Students got a chance to see the view from under the sea as the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Initiative unveiled the cover of the latest issue of CHalan Deskubre, a place-based science magazine for children. 

The unveiling happened as over 100 students, including members of the Guam WAVE Club, received the first copies of the issue at a special event held at the Aquarium of Guam.

The theme of this issue is Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.

Topics covered in the issue include crabs, parrotfish, sea turtles, diatoms and more and was supported by the research teams of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG) and NSF Guam Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). 

Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio was on hand to celebrate the launch as the Office of the Governor’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program was the main supporter of the magazine. 

“This magazine that we have funded with the University of Guam is meant to give you, your  teachers and your parents so many ideas to discover our island and we hope that you see this magazine and take some time to look at it, do the activities, and I hope you have some fun and excitement,” Tenorio told the students in the crowd.

According to UOG CIS and SG Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the issue is a great way for students to get familiar with the ocean around Guam and all the life that exists in it.  Making it a great tool for conservation and education.  He led the students through a quick lesson highlighting the diversity of our ocean ecosystem.

“Guam has over 1000 species of reef fish, and 375 species of coral, that’s more than Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,” said Shelton. “We have so much on our island to be proud of, and you have so much to discover.”

Shelton also encouraged the students to pursue their educational dreams in the marine sciences, adding, “I want you to explore and when you fall in love with the ocean, I want you to become marine biologists too, so you can take care of our very special environment and make a difference on our island.”

UOG Interim Vice-Provost for Research and Sponsored Programs Pamela Peralta, Ed.D., highlighted the university’s dedication to outreach and extension and encouraged parents to continue to help grow their children’s curiosity about the sciences.

“Curiosity lends to discovery.  There is much to learn not only in the skies and on land but also below water.  We hope today marks further exploration of the myriad of species yet to be discovered and preserved,” said Peralta. “We hope you enjoy exploring the offerings curated for you here and let us do our part to empower our children and inspire them to ask questions and be involved.”

Free copies of CHalan Deskubre are now available at the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Communications Office, House 21 Dean Circle.  To make arrangements for pickup, please email Jeremie Charfauros at charfaurosj3148@triton.uog.edu . 

Copies will also be distributed at all Guam Public Library System branches and at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub in CHamoru Village.

####