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William Castillo, wearing a red floral aloha shirt and a lei, speaks into a microphone behind a tropical-themed podium at the 17th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

CIS2026 FRIDAY: Featured speaker at sustainability conference turns waste into opportunity

“And I think a lot of us, across island communities, are standing in that same proverbial space, surrounded by opportunity, but calling it waste.”

That reflection from William Castillo anchored his presentation at the 17th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability, where he was featured as a speaker sharing perspectives on value-added agriculture and economic resilience for island communities. Castillo is an associate professor and director of workforce development at Leeward Community College, where he leads initiatives that link education, workforce training, and entrepreneurship.

Louella Losinio April 25, 2026

NATURAL RESOURCES

Our natural resources team is hard at work protecting
and conserving native and endemic plant species.

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OCEAN CONSERVATION

Our ocean research teams are working to protect our
precious marine resources and species including our native
Sea Turtles and fisheries

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Sustainable Start

At the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), we define sustainability as the balance between meeting current needs and safeguarding the resources of future generations. Established in 2009, UOG CIS & Sea Grant is the region’s lead institution for supporting the transition toward a sustainable, self-reliant, and prosperous island community.

Ocean of Reach

Since our founding, UOG CIS & Sea Grant has evolved into the region’s focal point for sustainability research and community outreach. We collaborate closely with government agencies, NGOs, and community groups to address critical island needs across four key pillars: Environment, Economy, Society, and Education.

A Green Future

With an expanding portfolio of implementation projects and strong community partnerships, UOG CIS & Sea Grant is moving the region toward a sustainable tomorrow. Our work is defined by action. Through transformative programs like Guam Green Growth, the SEAS Islands Alliance, and Navigating Home, we are turning sustainability plans into on-the-ground reality.

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UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, and Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, participate in the “Conversations with the Co-Chairs” session during the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability,

CIS2026 WEDNESDAY: Conference co-chairs reflect on resilience and recovery after Sinlaku

The annual “Conversations with the Conference Co-Chairs” at the formal opening of the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2026) focused on a timely discussion on island resilience and recovery following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

April 23, 2026 No Comments

Guam Power Authority General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E. at P.O.W.E.R. symposium

CIS2026: MONDAY: Powering through the storm: Energy resilience at GPA’s P.O.W.E.R.ING symposium

In the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the Guam Power Authority’s P.O.W.E.R.ING (Promoting Optimal Ways to Energy Resilience) Power Symposium at the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability took on renewed urgency, bringing together energy leaders, policymakers, and technical experts to strengthen Guam’s path toward a more resilient grid.

April 21, 2026 No Comments

Conservation leaders Trina Leberer and Keobel Sakura at the Micronesia Challenge Regional Meeting in Guam.

CIS2026 MONDAY: Micronesia Challenge regional workshop tackles conservation financing

Leaders from across the Pacific convened Monday for a workshop at the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability aimed at innovating how conservation efforts are financed in the region, marking a significant step forward for the Micronesia Challenge and its long-term sustainability goals.

April 20, 2026 No Comments

A speaker at CIS2025's Seed Talks addressing a crowd.

Seed Talk lineup announced for UOG’s 2026 Conference on Island Sustainability

The University of Guam has announced three dynamic voices set to take the stage as this year’s Seed Talk presenters at the Conference on Island Sustainability, spotlighting emerging community leaders whose work reflects the conference’s theme, “Illuminating the Path to Prosperity.”

April 18, 2026 No Comments

UOG CIS2026 to proceed in Guam following Sinlaku, will highlight storm resiliency

The University of Guam will move forward with its flagship Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2026) this year following the passing of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, underscoring the event’s regional importance and resilience in the face of severe weather.

April 17, 2026 No Comments

Overall winners and leadership at the 48th Annual Islandwide Science Fair

Over three hundred Guam students vie for top prizes at islandwide science fair

Students, educators, and families gathered this past weekend at the University of Guam (UOG) Science Building to celebrate innovation and discovery at the 48th Guam Islandwide Science Fair, marking another successful year for one of the island’s longest-running academic events.

April 11, 2026 No Comments