The Northern Mariana Islands officially launched its own Green Grown Initiative. KUAM News observed the effort aimed at a sustainable and regenerative future.

Northern Mariana Islands Gov. Arnold Palacios signed an executive order establishing the CNMI Green Growth Initiative, saying, "This initiative is a call to action. It is also a collective promise."

The signing ceremony was held at the Northern Marianas College’s Agriculture Research Station. The college is designated as the CNMI’s hub for the green growth and Local2030 initiative, which is an international community of island leaders. Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, president of Northern Marianas College, said, "We tell the world that we are co-stewards and we will do everything we can to save our planet and save each other."

The effort is guided by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The governor and NMC president co-chair the initiative. A working group led by the Governor’s Special Assistant for Climate Policy and Planning Tina Sablan and the Dean of the Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services Patricia Coleman will lead the implementation.

She said, "Our vision for the Green Growth Initiative is that it will transcend political divisions and divisive myths and bring about vitality."

Tina Sablan, Governor’s Special Assistant for Climate Policy and Planning, said, "We can nurture our young people to become the scientists, the farmers, the natural resource managers, engineers, technicians, and problem solvers that we need in the years ahead."

Guam’s Green Growth Initiative co-chair Dr. Austin Shelton spoke about the shared responsibility in the region. He noted, "Islands are rising. And together, through these green growth initiatives, we are so excited to be working together with you."