About MINA

In this Section:

Saipan
Saipan as seen from Mt. Tapochau

What is MINA?

MINA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the diverse natural resources of the Northern Mariana Islands. MINA's members come from all walks of life and are tied together by the clear understanding that we, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, have the right and responsibility to act as stewards of our own natural inheritance. MINA has a seven (7) member board of directors and more than 90 active individual and business members. Individual membership dues are $20 per year, student dues are $5 per year and business member dues are $100 per year. Membership forms are available here.

Our Mission

The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance fosters community and science based conservation programs to enhance and sustain the islands environments and cultures.

Our Vision

The communities of Micronesia, and their values and traditions, will thrive in healthy environments and sustainable island economies.

A Brief History

A group of environmentally concerned individuals worked with The Nature Conservancy to organize a meeting of representatives with environmental interests, including CNMI government agencies, community organizations and volunteers. Two meetings were November 19 through the 20th in 2004. The goals of the meetings and the workshop were to share ideas, invigorate the nonprofit environmental community, and discuss collaboration and ways to increase effectiveness.

The result of this two day meeting was the formation of the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance in May 2005. A strategic planning session was held on May 7th, facilitated by Willy Kostka, then president of the Pohnpei Conservation Society, and Bill Raynor, of The Nature Conservancy. The 2005-2008 Strategic Plan was the result of that session.