Islands’ Collaboration Sets Framework for Regional Ocean Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2012
Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and the governors of Hawaii, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, have created a partnership to help protect the Pacific. The agreement will assist the region in identifying coastal and ocean management priorities that require a coordinated regional response and increased collaboration.
Joining Governor Calvo in signing the Governors’ Pacific Regional Ocean Partnership (PROP) agreement were American Samoa Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono, CNMI Governor Benigno R. Fitial, and Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie.
“Our islands are separated by thousands of miles, but we are united by the Pacific Ocean. Through this agreement, the islands of America will work closely as we collectively protect our natural resources,” Governor Calvo said. “We share our Pacific heritage and cultural traditions, with great value placed on our natural resources and the environment. I’m proud to be a part of a group that ensures the future generations will also be able to share these unique gifts.”
The PROP, a living document, identifies 10 regional objectives:
- Promote regional sustainability of resources that supports individual state requirements;
- Facilitate the implementation of the priority objectives of the President’s Executive Order 13547 of July 19, 2010, which established the National Ocean Policy;
- Foster cooperation and collaboration on all aspects of ocean and coastal-related research and development, education, exploration and observation, and oceans management;
- Coordinate and communicate regional priorities;
- Facilitate the exchange of information, including reports, discussions, initiatives and plans that may be developed or considered;
- Facilitate preservation of the historical, cultural and social heritage of each state and the region;
- Identify opportunities for collaborative work in the ocean and coastal environment;
- Enhance current state, multi-state, and federal governance and institutional mechanisms to manage ocean and coastal resources;
- Seek additional resources and funding opportunities to further the PROP’s objectives; and
- Address related environmental issues.
Guam’s point of contact for Coral Reef Conservation Programs, Fisheries, and Oceans is Joseph Artero-Cameron, President of the Department of Chamorro Affairs.
“The PROP creates a structure for developing regional priorities and a framework for collaboratively working with stakeholders such as local communities; county, state and federal agencies; non-governmental organizations; and the private sector,” Artero-Cameron said. “The next step for the PROP will be identifying regional priorities and reaching out to regional stakeholders.”
President Artero-Cameron is working with designees from American Samoa, CNMI, and Hawaii to implement the PROP.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview, call Phill Leon Guerrero at 929-7467.