Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps assists with sea turtle monitoring program

Update

Members of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps recently spent a week with the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Sea Turtle Monitoring Program to learn about sea turtle monitoring and conservation. This photo was taken in connection with research authorized under the ESA Recovery Permit ES42195A-3 and funded by the Department of Navy on behalf of Joint Region Marianas (Sea turtle monitoring, protection, and educational outreach on AAFB; cooperative agreement #N40192-23-2-8000).

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps is a six month workforce development program supported by Kupu in Hawai’i. During the program, members are trained and hosted by agencies and programs with the intent to develop skills that can help them thrive in the emerging green economy. This photo was taken in connection with research authorized under the ESA Recovery Permit ES42195A-3 and funded by the Department of Navy on behalf of Joint Region Marianas (Sea turtle monitoring, protection, and educational outreach on AAFB; cooperative agreement #N40192-23-2-8000).

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps spent a week in the field immersed in vital conservation work alongside the University of Guam (UOG) Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant’s dedicated Sea Turtle Monitoring team. Corps members received invaluable hands-on training and education focused on the preservation of Guam’s native sea turtle populations and their crucial nesting habitats.

Throughout the week, the G3 Conservation Corps actively participated in various aspects of the sea turtle monitoring program. This included spotting turtle tracks, marking nests, conducting nest inventories, and learning how the project protects endangered green turtles.

In addition to nesting surveys, G3CC also cleared survey trails and removed marine debris from nesting beaches, aiding in long-term monitoring efforts and the safety of both nesting turtles and hatchlings.

“This partnership with the G3 Conservation Corps is incredibly valuable,” said Addie Ferguson, biologist for the Sea Turtle Monitoring Project. “Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn, coupled with the manpower they provide, significantly boosts our conservation efforts. It’s inspiring to see young individuals so dedicated to protecting Guam’s haggan.”

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of community involvement in safeguarding Guam’s unique biodiversity.

By providing hands-on training and fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, the partnership between the G3 Conservation Corps and the UOG Sea Grant program is cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards dedicated to the long-term health of Guam’s natural environment.

The data collected during this week will contribute to the ongoing efforts to monitor and protect Guam’s precious sea turtle populations for years to come.

This work was done in connection with research authorized under the ESA Recovery Permit ES42195A-3 and funded by the Department of Navy on behalf of Joint Region Marianas (Sea turtle monitoring, protection, and educational outreach on AAFB; cooperative agreement #N40192-23-2-8000).

June 11, 2025June 12, 2025

UOG announces recruitment for first-ever Guam Green Growth GROW Corps

Update

Laura Layan of the Guam Restoration of Watershed (GROW) Initiative with the UOG CIS & Sea Grant prepares the planting site for a tree planting event. Members of the G3 GROW Corps will be working with the GROW team to help further prevent erosion and protect the Ugum Watershed. The program is currently recruiting for 6 members.

Guam Green Growth (G3), a partnership between the University of Guam and the Office of the Governor, recently announced the launch of recruitment for the brand-new Guam Green Growth Guam Restoration of Watersheds Conservation Corps (G3 GROW Corps).

This program builds upon the successful foundation of G3’s existing workforce development efforts offering a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and community resilience to gain hands-on experience and contribute to Guam’s green economy.

The G3 GROW Corps will focus specifically on reforestation and the restoration of Guam watersheds and coral reefs with other focus areas including seed collection, propagation, and maintaining nursery plants, planting methods, installation of other restoration intervention techniques, site preparation, out planting events, fuel reduction, and firebreak maintenance.

“Thanks to new grant funding secured, we are excited to introduce the Guam Green Growth GROW Corps,” said Dr. Austin Shelton, Director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, which facilitates the G3 initiative. “This new corps represents an evolution of our commitment to building a skilled workforce that directly addresses the environmental challenges facing our watersheds. Participants will not only gain valuable skills but will also play a tangible role in protecting and enhancing Guam’s natural beauty and resources.”

Recruitment for six full-time members, who will work Monday through Friday from 6am to 2pm, will begin on Friday, June 12, 2025, and close on June 23, 2025.

Selected members will receive a stipend of $1,300 every two weeks over the course of the six-month program.

The G3 initiative, our island’s largest public-private partnership, guided by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, has a proven track record of developing tangible solutions for sustainability challenges.

The introduction of the GROW Corps further diversifies G3’s workforce development programs, which also include the successful G3 Conservation Corps, the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps, the G3 Art Corps, and the G3 Kupu Corps, all aimed at preparing individuals for careers in the growing green economy.

