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Young Pacific Leaders Visit NOAA’s Inouye Regional Center
DEC. 12, 2022 — On Nov. 29, the 2022 Young Pacific Leaders cohort visited the Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, for a facility tour and presentations from NOAA team members. The Young Pacific Leaders Program is organized by the U.S. government and aims to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region and strengthen ties between the United States and the Pacific.
The group of 30 was given a tour of the facility, including a cultural background of where it is located, and a Science on a Sphere demonstration. Staff from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, and the NOAA Marine Debris Program provided presentations on the work we do, new research related to climate change, and cultural perspectives and integration in environmental conservation work and education. The Marine Debris Program’s Pacific Island region communications and outreach coordinator, Shanelle Naone, shared a sample of projects in the Pacific, information on the Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project, and how to access the Marine Debris Clearinghouse for information on past projects.
The ocean connects Pacific island communities near and far, supporting the next generation of leaders in marine stewardship strengthens the future of our island homes.