Offered through the Micronesian Studies program with additional participation from students from the Master of Library and Information Science program, the course emphasized local knowledge and community-based solutions to address global environmental challenges affecting Guam and other island nations.

Throughout the semester, students examined how local and global threats affect island life and ecosystems, exploring how community-driven actions rooted in Micronesian values can guide future sustainability efforts.

“Stewardship of the land is one of the most important aspects of how I envision environmental sustainability taking hold in Micronesia,” said Joe Vitt, who completed the course. “Utilization of island wisdom should be the way forward. This is what stewardship is all about: respecting each other, the earth, animals, plants, and the sea.”

As a part of the immersive design of the course, students visited the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace & Innovation Hub to explore green economy practices and toured the UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS and Sea Grant) Island Conservation Lab’s plant nursery to learn about native species restoration.

Throughout the course, students develop projects designed to benefit the broader community.  Students authored four original children’s books, each addressing a key sustainability issue. Mariesa Quitugua’s was about invasive species, Michelle Luzano’s discussed upcycling and reuse, Charlene Gumataotao tackled overfishing and the ecological importance of parrotfish, and agroforestry and permaculture techniques we spotlighted by Jasmin Almandres.

Two students, Ashanti Ilek and Joe Vitt, collaborated on a practical guide to sustainable chicken production and Megan Certeza developed a research-based proposal for a sustainable copra industry in Micronesia, connecting cultural heritage with economic resilience.

“This course reflects the University of Guam’s commitment to fostering leaders who understand the unique challenges and strengths of island communities,” said UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director for Natural Resources Else Demeulenaere Ph.D., the course instructor. “Our students didn’t just learn about sustainability. They lived it, shared it, and applied it in ways that uplift our islands.”

Luzano added, “This course benefits me beyond the scope of academia and positively impacts my mentality and lifestyle regarding island sustainability. Because of this class, I have been able to strengthen current lessons on invasive species, grass fires, coral bleaching, overconsumption, and circular economies.”

The Island Sustainability course covers low-impact development techniques, circular economy, permaculture, agroforestry, ethnobotany, and the integration of native species into all aspects of society.

According to Demeulenaere, the Island Sustainability course aimed not only to provide academic enrichment but also to empower students to become active stewards of their communities and environment, and will return in the UOG Fañomnåkan semester.