Bukikosa said, “I want to take care of the island and make sure that the resources we have last for the future.”

Meanwhile, Max saw the program announcement as an opportunity to contribute more to the island. Reynold, originally from the Federated States of Micronesia and a Guam resident for 14 years, emphasized that “giving back to the community is important.”

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, said that the enhanced program came to be because of the investments made by the university and its partners into workforce development, in particular, into the G3 Conservation Corps program.

“This is something that has grown in the past few years,” Shelton said.

According to Shelton, the integration of the G3 Conservation Corps with the G3 Kupu Corps for this cycle offers significant advantages. In addition to expanded training, the program now includes an extra month of salary and healthcare benefits for the participants.

Beyond the program’s benefits, Shelton also emphasized its core impact on building a sustainability mindset, which is foundational for the transition to a green economy. “Your role is really important because this is a workforce development program that supports the road toward a green economy,” he said, addressing the new cohort.

Upon completion, participants will receive a stipend and the opportunity to earn up to 80 continuing education units (CEUs) from UOG Global Learning and Engagement. They will also engage with a diverse range of environmental organizations and initiatives across Guam and the broader Micronesia region. The first G3 Conservation Corps program  was launched in 2021.

What is G3?  
The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant facilitates the  Guam Green Growth, or G3 initiative, 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. 

Guam NSF EPSCoR is the catalyst for G3. One of its programs is the G3 Conservation Corps, a workforce development initiative that creates opportunities in the green economy.

April 24, 2025May 23, 2025

UOG opens applications for summer math programs

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The Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer Math programs are open for applications. The Summer Math Research Assistant and Summer Math Research Experience is open for students from Sophomore, Junior, Senior and Graduate levels.

The University of Guam (UOG) has exciting summer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students passionate about mathematics through two distinct programs supported by the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam NSF EPSCoR). Applications are now being accepted for both the Summer Math Research Assistant and the Summer Math Research Experience programs.

These programs offer a unique chance for motivated students to engage in cutting-edge mathematical research under the guidance of UOG faculty. Participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and contribute to ongoing research projects with real-world applications.

Summer Math Research Assistant Program:
This program is open for college sophomores and juniors looking to immerse themselves deeply in a specific research area. Summer Math Research Assistants (SMRA) will work closely with a faculty mentor on an existing research project, contributing to data collection, analysis, modeling, and potentially even manuscript preparation. This intensive experience provides a strong foundation for future graduate studies or careers in STEM fields.

“This is an incredible opportunity for undergraduates to get their feet wet in the world of mathematical research,” said Leslie Aquino PhD, a mathematics professor at UOG and a faculty member for the Guam NSF EPSCoR program. “Students will not only learn advanced mathematical concepts but also develop the crucial skills of collaboration, communication, and independent inquiry.”

Summer Math Research Experience Program:
The Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) offers a broader introduction to mathematical research. College seniors and graduates will work in small groups on focused research questions, exploring different areas of mathematics and their applications. This program emphasizes collaborative learning and provides a supportive environment for students to develop their research interests.

According to Guam NSF EPSCoR project associate Franki Guerrero, participants will receive various benefits including a stipend.

“The Summer Math Research Program is more than just an academic experience, it’s a chance to explore STEM in action, and build lasting mentorships,” explained Guerrero. “In addition, SMRE students receive a $4,800 stipend, and SMRAs earn $ 5,400 for the 8 weeks they will be in the program, making it both educational and financially supportive.”

Interested students are encouraged to visit the Guam NSF EPSCoR website at guamepscor.uog.edu for information about each program. Applications are being accepted until May 9, 2025.

April 17, 2025April 21, 2025

Marshall Islands joins Green Growth movement, commits to 100% renewable energy at UOG sustainability conference

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Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, PhD, signs the Blue Planet Climate Agreement, committing the Marshall Islands’ transition to full renewable energy by 2045. Present at the signing are Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, Blue Planet Alliance Executive Director Francois Rogers, UOG Center for Island Sustainability Director Austin Shelton, PhD, and UOG CIS&SG Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat. The event also coincided with the signing of the Marshall Islands as the newest member of the Green Growth movement on April 9, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, Guam.

Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, PhD, speaks at the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability. At the conference, the Marshall Islands became the newest member of the Green Growth movement and also signed a commitment to achieving full renewable energy by 2045 with Blue Planet Alliance.

