From local action to global impact: Guam Green Growth shines at Small Island Developing States Conference

US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Guam Green Growth Steering Committee Co-chairs Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio and Dr. Austin Shelton participated in various activities at the United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda. Photo courtesy of the University of Guam.

Guam Green Growth Steering Committee Co-chairs Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio and Dr. Austin Shelton participated in various activities at the United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda. US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Palau President Surrangel Whipps Jr., and numerous other heads of state participated in a roundtable facilitated by Tenorio as a part of the Local2030 Islands Network Leaders’ Summit. Photo courtesy of Local2030 Islands Network.

Guam was front and center at the United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda as Guam Green Growth (G3) Steering Committee co-chair and Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua Tenorio played a prominent role at the conference, facilitating a roundtable panel during the 3rd Leaders’ Summit of the Local2030 Islands Network that included Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Palau President Surrangel Whipps Jr., and numerous other heads of state. He also delivered keynote remarks at the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) strategic high-level reception.

“This really was an extraordinary opportunity to see the progress we have made, but also set plans and strategize with partners for the success we will achieve in the future,” explained Tenorio.

Tenorio spoke on the Micronesia Challenge and its success since its launch in 2006, highlighting the recent expansion of the program goals.

“Eighteen years ago, leaders from the Republic of Palau, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands launched the Micronesia Challenge,” added Tenorio. “In 2019, the Chief Executives re-committed and broadened the MC by committing to effectively manage 50% marine (to the edge of the EEZ) and 30% terrestrial resources. Furthermore, the initiative expanded its scope to include climate change, sustainable livelihoods, invasive species, habitat restoration enforcement and compliance, and fisheries management.”

Accompanied by G3 Steering Committee co-chair and the director for the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the Guam delegation was able to contribute to discussions and shore up collaborations that will be beneficial to our island the entire Micronesia region.

According to Shelton, the strong collaborative spirit fostered by Guam and Micronesia with partners such as the Local2030 Islands Network, GLISPA, and the Blue Planet Alliance helps to provide insight and continued growth as we work towards a more sustainable future.

“The Guam Green Growth Initiative plays a key role in supporting the Micronesian region to develop their own Green Growth strategies,” said Shelton. “Together with partners, we recently brought opportunities like the Palau Green Growth and CNMI Green Growth Initiatives into fruition. Meeting with those partners at the SIDS conference helps us develop more opportunities for the region and the world.”

Guam is a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network and implements the 17 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals through Guam Green Growth, the largest public-private partnership in the history of Guam that works towards a sustainable future.

Guam’s participation in SIDS was sponsored by The Micronesia Conservation Trust, Micronesia Challenge, and Sea Grant.