Theme:

Guam’s Coastal Zone Policies:
Examining the Vital Role of Codes, Ordinances, and Enforcement in Fostering Economic Growth, Community Empowerment, and Managing Coastal Resources.

Guam’s resilience and ability to manage its resources depend on the strength of our policies and enforcement of our rules and regulations. This year’s theme emphasizes the critical role of legal frameworks in shaping a future that balances economic development with environmental stewardship. 

Why this Focus?

The theme for this year’s symposium is built on GCMP’s core objectives, which are to work toward the effective administration and enforcement of Guam’s natural resource-related laws and regulations. The 10th Assembly of Planners Symposium reinforces the Guam Coastal Management Program’s mission to protect coastal resources through sound governance by highlighting the importance of enforceable, well-designed laws. With growing challenges to our coasts and communities, shaping policies is essential to ensuring Guam remains vibrant, sustainable, and prepared for the future.  The policy focus will be on coastal communities and Guam’s economy. 

 Resilient Communities

• Protecting Guam’s reefs, mangroves, and wetlands provides a natural buffer against storms, erosion, and flooding, shielding coastal villages and critical infrastructure.
  
  

• Sustainable fisheries policies ensure reliable local food and cultural continuity, diversify coastal livelihoods, and empower communities through shared stewardship of marine resources.
  
  

• Updating and enforcing setback regulations, floodplain restrictions, and habitat conservation zones ensures new developments respect these living barriers rather than undermine them.

   

• Regular inspections, community-led shoreline cleanups, and robust permitting processes keep waterways and beaches free from pollution, safeguarding Guam’s primary source of drinking water, and supporting fisheries.

   

• These measures reduce disaster recovery costs, maintain public health, and foster a sense of shared stewardship among residents—because when our natural defenses thrive, our communities do too.

   

Vibrant Economy

• Stable, sensible coastal policies build investor confidence in tourism, fisheries, shipping, and related industries.

   

• Predictable permitting timelines and transparent environmental reviews reduce costly delays and legal disputes, allowing businesses to allocate resources toward innovation rather than uncertainty.

   

• Well-planned shoreline development enhances tourism without spoiling scenic reefs and beaches. When stakeholders can rely on stable rules, businesses are more willing to invest in ports, resorts, and fisheries.

   

• Healthy reefs, beaches, and shorelines do more than inspire—they underpin jobs, support local businesses, and drive sustainable economic growth.

   

• Public‑Private Partnerships: Statutory frameworks for co‑management of marine parks enable joint conservation‑tourism ventures, sharing costs and profits.
  

The purpose of the Assembly of Planners’ Symposium is to address meaningful land and natural coastal resource issues or problems that could be resolved through the collective focus of Guam’s planning, resource, and policy communities through a forum that:

♦ Works to improve management systems and advance effective policy;

♦ Discusses issues through the use of science, data, and research that serve as the foundation for decisions;

♦ Provides professionals with the opportunity for face-to-face discussion and sharing of information that is useful in identifying solutions, improving services, and avoiding or mitigating the adverse effects of poor planning, development, and natural hazards;

♦ Works to optimize and coordinate comprehensive planning

Information will be updated soon.

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