The University of Guam facilitated a historic moment for green economic growth and sustainable development when the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) embraced the Green Growth movement and committed to full renewable energy during the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

On Friday, April 11, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, PhD, who served as the keynote speaker at the conference, signed the Blue Planet Climate Agreement, officially pledging the Marshall Islands’ commitment to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2045.

This agreement, established in partnership with the Blue Planet Alliance, reinforces the nation’s critical role in climate action and builds upon its 2018 adoption of the 2050 Climate Strategy, which aims for net-zero emissions through renewable energy.

“This alliance today is helping us to move forward to meet that goal. So it’s really supportive of that commitment that we made back in 2017,” said Heine.

The Marshall Islands now joins a network of other island nations, territories, and states—such as Guam, CNMI, Hawaii, Tonga, and Tuvalu—who have committed to the Blue Planet Climate Agreement. This growing global effort is a demonstration of resilience and collaboration among island communities to overcome their shared energy challenges.

Francois Rogers, executive director of Blue Planet Alliance, emphasized the importance of this collective agreement, highlighting its role in fostering cooperation among island nations.

Alongside the signing of the Blue Planet Climate Agreement, Heine also officially joined the Green Growth movement at the conference. Witnesses in the signing included Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, who are the co-chairs of the Guam Green Growth or G3 initiative.

On the important role of the Green Growth movement in strategically implementing measures addressing global sustainable development goals, Celeste Connors, co-chair of the Secretariat for Local2030 Islands Network said, “This is what we’re signing today. It’s recommitting to these green growth principles, island values, and really measuring what matters to our community, building on our political leadership, and implementation and concrete action.”

The Local2030 Islands Network facilitates the Green Growth movement across the Pacific region.

The 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability also hosted the first Green Growth Summit, where Borja Enriquez said the Green Growth movement is for the future of the island, “Who are we doing this for? We are doing this for our manhoben, for our youth, for generations to come.,” she said.

At the start of the conference, Borja Enriquez emphasized the university’s part in the movement, “Our conference theme underscores the urgency and proactive approach that we are taking to secure a sustainable future for our island and the broader Pacific region. And the University of Guam plays a vital role in generating knowledge and developing practical solutions for island sustainability,” she said.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, said the expansion of the Green Growth on Guam and across the region indicates an increasing acceptance of the importance of sustainable development. “Sustainability used to be a fringe idea, now it is the centerpiece of global accords — thanks to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. And Guam has found its place as a leader in that movement,” he said.

In 2023, UOG announced its expansion of the G3 Initiative across the Western Pacific, following a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of State through the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program. This grant supports the expansion of the Local2030 Islands Network and the Green Growth Initiative to the RMI, CNMI, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

April 9, 2025April 21, 2025

G3 regional partner CNMI Green Growth reports food security initiatives at CIS2025

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Patricia Coleman, co-chair of the CNMI Green Growth working group, presents at the first Green Growth Summit, sharing initiatives in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry to boost food security during the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

Leveraging regional partnerships with the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative along with local knowledge and innovation, the CNMI Green Growth—one of the latest members of the expanding Green Growth movement across Micronesia—has outlined its accomplishments at the first Green Growth Summit, including initiatives to promote regenerative agriculture and agroforestry to enhance food security.

The 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability hosted the Green Growth Summit. G3 assisted the CNMI in launching its own Green Growth initiative after receiving support from the US Department of State through the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program in 2023 to expand the movement.

“Like many of our islands, we import 85 to 95 percent of the food consumed in the Marianas. Just a few decades ago, everyone here knew how to grow, raise, and harvest food locally,” said Patricia Coleman, co-chair of the CNMI Green Growth working group at the G3 Summit.

According to Coleman, the number of farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture and agroforestry practices is steadily increasing.

Regenerative agriculture and agroforestry focus on strategies that aim to restore and enhance the health and resilience of ecosystems, including soil, water, and plant life.

So far, Coleman said CNMI Green Growth has partnered with various organizations to revive the Luta Agricultural Fair after a six-year hiatus and establish Mama Food Forest Life, encouraging future generations to grow their food regeneratively.

Illustrating how movements can influence policy creation, Coleman noted that the Mariana Islands Legislature Association, with support from the Guam and CNMI legislatures, passed a resolution to reclaim the CNMI’s food system and promote the practices of regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.

