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.

August 14, 2023December 31, 2024

UOG Celebrates Third G3 Conservation Corps Graduation

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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.

August 7, 2023December 31, 2024

Making a difference: G3 Conservation Corps cleans up local school

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The Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps recently lent a helping hand to the island’s Southern community by joining forces with volunteers to clean up M.U. Lujan Elementary School in Yona on Wednesday, August 2. This cleanup marked their final volunteer effort before they graduate from the program later this month.

The team worked together to give the school a fresh makeover. Laura Layan, a member of the G3 Conservation Corps, shared their efforts, “We had a team sorting out things. Another team is also painting and helping the staff at the school,” she said.

Layan is the first G3 Conservation Corps member from Yap. After graduating with a major in tropical science, she wants to give back to the community by applying what she learned from university and from the conservation corps program.

Another corps member, Michael Herbert, highlighted his involvement in preparing the school for the upcoming school year, “Today we are assisting with the opening of the school by helping with debris removal, painting so the school can be ready for inspection.”

Herbert’s dedication to conservation and environmental awareness shone through as he shared his experiences as a corps member, “I’ve learned about farming, aquaculture, and different things, like separating different household goods. I’ve also learned about marketing and the need to bring in more people for the circular economy, the green economy.”

After the program, Herbert wants to go back to school and become a sea turtle biologist. “Because I am very passionate about marine life and turtles,” he said.

Cassie Bordallo, another active corps member, expressed her thoughts on the conservation corps experience, “It’s been amazing. It’s been hard but still amazing to be part of it (G3 Conservation Corps). It opened my eyes to things that I hadn’t thought about before.”

The G3 Conservation Corps, consisting of twelve members, underwent comprehensive training over the past five months. They learned about various sustainability topics, such as agriculture, aquaculture, recycling, and renewable energy. The program equips these young eco-enthusiasts with valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to Guam’s emerging green economy.

July 28, 2023December 31, 2024

G3 Makerspace hosts Lil Sprouts camp with GSC

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The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub hosted students of the Guahan Sustainable Culture Lil Sprouts Academy this month.

The group was welcomed into the lessons by the Hub team and were introduced the concept of the circular economy.

“It is always great to give the children an explanation of what the circular economy is and how important it is when planning for our island’s future,” said Joseph Certeza from the G3 Hub. “They are excited to learn more and how they can help our island be more sustainable.”

The group of over twenty students also took part in various activities including Mawar Tangrams, an Organic Exercise and a full tour of the makerspace.

During the tour the group got up close and personal with the Hub’s wide array of tools and machines that have helped many business owners, students and community members create sustainable products for sale or projects.

The Lil Sprouts Academy is a summer program hosted by the Guahan Sustainable Culture organization headquartered at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna, also the home of the Hub.

July 27, 2023December 31, 2024

Traditional navigation takes center stage with Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

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Master Navigator Larry Riagetel gave the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps a lesson in Island Wisdom and Traditional Navigating this month as a part of the five-month long G3CC Season.

The group learned about care of the traditional boat and proa, a practice that not many people are exposed to these days.

The lesson included familiarization with nautical terms and practices and a speed through of important knots used for wayfaring.

They also learned about canoe culture, the purpose of canoes and the functions of a canoe house.

The group was eager to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice, and with the continued tutelage of Master Larry, the group hopes to hit the water soon.

June 13, 2023December 31, 2024

G3CC Typhoon Mawar cleanup Before and After

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The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps has been hard at work assisting with the cleanup efforts through the island.

This week, the team assisted the Department of Parks and Recreation with some of our island’s parks. Here is a gallery of some of the Before and After shots the team took while out in the field.

The group along with all the hard working members of the community and government were hard at work while the island recovered in the aftermath of the strongest storm Guam has seen in decades.

June 1, 2023December 31, 2024

G3 Conservation Corps assists in campus post-typhoon clean-up

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A day after typhoon Mawar left a trail of destruction all over the island, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) got down to work by helping out with on-campus cleanup at the University of Guam.

All 12 members of the current G3CC cohort collected felled branches, organic matter, and debris that littered the campus grounds. They also cleared portions of the road where cars and pedestrians pass through, opening access to areas within the university.

G3 Conservation Corps member Ciara “CiCi” Taijeron said, “Today, it is sad to see so many trees without leaves on them and all the organic matter is everywhere…I am very relieved that my team and I are safe and everybody on Guam is trying to recover from this unfortunate natural disaster.”

Every Friday, G3 Conservation Corps members usually assist in village beautification activities. With post-typhoon recovery in full swing all over the island, the team recognized the need to refocus their energy and contribute to these ongoing efforts.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Sustainability Coordinator Phil Cruz said, “The G3 Conservation Corps is our workforce development program, where participants are exposed to jobs related to sustainability. We are shifting gears a bit, focusing on beautification of our island in terms of post-typhoon cleanup.”

Cruz added, “Because Guam Green Growth is a community-based organization, it is essential to our G3 Conservation Corps to engage with the community in such a time where we need so much assistance as possible.

According to UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, the G3 Conservation Corps will also contribute to other aspects of the recovery efforts.

“Right now, we are clearing roads in the Mangilao area and the University of Guam campus. We will get moving around the island and help with some of our response activities,” he said.

