Northern Marianas College launches CNMI's first green growth initiative with Dr. Guerrero

Governor Arnold I. Palacios announced significant advancements in environmental sustainability during the 2025 State of the Commonwealth Address, highlighting the launch of the Northern Mariana Islands' first-ever Green Growth Initiative. This initiative, which he chairs alongside Dr. Galvin de Leon Guerrero, aims to align local efforts with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily focusing on economic development.

Since its inception, the initiative has facilitated several regenerative agriculture workshops across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, organized by the Northern Marianas College's Center for Regenerative and Environmental Studies (CREES). Collaborations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the CACMAN Agricultural Farms and Producers Association are also underway to enhance local farming practices.

In a landmark move, Governor Palacios and Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero convened the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force in Saipan last November, where they signed an executive order designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. This designation is expected to integrate coral reef conservation into the Commonwealth's disaster preparedness and recovery plans, ensuring a coordinated approach to environmental resilience.

To track progress, the Green Growth Initiative will soon launch a public dashboard that will display key performance indicators related to the UN's 17 SDGs. This transparency aims to engage the community and foster accountability in achieving sustainable development goals.

These initiatives mark a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future for the Northern Mariana Islands, emphasizing the administration's commitment to environmental stewardship and economic growth.