Interested applicants for the Guam Green Growth GROW Corps are encouraged to visit the official Guam Green Growth website at www.guamgreengrowth.org for more information on eligibility criteria, and to apply.

The corps is funded by a subaward from the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Meaningful Arboriculture to Limit Vulnerability in Urban and Community Areas (MALU) program under Kupu Hawai’i.

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds Initiative is a program through the UOG CIS & Sea Grant that has been working to restore watersheds to prevent erosion and the smothering of Guam’s coral reefs. Last year, the team planted nearly 6,000 trees whose roots secured the soil and prevented runoff and erosion on the southern watershed.

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025

Students board the Nautilus vessel before Marianas Trench expedition

Update

Students from the University of Guam’s (UOG) National Science Foundation Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES), Navigating Home and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) programs recently embarked on an extraordinary journey of scientific discovery, touring the state-of-the-art research vessel, Nautilus Live. This unique opportunity provided future island scientists with an invaluable firsthand look into cutting-edge ocean exploration and research.

The three capacity building programs operate of out the UOG and are dedicated to broadening participation and fostering STEM education and aims to empower the next generation of marine and environmental scientists. The tour of Nautilus Live perfectly aligns with this mission, offering a tangible connection to the deep-sea research that shapes our understanding of the ocean.

Franki Guerrero of the UOG Capacity Building Team works closely with the students through their journeys and fellowships.

“I enjoyed seeing the students have a chance to really visualize the kind of science that is at work around our region,” said Guerrero. “They are taking away a lot of great information and inspiration from this tour.”

Operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET), Nautilus Live is renowned for its telepresence-enabled expeditions, allowing scientists and the public worldwide to participate in real-time deep-sea exploration. The vessel is equipped with advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and mapping systems, enabling the discovery and documentation of new marine species, geological formations, and historical artifacts on the seafloor. The vessel will be conducting an expedition to the nearby Marianas Trench.

During their immersive tour, UOG students explored various sections of the vessel, including the control room where ROVs are piloted, the data labs where scientific observations are processed, and the communication hubs that transmit live feeds from the ocean depths. They had the chance to interact with the ship’s crew and scientists, gaining insights into the diverse careers available in oceanography and marine science.

The visit to Nautilus Live underscores the University of Guam’s commitment to providing its students with unique, impactful learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. By connecting with leading global research initiatives like the Ocean Exploration Trust, UOG continues to cultivate a capable and engaged workforce ready to address the pressing environmental challenges facing island communities.

June 6, 2025June 9, 2025

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps sprouts new skills during Farm to Table workshop at UOG Triton Farm

Update

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) continues to collect seeds of wisdom this week at the UOG Triton Farm in Dededo.

The week of June 2, 2025 was a busy one for members of the G3CC’s fifth cohort who learned about the Farm to Table process under the guidance of UOG Triton Farm Manager, Jessica Nangauta,

While at the UOG Triton Farm, the G3CC learned different horticulture skills like air layering, a type of cloning technique used to propagate plants by encouraging root growth on branches while still attached to the parent plant.

The team also learned how to harvest, husk and process coconuts, resulting in the G3CC extracting seventy-four ounces of fresh coconut oil from about eighty coconuts.

Additionally, the G3CC learned how to maintain an aquaponics garden which included the removal of Rhinella marina, an invasive amphibian species in Guam commonly known as the cane toad.

To close out the week and celebrate the team effort between G3CC and UOG Triton Farm team, both groups gathered to prepare fresh produce and livestock for a special Farm to Table lunch experience, a culmination of lessons and hand-on experience shared throughout the week.

May 8, 2025May 14, 2025

WEEK IN REVIEW: Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps learns about the waste system on Guam

Update

Members of the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) recently dedicated an intensive week to understanding the complexities of waste management on the island, collaborating with industry leader Guahan Waste Control. This immersive experience is a critical component of the G3 Conservation Corps program, which aims to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders and a skilled workforce for Guam’s emerging green economy.

Throughout the week, the cohort delved into the pressing waste issues facing Guam, from the Layon Landfill’s operational intricacies to the challenges of recycling and the pervasive problem of illegal dumping. Guahan Waste Control, a key player in the island’s waste management sector, provided the corps members with an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at their operations, including their materials sorting facility.

G3CC member Eyana Pereda was shocked, “As much as it was a great experience and a fun team to work with, the whole time I couldn’t shake the bewilderment of being surrounded by so much wastefulness.”

Pereda believes that the eye-opening experience is something everyone Guam needs to have.