Shelton also encouraged the community to reach out to the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

“If there is any way that you think we can assist, please feel free to reach out to us. We are looking forward to getting through this together and helping out as much as we can,” he added.

For more information about the G3 Conservation Corps’ post-typhoon recovery activities, follow us on social media @guamgreengrowth

What is G3 and the G3 Conservation Corps?

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 SDGs and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.

The G3 Conservation Corps program prepares the community for the emerging green economy. For the duration of the program, the 12 conservation corps members participate in workforce development training covering various sustainability topics, such as agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy, recycling, to renewable energy.

May 30, 2023December 31, 2024

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant donates fish to Mangilao Mayor’s Office

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As part of recovery efforts post super typhoon Mawar, the University of Guam Sea Grant’s aquaculture program stepped up to help its own community by donating fresh tilapia to the Mangilao Mayor’s Office on Friday, May 26.

UOG Sea Grant harvested the fish stocks from its recirculating aquaculture system adjacent to the UOG Center for Island Sustainability nursery. The system serves as a model for non-profit and community-based organizations who are interested in starting their own backyard aquaculture systems.

UOG Sea Grant also partnered with the UOG Cooperative Extension and Outreach Office, whose team harvested tilapia from their own aquaculture tanks for the community donation.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant director Austin Shelton said that while the aquaculture program was launched to increase food security on island, program efforts are also focused on providing urgent relief for communities affected by a typhoon or any disaster.

“After a super typhoon, this is the time that the island needs food security the most. We are happy to get our tilapia fish out into the community to those who need it most, in this time of need” he said.

After the team harvested and prepared the tilapia, UOG Sea Grant aquaculture specialist Dave Crisostomo said, “This is our way of trying to give back and make sure that we don’t waste what we have and provide some food to the people in the community,” Crisostomo said.

“Food security and resiliency has come out to be the top priority now. So, all of these projects that we are doing for aquaculture and aquaponics are geared towards this goal,” Crisostomo added.

After receiving the donation, Mangilao Vice Mayor Kevin Delgado said “Programs are devised to prepare the people for something greater — to provide food and sustainability — at times when it matters the most, especially, during a storm. And to share the fruits of their labor makes the program very rewarding. We are honored that we are able to avail of the harvest.”

“When we announced it, they (the community) were excited. Not because it was free but because it was something that they could provide for their family,” Delgado added.

UOG Sea Grant started the aquaculture program to accelerate the local aquaculture industry by promoting practices that combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques.

The long-term goal of the program is to contribute to the island’s food security and sustainability. The Office of the Governor and the Governor’s Aquaculture Task Force are strategic partners in achieving this goal.

UOG Sea Grant’s aquaculture program promotes Goal 14 (Life Below Water) of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the ocean and marine resources for development. In addition, sustainable and long-term growth in the aquaculture industry could also contribute to achieving Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) of the UN SDGs.

May 18, 2023December 31, 2024

G3CC Recap – Island Beautification – Mural Prep

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The G3 Conservation Corps had another week packed with diverse activities designed to enhance and protect Guahan’s natural resources.

A highlight for several of the members was assisting the G3 Art Corps with preparation of walls in Dededo, Yona, Malesso, Sinajana for the artists to paint their murals. “We pressure washed and primed the walls so the artists would have a good foundation in place when they start the murals,” said Ciara Taijeron.

“All the activities we took part in this week were equally important and needed,” explained Cassie Bordallo. She also mentioned she finds some of the activities challenging and that she feels blessed to have this opportunity be a part of the Corps.

The best part of the week for Zeraih Blas was working with the Art Corps team preparing walls for the murals and learning the basics of what it takes to paint one. “It will be exciting to see the murals completed and to be able to say we helped set it up,” he said.

Jace Blas really enjoyed working with Kie Susuico and Joey Certeza from the Art Corps at the Sinajana mayor’s office. “Meeting the new artisans and working with them to provide beautiful artwork for the community and the island was the best.”

Michael Herbert found working with Teddy and the GROW team in the Ugum watershed restoration very important. “We see the need to stay consistent with the work there. We have seen the progress and the potential of bringing back native plants,” he enthused.

Connor Law really appreciated the kindness and support from the community when they were in Sinajana with the Art Corps. “We get a chance to meet a whole range of people working with G3; political leaders, artists, conservationists, people who care about the environment, and people who want to learn more about what we are doing,” Law said.

This week’s amazing opportunity for Michael Torres was cleaning the area of an ancient latte site. “It wasn’t something the Corps usually does, but we enjoyed it very much. The haligi and the tasa were huge. We visited three or four sets of latte houses. It was an awesome experience to have with the Corps. We would love to experience more things like that around the cultural aspects of sustainability and conservation,” he said.

The epic moment for Laura Layan was when she created a firebreak by clearing vegetation to reduce the spread of wildfires in the Ugum watershed for the GROW team.

Ken Manibusan, who handles maintenance for the Ordot-Chalan Pago Mayor’s Office, assisted the G3 Conservation Corps with the village cleanup on Friday. He said, “This is my first time to experience doing a cleanup with these guys. Honestly, I am proud that they are helping Guam stay clean and I am happy to assist them.”