Other initiatives by the CNMI Green Growth include a commitment to achieving 40 percent renewable energy in the CNMI by 2030, according to Coleman.

When the CNMI Green Growth Initiative launched in January 2024 in Saipan, key figures in the G3 initiative praised the move, considering it a strategic step toward sustainable development in the Micronesian region.

CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios and Northern Marianas College (NMC) President Galvin Deleon Guerrero co-chair the CNMI Green Growth initiative. Similar to its G3 counterpart, CNMI Green Growth has established a Working Group to develop a CNMI Green Growth Action Strategy.

April 9, 2025April 21, 2025

First Green Growth Summit at CIS2025 celebrates Guam’s role in expanding movement across Micronesia

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Austin Shelton, PhD, director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, discusses the beginnings of the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative at the first Green Growth Summit during the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

At the first Green Growth Summit, Austin Shelton, PhD, director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, talked about how the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative began.

What started as a local sustainability effort has now grown into an expanding regional movement, according to Shelton, who spoke at the Summit on the third day of the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025).

Shelton noted that G3 started when Guam was invited to join as a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network in 2019 after forming a partnership with Hawai’i Green Growth and its CEO, Celeste Connors.

At that time, Shelton was still working to establish support for G3 on the island and heard from Connors about the launching of the Local2030 Islands Network at the 74th UN General Assembly.

In a determined push he rallied Guam’s leadership, even personally intercepting Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, who later became the G3 steering committee co-chair, as he was leaving his house to speak at a government event to present the idea of becoming a founding member.

“Guam can be a leader in this. We have an opportunity to be founding members of this network. And he (Tenorio) said, OK,” Shelton said.

Two weeks later, Tenorio was on board a plane for New York, where he would represent Guam at the Local2030 Islands Network and commit to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Soon after, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order 2019-23, which established G3 and appointed representatives from government, academia, the private sector, and civil society.

UOG was designated as the lead facilitator to ensure that the effort transcends political transitions—this strategy is modeled after the long-standing Micronesia Challenge, which has endured changes in leadership across the region, according to Shelton.

With the support of the Governor and UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, G3 expanded and became the largest public-private partnership in Guam, inspiring change throughout Micronesia and fostering new green growth movements among neighboring islands.

“They really bring this all together and elevate Guam Green Growth and the movement for our sustainable future here on our island, and we’re getting attention worldwide because of their efforts and the efforts of the Guam Green Growth Working Group,” Shelton said.

Last year, with support from the US Department of State through the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program, G3 has assisted Palau and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in starting their own initiatives, while also backing new coordinators in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, as reported by Shelton.

At the closing of CIS2025, the Marshall Islands formally joined the Green Growth movement.

Today, Shelton said the G3 initiative is anchored by a public dashboard that tracks progress not only in environmental areas such as tree planting and renewable energy, but also in health, education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

April 9, 2025April 21, 2025

Initial results of valuation study show G3’s socio-economic potential

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Christian Valencia, an economist working on a valuation study of the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative, shares his initial findings at the Green Growth Summit at the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability. According to Valencia, every dollar invested in the G3 Conservation Corps returns over three times its value to Guam.

For every dollar invested in the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps at the University of Guam, the island receives more than three times that amount in economic and social value, according to the partial results of an economic valuation of the G3 initiative.

Christian Valencia, an economist, revealed a snapshot of the ongoing study during the 3rd day of the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

According to Valencia, the study aims to answer a crucial question: How does the G3 initiative — starting with the G3 Conservation Corps — impact the island economically, and how can this information guide future decisions?

With $1.5 million in legislative funding and a $500,000 local match from 2022 to 2024, G3 is estimated to generate an annualized benefit of $1.7 million, according to Valencia. Around $521,461 of the local investment was appropriated for the G3 Conservation Corps program.

“This results in a return on investment (ROI) of 3.42, meaning for every dollar invested in the G3 Conservation Corps, Guam receives more than three times that amount in economic and social value,” Valencia said.

Valencia provided samples of some of the activities evaluated in the study.

An example involves the removal of invasive algae by the G3 Conservation Corps from Guam’s coral reefs, in collaboration with NOAA, the Marine Lab, and the National Park Service. The estimated economic benefit of this effort is $1.7 million per year, based on reef-related economic values associated with diving and snorkeling activities.