“You hear about these ongoing problems regarding our waste all the time, but to actually come eye to eye and in some cases literally be neck deep in it was definitely something I think everyone needs to experience if we want any real change within our community and culture around how we handle our trash,” she said. “[It is] not just the amount [of trash] we produce, but the care and effort we put into sorting it the right way before it even arrives at the waste center.”

During their time with Guahan Waste Control, the G3 Conservation Corps members learned about the logistical and economic hurdles of recycling on an island, the importance of proper waste segregation, and the environmental impacts of different waste streams. Discussions also likely covered Guam’s ambitious goals towards a circular economy and zero waste, as outlined in various local initiatives.

Guam continues to grapple with significant waste challenges, including a high volume of food waste, the environmental legacy of the now-closed Ordot Dump, and the ongoing need to extend the lifespan of the Layon Landfill. Initiatives like the G3 Conservation Corps are vital in developing local expertise and fostering a community-wide commitment to addressing these issues.

The hands-on training received by the corps members is designed to prepare them for careers in sustainability-focused fields. By engaging directly with organizations like Guahan Waste Control, they gain not only technical knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for the collaborative efforts required to protect Guam’s fragile environment.

November 15, 2024December 31, 2024

Guam Green Growth highlights on-going efforts at Guam Human Rights Conference

Update

Guam Green Growth (G3) recently participated in the inaugural Guam Human Rights Conference, a historic event that brought together diverse voices to discuss pressing human rights issues. The theme of this year’s conference was Poverty in Guam and the Pacific.

G3’s Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement, Kyle Mandapat, was a panelist at the conference, highlighting the intersection of environmental sustainability and human rights and the work the group does to help with poverty levels on Guam.

“We work with an amazing network and many great groups within our working group of over 100 members from the private and public sector to put into place tangible solutions for the issues we face on Guam and that are addressed through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Mandapat.

Mandapat highlighted such projects as the G3 Community Gardens, Aquaculture Projects and workshops at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub that are aimed to help build capacity in our community for food production and local business growth.

Mandapat’s participation on the panel underscored G3’s commitment to promoting a sustainable future for Guam.

“Environmental sustainability and human rights are inextricably linked,” said Mandapat. “By addressing these sustainability goals and protecting our environment, we can ensure a more just and equitable future for all.”

G3’s involvement in the Guam Human Rights Conference reflects its ongoing efforts to foster a sustainable and equitable society. The organization continues to work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community members to implement innovative solutions for Guam’s green future.

The event was the second Guam Human Rights Conference organized and produced by the Guam Human Rights Initiative, a local group committed to investing their expertise and resources in order to promote a collaborative research approach.

According to their website, since January of 2022, they’ve been supporting community members and leaders through scholarly research and enabling the next generation of locally-grown scholars to address human rights issues.

You can learn more at their website guamhri.org or following them on social media.

May 29, 2024December 31, 2024

Guam to engage in UN Small Island Developing States Conference (SIDS4)

Update

The Local2030 Islands Network will host its 3rd Leaders’ Summit at the Small Island Developing States Conference (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda on May 29, 2024. The event will build upon previous leader meetings at the UN General Assembly and Our Ocean Conference in Palau. Island heads of state and dignitaries from developed and developing island economies will gather in a peer-to-peer setting, fostering collaborative discussions on shared priorities, action plans, technical requirements, available resources, and collaborative opportunities on shared sustainable development and climate action goals in local and culturally contextualized approaches.

Guam is a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network. The US island territory implements principles of the network through Guam Green Growth, a comprehensive public-private initiative advancing the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Micronesia Conservation Trust and Micronesia Challenge are sponsoring Guam leadership participation at SIDS4. Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua F. Tenorio will serve as the moderator of the roundtable discussion during the Local2030 Islands Network Leaders’ Summit. Participants will include U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Republic of Palau President Surrangel Whipps Jr., and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

“Islands are on the frontlines of climate change impact. Engaging with fellow island nation and territory leaders at SIDS4 is a valuable opportunity to continue our collective push toward a sustainable global future,” said Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio. “Our work through Guam Green Growth is recognized globally as a bright spot among islands for sustainable development. We have much to share and much to learn at this U.N. convening for islands.”

Lt. Governor Tenorio will also deliver key remarks during the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) strategic high-level reception during SIDS4 on behalf of GLISPA Leader, Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero. The purpose of this event is to catalyze significant new leadership, commitments, and partnerships toward achieving SDGs specific to islands, with a special focus on conservation and sustainability. It will be an opportunity to announce new and substantial commitments toward building resilient and sustainable island communities, including:

Launch of new 2030 GLISPA Strategy
Announcements on Micronesia Challenge 2030, Caribbean Challenge Initiative and others.

