Marianas Food-Security Animu Project

Culture. Community. Sustainability.

The Marianas Food-Security Animu Project is a community-driven initiative designed to strengthen food security, emergency preparedness, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience throughout the Northern Mariana Islands. Led by LAM and supported through partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, educators, volunteers, and local leaders, the project transforms underutilized land into productive spaces that benefit both residents and visitors.

The project integrates fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, medicinal plants, native and ornamental flowers, composting systems, sustainable growing methods, educational workshops, and community gathering spaces. Through hands-on participation, families, youth, seniors, and volunteers learn practical skills that encourage self-reliance while fostering a deeper connection to the land and culture of the Marianas.

Development Summary

The Marianas Food-Security Animu Project is designed as a living demonstration site that combines:

  • Community food gardens

  • Fruit-bearing orchards

  • Composting and green waste recycling

  • Native and cultural plant preservation

  • Sustainable agriculture education

  • Youth mentorship and volunteer programs

  • Emergency preparedness food resources

  • Beautification through botanical landscaping

  • Eco-tourism and educational visitor experiences

  • Revenue-generating activities that support project sustainability

The project serves as both a community resource and an outdoor learning environment where residents can gain knowledge in agriculture, environmental stewardship, food production, and self-sufficiency.

Long-Term Benefits

Food Security

Increases local food production and reduces dependence on imported goods by providing access to fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other crops grown within the islands.

Emergency Preparedness

Creates a reliable source of food and agricultural knowledge that can support communities during natural disasters, supply disruptions, and emergencies.

Economic Development

Provides opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurship, agricultural training, value-added products, farmers markets, eco-tourism, and workforce development.

Youth Engagement

Encourages younger generations to learn practical life skills, environmental responsibility, leadership, and cultural values through hands-on participation.

Cultural Preservation

Protects traditional knowledge, indigenous growing practices, local plant species, and cultural connections to the land for future generations.

Environmental Sustainability

Promotes composting, recycling of green waste, soil improvement, biodiversity, water conservation, and sustainable land management practices.

Community Wellness

Provides healthy food options, encourages outdoor activity, strengthens social connections, and creates a welcoming space where families and communities can gather.

Self-Sustaining Community Model

Develops a replicable model that can be expanded to villages, schools, churches, and organizations throughout the Marianas, helping build stronger and more resilient island communities.

Our Vision

To create a thriving network of sustainable community gardens and food-producing landscapes that empower the people of the Marianas through food security, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity—ensuring a stronger, healthier, and more resilient future for generations to come.

For more info and participation:

Mariah 670-286-3382

Rowina 670-789-2400