Tree planting efforts under the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) have also produced significant results. To date, over 5,400 trees have been planted, contributing to carbon sequestration, improved air quality, and stormwater mitigation. These activities have an estimated long-term benefit of $235,000 over the next 20 years, according to Valencia.

“Just putting everything in perspective, these are preliminary estimates, and of course, our work continues, but it’s already clear, G3 is leveraging these local investments to achieve more value for our island community,” he added.

Valencia highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional economic indicators, such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which he said often fails to capture the full value of sustainability efforts.

“GDP only measures market output, but it does not account for the non-market benefits of environmental conservation, social equity, and public health,” he said. “Our goal is to put a number to the value of these initiatives and show how they contribute to the broader well-being of the island community.”

As the project continues, Valencia will refine their models to quantify the impacts of G3’s work further, helping policymakers and the public understand the actual value of investing in a sustainable future for Guam.

The Pacific Research on Island Solutions for Adaptation (Pacific RISA), based at the East-West Center and Arizona State University, supports the economic evaluation study.

April 7, 2025April 23, 2025

UOG Sustainability Conference townhall explores ocean and wave energy for the island

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Bastian Bentlage, PhD, UOG associate professor of bioinformatics, speaks at a town hall on using ocean energy systems as a renewable energy option. The town hall was one of the sessions at the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

Andrea Copping, PhD, project manager and principal investigator at PNNL’s Energy and Environmental Directorate, presents the different ocean energy systems at a town hall during the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant held a townhall at the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability to gather stakeholder input on using ocean energy systems for renewable energy and exploring benefits for local industries, especially aquaculture.

Community members representing the academe, private sector, and public sector attended the meeting, which included presentations by experts from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) on ocean and wave energy systems and their various applications.

At the start of the meeting, Bastian Bentlage, PhD, UOG associate professor of bioinformatics, mentioned that the collaboration with PNNL began with a project exploring the feasibility of using ocean energy to power a proposed Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center.

Bentlage is the project co-principal investigator. With PNNL and SANDIA National Laboratories, the project team explored technologies like ocean thermal electric conversion (OTEC) and wave-energy converter (WEC) systems.

“One of the biggest costs in aquaculture is energy,” Bentlage explained, underlining the urgency for renewable energy solutions. He noted that alternatives like wind and solar are being explored, but ocean energy offers significant potential through systems such as OTEC and WEC.

Andrea Copping, PhD, project manager/principal investigator at PNNL’s Energy and Environmental Directorate, started with a presentation on OTEC, a technology that generates electricity by tapping into the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water.

Copping said a temperature variance of around 20 degrees Celsius is essential, a condition that Guam’s waters easily meet. She reassured attendees that implementing OTEC would not involve drilling through coral reefs, employing other techniques instead.

Copping also introduced seawater air-conditioning (SWAC), which uses cold seawater to cool buildings and facilities. “This is the one I think is really pertinent right now, right here for Guam,” she said, noting that air conditioning costs significantly contribute to the island’s current electrical load and that SWAC could offer a sustainable cooling solution.

Wave energy was another focal point of Copping’s talk, highlighting Guam’s favorable wave conditions. She noted that while wave energy technology is still in development, it holds potential for small-scale applications, particularly in supporting aquaculture.

Throughout her talk, Copping underscored the environmental considerations inherent in these technologies. “We have to be very careful protecting the marine environment,” she said, addressing community concerns about potential impacts on local ecosystems.

Other community questions raised in the meeting include the resilience of OTEC systems to typhoons. According to the presenters, designs are being developed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Submerged systems use deep pipes to reduce storm-related risks, while land-based facilities could be structured like traditional buildings to enhance stability.

Questions about the size and design of wave energy converters were also discussed, with economic factors playing a crucial role in determining their placement and anchoring strategies. The feasibility of placing OTEC systems close to shore was also discussed. The presenters said that, while possible, positioning systems beyond the surf zone is preferable to prevent damage from wave action.

Charles Gunzel, a program manager at PNNL’s Energy and Environmental Directorate also highlighted the importance of understanding economic and regulatory challenges in deploying wave energy technology. He said navigating coastal management policies will be essential for successful implementation.

Participants also shared ideas about the innovative uses of OTEC, such as sustainable agriculture solutions like cooled greenhouses in Guam, which could potentially support local food production.