Lt Governor Tenorio will speak to the significant progress made in the Micronesia Challenge since it was founded in 2006, The Micronesia Challenge, launched by 5 Micronesian Leaders (FSM, RMI, Palau, CNMI, Guam) with a goal of effectively conserving at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020 has leveraged USD 82 million for conservation efforts. It has placed over 70 new areas under conservation across all jurisdictions, and there has been an improvement in science-to-management decision-making with 20 new fisheries management policies enacted based on marine data. It has also led to over 70 management plans or climate change adaptation plans developed and 65 socio-economic assessments completed.

Dr. Austin Shelton, Local2030 Islands Network Steering Committee Member will join Tenorio in Guam’s engagements at SIDS4. Shelton serves as the director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, as well as the Guam Green Growth Steering Committee Co-Chair. “We have important lessons to share with other islands through our progress tracked on the Guam Green Growth Dashboard. We also will learn innovations from others to bring back home and accelerate our work,” Shelton said. “I am looking forward to strengthening our partnerships with GLISPA, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Blue Planet Alliance, and others to increase opportunities for our island communities.”

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May 22, 2024December 31, 2024

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

Update

(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.

May 10, 2024December 31, 2024

Guam to Host 26th Micronesian Islands Forum

Update

Guam is preparing to host the 26th Micronesian Islands Forum “Writing Our History, Determining Our Future” scheduled for June 3 to June 5, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. The Micronesian Islands Forum (MIF) is a regional intergovernmental organization composed of island nations and territories in the Micronesia subregion of the Pacific Ocean. Established in 1994, MIF has held regular meetings since then. The most recent meeting was held in February 2023 in Pohnpei, FSM.

“United as island nations, we stand at the forefront of global challenges. Only through steadfast collaboration can we navigate the currents of sustainable development, climate change, ocean conservation, economic prosperity, cultural richness, and regional security, ensuring a resilient future for generations to come,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “The forum will feature our esteemed Governors, Presidents, and representatives from all over Micronesia working together to strengthen ties, further collaboration, and deepen commitments throughout the region. Our Guam public is encouraged to register for this free event and participate in learning and growing together.”

Members include the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, the Territory of Guam (US), Nauru, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US), the States of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae (FSM).

To register, visit https://guamgreengrowth.org/mif-register/. The event will also be livestreamed on Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s Facebook page at YouTube.com/@govlouguam.

To read the Joint Communique from the 25th MIF, visit https://www.mifsecretariat.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/25th-MIF-Communique.pdf.

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May 7, 2024December 31, 2024

UOG Calls for Artists: Apply now for Guam Green Growth Art Corps cohort two!

Update

Guam Green Growth Art Corps member Kie Susuico works on outlining his design on a wall in Sinajana. Members for the Cohort Two will also be creating murals in the various villages on Guam.

Artist Gera Datuin works on her mural in Hagatña as a member of the Guam Green Growth Art Corps. Datuin is one of the many accomplished artists who joined the first cohort of the program. (Photos courtesy of University of Guam)

The University of Guam (UOG) and the Guam Green Growth initiative are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the second cohort of the Guam Green Growth Art Corps (G3AC). This exciting program empowers local artists to translate Guam’s sustainability journey into vibrant public murals.

Following the success of the inaugural cohort in 2023, the G3AC returns, offering another nine talented artists the opportunity to hone their skills, contribute to the beautification of Guam, and raise awareness about critical environmental issues.

Bridging art and sustainability

“The Guam Green Growth Art Corps is a groundbreaking program,” says Joseph Certeza, program coordinator for Guam Green Growth. “It merges artistic expression with environmental education, creating powerful visuals that spark conversations about sustainability in our community.”

Selected artists will work collaboratively under the guidance of experienced mentors throughout the program. They will participate in workshops covering mural design, painting techniques, and the principles of sustainability as outlined by the Guam Green Growth Action Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Leaving a lasting legacy

The culmination of the program will be the creation of a captivating public mural at a designated location within the island. This artwork will serve as a permanent symbol of Guam’s commitment to environmental responsibility, while showcasing the artistic talents nurtured by the G3AC program.

“The exciting program empowers local artists to envision our sustainable future and share them in vibrant public murals for our community,” says Austin Shelton, director for the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

Beyond artistic development, the G3AC fosters a sense of community and environmental stewardship among participants. Artists will gain a deeper understanding of Guam’s unique environmental challenges and contribute to positive change through their creative expression.

How to apply:

Applications for the Guam Green Growth Art Corps cohort two are now open and will be accepted until May 22, 2024. Prospective artists are encouraged to apply online at guamgreengrowth.org today.

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