by Krystal Paco

GUAM - It's a global initiative that kicked off in 2005 but for the last few months has been localized -- At today's Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association meeting, Dan Ho spoke on Maolek, Guam's chapter for the Micronesia challenge to conserve 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020 through science, policy, community support, communications, and funding. He says it's especially important on Guam because the island is home to 60% of the world's coral species.

"Because the Micronesia challenge is a global initiative, we've really sort of tapped onto an audience in the tens of millions and so that's great too. The next step is to engage the community" Ho revealed.

The conservation movement interprets differently throughout Micronesia but has a unified message. For example, in the Kosraen tongue, it translates as "just take enough" and in the Marshall Islands translates as "looking towards the future." For Guam, ta na maolek mona means let us make better forever. For more information visit www.Maolek.Org