Mariana Islands Conservation Conference begins this week on Guam

Exciting advances in regional marine and terrestrial conservation will be presented during the

seventh Mariana Islands Conservation Conference (MICC). This annual event is organized

by Tåno Tåsi yan Todu (TTT) and will be held from March 10 to March 14, 2025, at the

Dusit Thani Resort, Guåhan. Admission to the conference is free. Join us and register to attend

the MICC at www.marianasterrestrialconservation.org.

Established in 2017 - more than 200 students, researchers, educators, and community members

from Guåhan, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Oceania, and the United

States participate in the MICC each year. This weeklong conference includes research

presentations, field trips, and workshops led by experts.

Topics include efforts to protect endangered species of the Mariana Islands, such as the Sihek

(Micronesia kingfisher) and Fadang (Cycas micronesica), marine protected areas and fisheries

management, and projects established to control invasive species including the Little Fire Ant

(LFA) and brown tree snake and restore native forest habitats.

On Monday, March 10, the MICC will feature students and researchers conducting conservation

projects across the Mariana Islands and presenting posters illustrating research and project

outcomes and opportunities to collaborate further.

“This is an opportunity for the people of the Marianas to learn more about the programs,

projects, and initiatives that are central to restoring and protecting land and marine environments.

We encourage the community, especially students and those interested in conservation, to

register online today and join us,” said TTT board member Ann Marie Gawel, Ph.D.

On Tuesday, March 11, the MICC will hold a Job Fair and event for students and the community

to directly interact with representatives of local, federal, and community-based organizations

established to protect and restore natural resources in the Marianas.

“The MICC is a great opportunity for students and professionals to learn about conservation in

the region and build connections with experts. It’s a highly competitive field that is constantly evolving, but it’s also rewarding to be home and in the field at Anao or Taguan,” said Biologist CJ Paulino.

Participants will go into the field with experts on Wednesday, March 12, to Taguan and Mt.

Lamlam to learn first-hand about forest restoration and rare native orchids of Guåhan. Others

will travel to Island Dåno (Cocos Island) to support efforts to protect native bird populations and

control brown tree snakes. These are some of the many opportunities available for hands-on

conservation service during the MICC.

“Our islands are experiencing climate change now and our people are working, fighting, and

rising to meet these challenges unique to our lands and seas. This conference provides not only

information of value to the climate crisis, but it also elevates the voices of the CHamoru and

other Indigenous biologists and natural resource experts directly addressing environmental

impacts in their communities,” said Biological Field Technician Tihu Lujan.

For more information, visit www.marianasterrestrialconservation.org or contact

tanotasitodu@gmail.com. For conference updates, follow us on social media @tanotasitodu.

Marianas Press is the official media partner for the conference.