UOG plants endemic fadang at Atantåno Heritage Preserve

The fadang, a cycad native to and only found in Micronesia, has found space in the Atantåno Heritage Preserve through an outplanting organized by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant’s Island Conservation Lab (UOG CIS & Sea Grant’s ICL).

The fadang (Cycas micronesica) used to be one of the most common trees in Guam’s forest but is now listed as threatened on the Endangered Species Act.

Focusing on an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) has launched an undergraduate internship program that expands opportunities for participants from non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines.

Called the Research Education and Extension Fellowship (REEF) program, the first cohort was unveiled at an event at the UOG Robert F. Kennedy Library.

The partnership between the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Green Growth Initiative (CNMI GG) celebrated a major milestone last week with the official launch of the CNMI Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps in Saipan. This regional expansion brings a proven model of environmental workforce development to the CNMI, aiming to train a new generation of leaders for the Pacific green economy.

The CNMI Green Growth Kupu Corps is a collaborative effort, facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), and is modeled after the highly successful Guam-based G3 Conservation Corps.

According to UOG CIS and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton Ph.D. the conservation corps programs have already trained over a hundred individuals in various sustainability sectors.

The new CNMI program will build capacity in critical areas across both Guam and the CNMI, emphasizing regional cooperation to address shared environmental challenges.

“You’ve heard that saying, ‘a rising tide floats all boats.’ The more of us that are doing this work together, the better it is for all of us. This is one small way that our people, even though we’re separated by land, we’re connected by water,” said Shelton.

The CNMI Green Growth Initiative is facilitated by the Northern Marianas College (NMC), the leading workforce development institution in the CNMI. NMC President and Co-Chair of CNMI GG Galvin De Leon Guerrero Ed.D. welcomed the new members to the fold and encouraged them to look for the deeper meaning of the program.

“What I love about this program and what I love about CIS and Sea Grant and the Green Growth Initiative is that it really gets at the core of what we do in education and it’s something that as members of this inaugural cohort I hope you all take to heart, because to me, the point of education is to improve lives,” added De Leon Guerrero.

5th Season of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps wraps up

The fifth cohort of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps (G3CC) closed out their journey with a challenge: to take the lessons learned over the past six months and leave a mark, no matter what industry or path they choose next.

The Guam Green Growth initiative, which is facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), held a completion ceremony this month at the Government House in Agana Heights. For the first time, the Conservation Corps received certificates not only from UOG but also from the Governor’s Office, the Guam Legislature, and representatives from the Mayors’ Council of Guam.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub (G3 Makerspace) recently hosted a 3D Printing Workshop, offering the community hands-on experience with cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology. The event was a part of the G3 Sustainable September lineup, a month-long series dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the island.

The workshop, designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of 3D modeling and prototyping, demonstrated how this technology fits into the island’s circular economy model. Attendees learned how digital design translates into physical objects, exploring the process from conceptualization to the final print. This practical knowledge empowers participants to create functional items while minimizing waste.

Ever had surf and turf with a twist, featuring tilapia raised right here through the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant’s aquaculture program? That was on the table at this year’s Maila Ta Fan Chesa, where sustainability and food security weren’t just topics of discussion — they were part of the menu.

The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Guam, where the Micronesian Chefs Association, in partnership with the American Culinary Federation and for the first time, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, hosted Maila Ta Fan Chesa as part of the island’s Sustainable September festivities.

VIDEOBYTE: G3 Makerspace team inspires at BTACS

UOG CIS and Sea Grant Open applications for next round of CBAS program

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant officially announces that applications are officially open for the Community Backyard Aquaponics System Program (CBAS).

Do you want to take control of your food security and learn how to grow your own fresh food right in your backyard? Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) to create a sustainable, efficient food system.

UOG CIS & Sea Grant hosts Guam Habitat Conservation Plan town hall meetings

In partnership with the Guam Department of Agriculture’s (DOAG) Division of Aquatic & Wildlife Resources (DAWR), the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) and ICF (a national leader in Habitat Conservation Plan consulting) held two public town hall meetings in Hågat and Dededo about the developing of the Guam Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 22, 2025 - 8AM GROW IN MALOJLOJ 4 Tree Planting Event

SNAPSHOTS!

MAILA TA FAN CHESA: UOG CIS and Sea Grant aquaculture was on full display at the Micronesia Chefs Association's Maila Ta Fan Chesa event. The event showcased locally grown produce from farmers all around the island and for the first time included tilapia grown in our Community Based Aquaponics Systems.

LEARN THEM SDGs: Guam Green Growth Action Framework Coordinator Camarin Quitugua helped to bring sustainable development to the mindsets of young entrepreneurs during a session with the Junior Achievement program. Quitugua helped to build foundational knowledge in the students who hope to include sustainability in their products.

JUST KEEP GROWING: UOG CIS & Sea Grant Extension Associate Tayah Hawley talks with community members during the Guam Department of Agriculture's 2nd annual Agriculture Symposium at the Guam Museum. UOG CIS & Sea Grant displays at the event included the Natural Resources team from the Island Conservation Lab, the CBAS team, and others who brought information directly to the community.