Contributing to Conservation

According to Kuo et al. (2023), “some areas with special geographical features may be more affected by coastal disasters, particularly those of tourism.” The CNMI is undergoing a variety of coastal issues from pollution to erosion, but multiple agencies and organizations are working to mitigate these threats. The Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM) offers students the opportunity to learn and work toward the CNMI’s conservation efforts through their annual Summer Internship Program, which I had the opportunity to join this year.

During my time in this year’s DCRM Summer Internship Program, I had the privilege of working with the Division of Environmental Quality’s Public Information section under the guidance of Colleen Flores, Public Information Officer.   My summer project involved creating infographics, posters, and stickers highlighting each DEQ section or branch. I had the opportunity to meet with each branch of DEQ to gain a deeper understanding of their roles, strategic objectives, and how individuals in the community can support efforts to protect and improve our environment.. To support this, my partner and I were able to shadow each branch during a scheduled field day where we recorded videos and captured photos to highlight each branches’ respective job duties, thus spreading awareness and sparking interest in the community through DEQ’s Instagram page. 

The internship program also included  field trips that emphasized the importance of learning and sharing the environmental threats facing  our island, as well as understanding  the methods used  to prevent and respond to these threats. On our first field trip, my partner and I took pictures and videos of our fellow interns planting mangroves at American Memorial Park (AMP) for DEQ’s instagram page.  Growing mangroves is just one of the many ways we can conserve the health of the CNMI, and through this internship, I have gained amany  of other tips and skills. Through DCRM, anybody could contribute by volunteering in beach clean-ups to minimize water usage at home. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore outside my interests and strengthen my knowledge to help protect our home and its future.

Shih-Ming, K et al. (2023). Coastal disaster protection and hazard perceptions of the residents of Orchid Island, Taiwan. Marine Policy. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308597X22005061 

Name: Jeramiah Aquino

Department: DEQ Public Information

Mentor: Colleen Flores

Date: 6/30/2025 - 8/15/2025