UOG launches second season of Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps

The University of Guam (UOG) ushered in the second season of the Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps (GLINCC) with a launch event at the UOG Residence Halls. 

The event brought together community leaders, students, and environmental enthusiasts to look back on the group’s first season accomplishments and look forward to a year of continued environmental stewardship with the all-new roster of members. 

The GLINCC is composed completely of UOG students that currently reside at the Residence Halls, showcasing the diversity and dedication of the current crop of Tritons. 

“You are a part of something big that will help all of our islands,” explained Austin Shelton Ph.D., Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, which facilitates the Guam Green Growth Initiative. “The intent is for you to gather these training opportunities in the green economy and bring them back home. Become qualified for green jobs and lead the charge for a sustainable future in our island region.”

Gena Rojas Ph.D., the Interim Dean of Enrollment Management & Student Success, welcomed the group to the next stage of their scholastic careers, while imparting words of wisdom. 

“We are all from the islands. We have deeply held ties to the land and the sea and when we don’t have that, we are lost,” said Rojas. “I hope that on top of the things you are learning, the planting and the science behind it, in a way, you are connecting back to home and you feel that you have space here, you are valued here and what you bring is valued here.” 

Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps Season 2 Members: 

• Deavonie David (Pohnpei): Accounting
• ⁠Ashlyn Meriam Asher (Kosrae): Business Administration
• Alpagino Roby (Pohnpei): Computer Science
• Tristan Ruway (Yap): Civil Engineering
• ⁠Devante Abne (Marshall Islands): Criminal Justice
• ⁠Keng-ichi Techur (Palau): Criminal Justice
• Katchuo Nena (Kosrae): Computer Science
• Terilynn T. Ingais (Palau): Sociology
• Ivy Este (Pohnpei):  Public Administration
• ⁠Blaine Melairei (Belau): Accounting

All members of the group expressed their desire to prepare their islands for future generations of sustainability through the program and the lessons they will learn in focus areas including agriculture, aquaculture, circular economy, watershed restoration, natural resource conservation and more. 

The Vice Speaker of the 37th Guam Legislature, Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes offered her support to the new cohort and expressed her pride in the newest Guam Green Growth conservation corps program.

“It is a privilege to welcome you as you begin this amazing and honorable journey and to witness the sense of pride you bring to your family, UOG and our islands,” said Barnes. “This is not just a program, it is a testament to our islands’ commitment to a sustainable future, it is a clear beacon of hope inspiring all of us to protect and preserve our beautiful homes.”

For member Ashlyn Meriam Asher the decision to join the group was an easy one, helping her to give back to the land and sea that have given so much to her family. 

“I grew up going to the sea with my mom to fish and going to the mountains with my dad to farm.  So truly I have seen that God has blessed us with the seas and the land to provide for us,” explained Asher. “What better way to give back than to join this program and learn about the ways I can help [the land and the sea].  It really does connect me to my home.” 

The Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps is a year-long program in partnership with the Local2030 Islands Network, University of Hawaii Sea Grant, UOG CIS and Sea Grant and the UOG Residence Halls and is funded by the National Sea Grant Office and the United States State Department.