SAIPAN — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality’s Division of Environmental Quality has launched Environmental Awareness Month for April, with a full schedule of events planned across Saipan, Tinian and Rota under the theme “Tåno yan Lina’la Inafa’måolek / Falúw Me Malaw Llól Eew Pilúúgh / Land and Life in Harmony.”
The month officially kicked off with a proclamation signing March 31 at Minatchom Atdao, followed by a community roadside waving to raise public awareness.
Upcoming events include an island-wide cleanup on Saipan April 10 and 11, an Environmental Expo on April 15 and 16, and a free movie night at Sugar King Park on April 17, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the film beginning at 7 p.m. Rota will hold its island-wide cleanup April 17, and Tinian’s cleanup is scheduled for April 28.
Earth Day on April 22 will be marked with an Earth Walk, with registration from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the 13 Fishermen Pavilion. An Arbor Day tree planting is set for April 24 at Micro Beach in Garapan. Environmental Laboratory Tours at BECQ will be offered throughout the month.
Two contests are also open: a Storm Drain Mural Contest for students, registering through schools, and a Community Art Mural Contest open to the public for ages 15 and older.
“Our theme this year acts as a call to restore balance,” said DEQ Director Zabrina Cruz. “By nurturing our land, reducing waste, protecting our reefs, and planting native trees, we are not only protecting the environment — we are preserving the way of life that defines our community.”
