Sustainability has become ever more important in today’s world, and Guam is striving to ensure that it meets the 17 Sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations.

The goals are an urgent call for action by all countries to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth while also tackling climate change and working to preserve the environment, according to the UN.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Guam Green Growth have been leading the charge here and have been making good headway.

Austin Shelton, director of the Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, said the island is moving forward with aquaculture and aquaponics projects, as well as community gardens. Both will help reduce the need for imported food, improving the island’s food security.