Guam, an island paradise located in the Pacific, stands at a crossroads, thriving on tourism dollars yet grappling with the delicate task of safeguarding its invaluable natural and cultural treasures.
With the Guam Visitors Bureau highlighting that tourism accounts for 60% of the island's revenues and supports a significant portion of its workforce, the sector's economic significance is undeniable. However, as Guam navigates the complexities of over-tourism and climate change, the pursuit of sustainable tourism practices becomes critical.
“Guam's economy has always been highly dependent on tourism to thrive, and
thousands of peoples' livelihoods depend on this income,” said Leilani Sablan who is a research associate with the University of Guam Sea Grant. “We still have a long way to go in ensuring that the rise in tourism does not lead to a decline in Guam's cultural and natural resource preservation, placing traditions over money.”
Dr. Brett Taylor, an assistant professor of fisheries ecology at the University of Guam, added that climate change will increasingly become an issue of concern to many industries, including tourism.
“Given our geographic isolation and the high volumes of residents, military and tourists that Guam supports, 90% of the food we consume is shipped to the island. Hence, food security issues and costs of goods are certainly a challenge with climate change.”
The island's journey towards eco-friendly initiatives and conservation efforts underscores a pivotal moment: Can Guam successfully manage its booming tourism industry to ensure a prosperous economy and the protection of its natural wonders for future generations?
Anne J. Wen, a 24-year-old advocate for environmental preservation from Tamuning, Guam, shared her insights into the delicate balance between embracing tourism and protecting the island's unique ecosystem.
She highlighted that the very allure that draws visitors to Guam is under threat from environmental challenges, intensified by the pressures of tourism.
Guam's coral reefs, known for their vibrant beauty and ecological importance, have suffered greatly, with Wen noting the distressing trend of coral bleaching and death.
"Guam is actually extremely famous for having coral reefs that have been bleaching... they're turning into what we call ghost lands," she said.
The decline in coral health not only disrupts marine biodiversity but also diminishes the island's appeal to tourists, who come expecting to snorkel and swim among colorful fishes and pristine reefs.
“Ocean warming is wreaking havoc on our already stressed reef environments, and this is important for attracting dive tourists who come to Guam to experience the marine environment,” said Taylor.
The influx of tourists exacerbates the island's environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution. Wen observed a direct link between tourism activities and the litter found on beaches and in the ocean. Despite local efforts to clean up and educate visitors about the importance of maintaining a clean environment, challenges persist.
"A lot of littering happens around the beaches, and the trash gets washed into the oceans," Wen said.
Given that a big part of Guam's tourism industry revolves around diving and snorkeling on coral reefs, a considerable environmental issue has been the impact of divers and snorkelers on the marine environment.
“There was an initiative from a local government agency to provide training and certification to dive operators to ensure they were using best practices (i.e., not touching or standing on coral, not feeding fish, etc) with their clients,” Taylor said. “As far as we know, this initiative has not fully manifested yet, but I think it's an important one given the level of exposure.
“Most tourist diving or snorkeling is concentrated at just a few locations, and some of these are important protected sites so facilitating better practices at these sites would go a long way,” he added.
Local initiatives and education play a critical role in mitigating the environmental footprint of tourism. Wen emphasized the importance of community engagement in preservation efforts, from divers cleaning up underwater waste to students researching microplastics. The annual International Beach Coastal Cleanup and other student-led initiatives reflect a collective commitment to protecting Guam's natural beauty.
In high school, every field trip for Wen usually involved a beach cleanup. The early morning gatherings to clean Guam's beaches were not just about removing trash. She pointed out the lasting impact of these cleanups on her personal behavior and outlook.
The habit of chasing after a candy wrapper or a plastic bottle, instilled during these formative years, exemplifies a heightened awareness and proactive stance against pollution.
The educational aspect of beach cleanups is a critical theme in Wen's narrative. She underscored the importance of integrating environmental stewardship into the curriculum, where practical, hands-on activities like beach cleanups complement traditional classroom learning. This approach not only informs students about the challenges facing their environment but also empowers them to be part of the solution.
"A lot of preservation starts very much at the education level," Wen said.
Wen's experiences and observations underscore the multifaceted benefits of beach cleanups. Beyond the immediate impact of removing trash from the coastline, these initiatives serve as catalysts for community engagement, environmental education, and personal growth. They cultivate a sense of stewardship that participants carry with them, influencing their actions and decisions in daily life.