April 7, 2025April 30, 2025

CIS2025 MONDAY: Collaborative, innovative solutions at Conference on Island Sustainability

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University of Guam leaders and partners discuss the shift towards a solution-oriented theme focused on multi-sector collaboration and innovation during a press conference on April 7 for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. This year’s conference, themed 'Solutions for Our Future,' will be held from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Austin Shelton, PhD, director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, highlights a shift in focus at this year's conference, moving from understanding sustainability challenges to actively seeking solutions for our future. The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant held a press conference on April 7 for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. This year’s conference, themed 'Solutions for Our Future,' will be held from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, emphasizes the university's commitment to generating knowledge and creating practical solutions for island sustainability. The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant held a press conference on April 7 for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. This year’s conference, themed 'Solutions for Our Future,' will be held from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Over 90 speakers from around the globe will gather this week for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability to explore practical solutions to sustainability challenges.

During a press conference on Monday, April 7, at the Hyatt Regency Guam, university leaders and partners discussed the shift towards a solution-oriented theme that emphasizes multi-sector collaboration and innovation.

This year’s conference, themed “Solutions for Our Future,” will take place from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, highlighted the university’s role in generating knowledge and developing practical solutions for island sustainability.

She said, “We are a hub for research, education, and innovation. This conference will showcase our capabilities, and we aim to facilitate collaborations that lead to projects and policy recommendations that can be implemented across the region.”

She stressed the urgency of taking a proactive approach to secure a sustainable future for both the island and the wider Pacific region.

For Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, who co-chairs the conference with Borja Enriquez, this year’s conference presents an opportunity for consolidating past conference discussions.

“Sixteen years is a great advancement in what we are doing today. We’ll talk about solutions: how do we drive abstract ideas, academic ideas, and research into solutions? We need to think what that method should be,” said Leon Guerrero.

Austin Shelton, PhD, director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, pointed out that in past years, the focus has largely been on understanding the science behind sustainability challenges. However, this year, the university is fast-forwarding to focus on solutions for our future.

Shelton noted that featured speakers this year include incubators addressing business solutions to current challenges faced by islands, such as seeking funding support beyond grants and government assistance. There will also be discussions on leveraging indigenous solutions and creating tech industries tailored for the islands.

“As we’ve discussed in previous conferences, sustainability encompasses everything. It’s interdisciplinary, connecting aspects of human society, the economy, and the environment. There’s an intersection where everyone has a role to play, including our business communities,” Shelton added.

For Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, who co-chairs the G3 Steering Committee with Shelton, some of the best innovations are happening in the small islands. “This is the baseline for us to figure out how we can empower ourselves, learn from others and really chart a course for, not just reviving, but thriving,” he said.

Building on the theme of collaboration, Maria Eugenia Leon Guerrero, chairperson of the Island Sustainability Community Advisory Board, remarked, “I think we can all agree that collaboration between government, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and academia is essential to create practical and impactful solutions to our sustainability challenges.”

In line with the conference theme, presentations, workshops, and discussions will cover topics aligned with the Guam Green Growth’s five categories of action for sustainability on islands:

Healthy and Prosperous Communities
·Educated, Capable, and Compassionate Islands
·Sustainable Homes, Utilities, and Transportation
·Thriving Natural Resources
·Sustainable Alliances

The UOG Conference on Island Sustainability is an annual event that brings together island leaders, scientists, policymakers, and community members to discuss and collaborate on solutions to the unique sustainability challenges facing island communities.

The first day of CIS2025 included pre-conference events including the Guam Power Authority’s POWER Symposium, the Guam NASA EPSCoR Research Summit and an Educator’s

March 28, 2025March 31, 2025

University of Guam opens CHalan Deskubre Hub, bringing place-based science to youth

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Elementary school student Naomi Grapa is in awe while learning about the animals of Guam and looking at preserved specimen at the launch of the Chalan Deskubre Hub at the University of Guam. Grapa also contributed a drawing of a Sihek for display. The Hub is open to the public via reservations and can host students, small groups and individual visitors.

UOG students are inspired while looking at the Guam star map exhibit at the CHalan Deskubre Hub. The map was developed based of the lessons of Master Navigator Larry Reigetal who teaches traditional navigation. The Hub is located on the second floor of the post office building at Dean Circle at UOG and is open for tours via reservations.

