Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio are pleased to announce the recent award of $497,846 from the Office of Insular Affairs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This critical funding will support the Department of Agriculture’s Guam Coral Reef Initiative (GCRI) project titled, “Surveillance, Planning, Rapid Response, and Community Education for Marine Invasive Species Project in Apra Harbor.”
“Protecting our natural resources is essential to preserving what makes our island special,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “This project will help us identify, monitor, and respond swiftly to marine invasive species, ensuring the long-term health of Apra Harbor and the surrounding ecosystems.”
GCRI was also awarded $293,511 from the Office of Insular Affairs under the Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program. This funding will expand GCRI’s efforts to effectively manage, conserve, and restore Guam’s coral reef ecosystems. This award provides crucial funding for several staff positions, including the Coral Reef Policy and Communications Coordinator, two Reef Restoration Biologists, and a new Administrative Assistant to support GCRI’s administrative needs as the program continues to grow. This funding also supports the expansion of GCRI’s burgeoning coral reef restoration project, and backs Guam’s continued participation in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and the Micronesia Challenge.
In addition to the Department of Agriculture’s award, $50,000 has been allocated to the University of Guam for the Guam On-Island Biosecurity Training. This initiative aims to enhance local capacity to manage invasive species, reinforcing Guam’s biosecurity infrastructure through education and hands-on training.
“These projects represent our commitment to safeguarding Guam’s unique environmental heritage,” added Lt. Governor Tenorio. “By investing in the protection of our land and waters, we are also investing in the future of our people and the continued vitality of our island’s ecosystems. These initiatives underscore our ongoing efforts to protect Guam’s natural environment and educate the community about the importance of biosecurity.”
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