The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Hawaiian and Pacific Islands regional office has selected the Friends of the Monument to receive its 2009 Environmental Achievement Award in recognition of the exceptional work and commitment to protecting the environment. Each year, the US EPA celebrates and recognizes outstanding environmental advocates who have made significant contributions toward enhancing and protecting the quality of our environment.
The Friends of the Monument were chosen for this award in recognition of their support and efforts in promoting the creation of a national marine monument in the waters surrounding the northern islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Friend of the Monument were instrumental in the process that resulted in former President George W. Bush designating the Marianas Trench Marine Monument in January 2009.
Watch the award ceremony.