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UOG innovates for new conservation funding strategies, seeks community input

UOG innovates for new conservation funding strategies, seeks community input

UOG innovates for new conservation funding strategies, seeks community input


3/7/2025
Man sits by plants in red dirt area, talking and facing several other people
Before planting trees for the GROW initiative, volunteers are given a quick training.  Over 16,800 native and culturally significant trees have been planted to combat erosion.
Upward view of man planting tree
Tree plantings happen regularly at the Ugum Watershed through the GROW initiative.  The GROW initiative’s work is the basis of the carbon credit certification, that will establish measurable carbon sequestration benefits that will generate income that will support local conservation and sustainability efforts. 
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Guam’s green economy continues to grow with innovations by the University of Guam.  As part of its Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) Initiative, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS&SG) is seeking Gold Standard Carbon Credit Certification for its tree planting efforts in southern Guam.

Carbon credit certification will provide a revenue generating method to support the planting of trees, reduction of land erosion, protection of freshwater sources, and the improvement of downstream coral reefs and essential fish habitat.

UOG CIS& SG will hold a community meeting to share about the process of obtaining Gold Standard Carbon Credit Certification and invite community input. The meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 6pm at the Hyatt Regency Guam as a pre-meeting of the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.

The GROW Initiative restores eroding hillsides in southern Guam, known as badlands. Over 16,800 native and culturally significant trees were planted in the past six years to improve watershed ecosystems.

"Tree planting efforts are important for our community, ecosystems, and economy," said Austin Shelton Ph.D., Director of UOG CIS & SG. "Through seeking Gold Standard carbon credit certification, we are working diversify funding sources beyond grants to ensure this important work can always continue. Please join us at the community meeting to learn, engage, and help shape the future of this important project."

Through this certification process, the project will establish measurable carbon sequestration benefits that will generate income that will support local conservation and sustainability efforts.

"This project is a model for community-driven conservation," said Fran Castro, Associate Director for Operations and Development of UOG CIS & SG. "By securing carbon credit certification, we are not only protecting Guam’s natural resources but also creating long-term financial sustainability for this initiative. The input from this meeting will be essential to ensure the project benefits both the environment and the community."

Hā Sustainability, a Hawai’i-based consulting firm specializing in environmental and climate initiatives, is guiding UOG CIS & SG through this process. Funding for this project is provided from the U.S. Climate Alliance.

The event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Registration is encouraged to secure your seat as space is limited.

 Register here

For more information, please contact Clementine Schnabel at schnabelc@triton.uog.edu.