Seven island village mayors were recognized through the Guam Green Growth Commitment (G3C) Badge Program for their efforts to address hunger and poverty within their communities.
During a stakeholder meeting held on May 14 at the conference hall of the University of Guam’s School of Business & Public Administration building, the 13-member cohort of the Fañomnåkan 2021 Masters of Public Administration candidates talked about their experience serving as ambassadors of the program and connecting with the island’s village mayors.
The purpose of the G3C program is to recognize and reward participation from businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and community groups in developing and creating sustainable practices that align with the Guam Green Growth Action Framework and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The program is currently awarding badges to businesses and community organizations advancing the first and second SDG badges of “No Poverty” and “Zero Hunger.”
Actions that could make an organization or mayor’s office achieve a badge include assisting with food commodity distribution or supporting backyard farming.
At the stakeholder meeting, the candidates announced that the villages of Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Mangilao, Agat, Yona, Umatac, Inalåhan, and Chalan Pago, have committed to obtain the No Poverty and Zero Hunger SDG badges.
The villages of Piti, Dededo, Hagåtña, and Sinajana were awarded the first two badges during the 2021 Conference on Island Sustainability in April.
During the meeting, the cohort presented a G3C booklet full of resources for the mayors to use as a guide for future sustainability projects and partnerships.
Piti Mayor Jesse Alig commended the efforts of the cohort to provide local support for sustainable action.
“This is good because we have to start somewhere so we know where to end,” said Alig.
According to G3 Project Coordinator Annania Nauta, the cohort helped bridge the gap between the program and the island’s mayors.
“This cohort was a determined and hardworking group,” said Nauta. “From after-hours Zoom calls to meeting with and presenting to most of the mayors offices, it was a real pleasure working with them. They helped to make the launch of the G3 Commitment a great success.”
During the 2021 Conference on Island Sustainability in April, G3C was opened up to businesses, organizations, non-profits, community organizations, and educational institutions.