Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District Celebrates Mes Chamoru and Chamoru Agricultural Traditions

Hafa Adai, Guam — The Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District (NGSWCD) proudly joins the community in celebrating Mes Chamoru, a month dedicated to honoring the Chamorru people’s rich heritage, cultural traditions, and enduring connection to the land and sea.

Historically, Tao (people) were highly skilled farmers, cultivating a wide variety of crops including yams, taro, sweet potatoes, rice, breadfruit, and coconuts long before European contact. Agriculture was more than sustenance; it was a central part of Chamorru culture, intertwined with community life, social structures, and spiritual practices.

Ancient Chamoru’s carefully observed nature in its whole, using a calendar of 13 moon cycles, or pulan, to guide farming and fishing activities. This lunar calendar reflected a sophisticated understanding of ecological balance, weather patterns, and seasonal changes. Families planned planting and harvesting activities according to the moon phases, ensuring optimal growth and sustainability.

Farming and subsistence living were often connected to the låncho (ranch)  — a communal lifestyle where families grew food, raised livestock, and shared harvests. This system strengthened community bonds, fostered cooperation, and cultivated respect for the land, laying the foundation for values of stewardship that continue to influence Guam today.

In contemporary times, there is a renewed focus on supporting local agriculture to reduce reliance on imported food and increase food security for the island. Local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers are celebrated during Mes Chamoru for sustaining traditional food practices, preserving Chamoru knowledge, and contributing to the island’s cultural identity. These modern initiatives align with NGSWCD’s mission to promote sustainable land and water practices, protect natural resources, and support resilient agricultural systems.

“Mes Chamoru is a time to reflect on our roots and honor the farmers, fishermen, and ranchers who sustain our traditions and our island,” said Rosanna Rosario, Outreach Specialist. “Through education, outreach, and conservation initiatives, the Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District continues to empower our community to embrace sustainable practices while celebrating Chamoru heritage.”

By connecting traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts, NGSWCD encourages residents to value the land and water that sustain Guam. Mes Chamoru serves as both a celebration and a call to action to support local farmers, strengthen food security, preserve cultural practices, and ensure that Chamoru agricultural traditions continue for generations to come.

For more information on future educational outreach and conservation programs, please contact Northern Guam Soil & Water Conservation District at 6717352014. 

By Rosanna Rosario, Outreach Specialist