The Communications and Community Engagement team at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant created the hub exhibits with the contributions and support of the researchers of the UOG CIS and Sea Grant, UOG Marine Laboratory, Guam NSF EPSCoR and more.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG) officially launched the CHalan Deskubre Hub, an interactive science learning center designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in Guam’s youth. The hub, located at Dean Circle, above the post office at the UOG campus, brings the colorful and engaging pages of the popular place-based children’s magazine, CHalan Deskubre, to life.

The grand opening was met with enthusiasm from community members eager to explore the hub’s exhibits. The CHalan Deskubre Hub aims to provide a hands-on, immersive learning experience, inspired by place-based material with the natural wonders and environmental challenges specific to Guam.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero at the opening said that we needed new and innovative ideas to bring education to the students of today. She acknowledged the UOG CIS & SG for finding methods that continue to attract new participants and for thinking outside the box.

“This hub is more than just a science center; it’s a gateway to understanding our island’s unique ecosystem,” said UOG CIS & SG Director Austin Shelton Ph.D. “We wanted to create a space where children can explore, discover, and connect with the science that surrounds them every day.”

The hub features a variety of interactive exhibits designed to engage young learners. Visitors can explore displays highlighting Guam’s diverse native and local plants, learn about the life cycle and conservation of sea turtles, and delve into the intricate world of coral reefs. Interactive displays illustrate the importance of healthy watersheds and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental and human well-being.

One of the most popular features of the hub is the microscope station, where children can examine specimens up close and discover the microscopic world around them. This hands-on experience allows them to witness the intricate details of nature and encourages a deeper understanding of scientific observation.

“CHalan Deskubre has always been about making science accessible and engaging for our children,” explained UOG CIS & SG Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat. “This hub takes that mission to the next level, providing a dynamic space for learning and discovery complete with awesome visuals from our science communications team and amazing research from our partners at the UOG Marine Laboratory, Guam NSF EPSCoR and here at the UOG CIS & SG including our GROW, Natural Resources, Fisheries and Turtle teams.”

The CHalan Deskubre Hub is open to school groups and the general public on a reservation basis, offering guided tours and educational programs designed to complement classroom learning. UOG hopes the hub will serve as a valuable resource for educators and families, inspiring the next generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and community leaders.

The University of Guam invites everyone to visit the CHalan Deskubre Hub and embark on a journey of scientific discovery, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique natural heritage of Guam.

To schedule a tour, email Gabby Topasna, outreach coordinator, at topasnag15513@triton.uog.edu today.

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025

PI-CASC to host student research symposium at 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability

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Students, staff, and directors of the 2022 PI-CASC Graduate Student Research Symposium are pictured on the beachside of Hyatt Regency Guam. The symposium will return to Guam on April 8 for the 2025 University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. Photo courtesy of the University of Guam

Flyer for the 2025 PI-CASC Graduate Student Research Symposium

The Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) is thrilled to once again host the Graduate Student Research Symposium in Guam on Tuesday, April 8. The symposium is a preconference event of the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.

Graduate students from UOG, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will share progress on their PI-CASC supported research projects across a range of topics, including coral reef management, invasive species, native bird populations, and remote sensing technologies to aid natural resource management. These projects identify environmental needs and issues within Pacific Islands communities through the lens of climate adaptation and sustainability.

“This symposium is an opportunity to exchange locally relevant research to our islands’ unique environmental issues, from wildfire damage to coastal inundation to species conservation. We are excited to showcase the different PI-CASC student fellowship programs across the Pacific, and we encourage everyone to come by, listen, and provide feedback to help our students fine-tune their research,” said Dr. Ryan Longman, PI-CASC University Consortium program director.

The symposium is free and open to the public for in-person or online attendance. Lunch will be provided to in-person attendees at noon, limited to the first 60 registrants. Register at bit.ly/SymposiumCIS25 to reserve a seat or to receive a link to the event livestream. For updates on this event, please visit picasc.org or check our Facebook and Instagram pages under the “@pacificcasc” handle.

The 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability is an annual gathering for researchers, policymakers, and community members dedicated to building a more sustainable future for island communities. It will be held from April 7 to 12 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. For more information and to register for the conference, visit uog.edu/cis2025.

Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) is a collaborative partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and a university consortium hosted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and the University of Guam, designed to support sustainability and climate adaptation in communities across the Pacific Islands. Our organization’s focus is to develop science, knowledge products, and opportunities like the PI-CASC Student Research Symposium to meet the needs of island communities in Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands.