Hagåtña, Guam – In a letter to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor announced that the United States Department of Interior (DOI) has awarded the Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG) $163,526 through the Office of Insular Affairs’ (OIA) Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program (CRNR).
“These grants empower our ability to effectively address threats to Guam’s coral reef,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “Though our island’s reef has suffered from a variety of challenges, it is naturally resilient and continues to recover thanks to the dedicated efforts of marine biologists, coastal researchers, and incredibly passionate students and advocates.”
“Our administration has made historic investments in environmental protection and sustainability, and this funding will certainly build on our commitment to preserving our natural resources,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “Particularly, these grants will improve environmental communications, strengthen reef monitoring efforts, and enhance the success of ongoing reef restoration projects. We thank the DOI and OIA for their steadfast support.”
Funding is being awarded to the Guam Department of Agriculture for the following projects:
- $9,650 to attend the US Coral Reef Task Force Meeting and U.S. All Islands Committee
- $64,155 for a Coral Reef Policy and Communication Coordinator
- $89,721 for Enhancing Monitoring Efforts to Increase Success of Coral Reef Restoration on Guam
OIA is also awarding CRNR funding to the following non- profit organization:
- $258,320 to White Buffalo for Next Steps in Solving the Wild Pig Problem: Control at the Landscape Level
Additionally, OIA has issued a grant to support the National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program, which addresses current capacity gaps in the U.S. territories and helps to build longer-term capacity by placing qualified professionals in the jurisdictions whose education and work experience meet each jurisdiction’s specific needs.
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