Austin Shelton, Director of the Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant at the University of Guam, speaks about the importance of the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps in advancing the broader movement towards sustainability. The program launched its second cohort on Monday, February 19, at the UOG Residence Halls. (University of Guam)
The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, in collaboration with Guam Green Growth, launched the second cohort of its region-focused G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps.
The event was held on Monday, February 19, at the UOG Residence Halls.
The G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps is specifically designed to equip university dorm residents from the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with the skills and knowledge necessary for the emerging green economy while addressing pressing environmental concerns in the region.
UOG Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba warmly welcomed the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps, stating, “Each one of you will make a big difference. Other students will also look up to you as role models because you care for the environment.”
Here are the new members of the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps and their respective undergraduate degrees:
• Dexter Ilek, from Palau, studying Agriculture
• Alyshia Lebehn, FSM, Public Health
• Blake Merairei, Palau, Mathematics major
• Ryianna Torwan, FSM, Criminal Justice
They will be joining current members Don David, FSM, Tropical Agriculture; Jesley Ferdinand, FSM, Civil Engineering; Toyolynn Hilton, Marshall Islands, Public Health; Mc Gee Mereb, Palau, Civil Engineering; Jonathan Mitsur, FSM, Business Administration; and Aria Ngalongalo, CNMI, Business Administration for the 2024 cycle of the program.
Corps members will receive practical training across various sustainability themes. Focus areas will include agriculture, aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species mitigation, reforestation, circular economy practices, ocean conservation, and harnessing renewable energy.
Additionally, they will participate in activities that promote civic engagement and leadership.
Merairei expressed his interest in learning more about addressing invasive species, a significant issue in Palau. “That’s the problem in Palau right now, how to control (invasive) vines that are growing in trees,” he said.
Austin Shelton, Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, stated, “This program is not just about one-way learning. As you embark on this journey, you will impart your unique island perspectives from your homes, enriching our community with diverse insights.”
Shelton also underscored the crucial role of the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps in advancing the broader movement towards achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Guam and the region.
The U.S. Department of State via the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program provided federal funding to establish the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps.
Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba of the University of Guam welcomes the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps. The program launched its second cohort on Monday, February 19, at the UOG Residence Halls. (University of Guam)
Members of the second cohort of the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps gather for a photo with program leadership, University of Guam and government representatives at the launch event on Monday, February 19, at the UOG Residence Halls. (University of Guam)
Alyshia Lebehn, a public health student from the Federated States of Micronesia, speaks about the opportunities that are available to the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps. Lebehn and three other new members were introduced at the launching of the program’s second cohort on Monday, February 19, at the UOG Residence Halls. (University of Guam)