Taylor voices his concerns regarding the rapid development in Guam's prime tourist hotspot, Tumon Bay.
"The transformation here is stark," Taylor said. "Images from the 1970s compared to today's landscape reveal a dramatic metamorphosis, primarily driven by aggressive land development for tourism.
“This has had profound environmental repercussions, particularly on our coral reefs, which are intrinsically linked to the land's well-being," he added.
The rapid development is not solely the result of tourism; Guam's recent military expansions also play a significant role. However, Taylor emphasizes that tourism-
related growth has posed the most significant challenges, impacting everything from coral reefs to waste management systems needed to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Echoing Taylor's sentiments, Sablan highlights the detrimental effects of unchecked hotel and infrastructure expansion. She points to the controversial Vista del Mar hotel project, set to rise near Puntan Dos Amantes—a site of immense cultural and ecological significance.
"Despite widespread opposition and clear evidence of environmental risks, such projects move forward," Sablan said. "This not only threatens our natural habitats and species but also disrespects our cultural heritage."
The Vista del Mar project epitomizes a troubling trend: the prioritization of economic gain over environmental and cultural preservation.
"Our reefs, lands and even sacred sites are under siege," Sablan said.
Wen also touched on the broader implications of tourism-driven economic development, including the contentious issue of military expansion near critical freshwater sources.
Guam's strategic location in the Pacific has long made it a focal point for U.S. military operations, a reality that brings with it both economic support and environmental challenges.
Wen expressed a critical view of recent military endeavors, particularly those threatening the island's natural resources. "Perhaps right now in the news, the most significant environmental impacts have come through the military wanting to build near Guam's northern aquifers," Wen said.
She highlighted the threat to the island's freshwater sources. The aquifers are vital, not just for daily survival but for maintaining the ecological balance of the island.
The military's proposed developments near these aquifers have sparked significant concern among Guam's residents. The risk of contamination from military chemicals and equipment could compromise the purity of Guam's freshwater, posing a threat to public health and the island's biodiversity.
"There is a very high chance that some of the military chemicals and the equipment that they'll be using might leak into Guam's aquifers," Wen said.
The response from the community has been robust, with public petitions and legislative discussions aiming to curb the military's impact on the environment. Indigenous groups and local residents alike have called for the military to adopt more sustainable practices that respect the island's ecological and cultural sensitivities.
Wen reflected on the historical tension between military activities and environmental stewardship in Guam, noting the long-standing impacts on the land and the community's resilience in the face of these challenges.
However, Wen also recognized the complexity of the situation, acknowledging the economic advantages that the military presence brings to Guam.
"I also think that they're not unaware that the military does bring in a lot of federal money for Guam," she said, suggesting a desire for a middle ground where military operations can continue in a manner that respects Guam's environmental and cultural heritage.
Wen's reflections encapsulated a broader debate within Guam and similar communities worldwide, where the benefits of economic development and strategic importance are weighed against the imperative to protect natural resources and honor ancestral lands.
Her call for sustainable military practices underscores a growing consensus that security and environmental preservation are not mutually exclusive but rather essential components of a holistic approach to island stewardship.
Wen calls for a sustainable approach to tourism that honors Guam's natural and cultural heritage.
"Growing up on Guam absolutely shaped my understanding of environmental issues," she said.
She advocates for a future where economic development and environmental preservation go hand in hand.
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Ron Rocky Coloma is a writer who mainly focuses on entertainment and artist features. He is passionate about telling the stories of designers, artists and topics from the island of Guam. He has previously worked at the renowned Pacific Daily News, formerly part of the illustrious Gannett and USA TODAY NETWORK, The Guam Daily Post and Pacific Island Times. Ron's exceptional writing skills have graced several local and international digital newspapers and magazines, further amplifying his influence in the media space. Ron's diversified experience stretches beyond journalism. He has served at Warner Bros. Discovery as a CNN Original Series and Program Development Intern, honing his skills under the tutelage of influential figures in the media industry. These include the Vice President of Development of a five-time Emmy-winning production company and the Creative Director of an Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated production company. Among his many accomplishments, Ron was invited to cover private industry shows during New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week, further solidifying his standing in the industry.
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