The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is collaborating in the Micronesia Challenge to conserve 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources by 2020. This involves initiatives like ridge to reef conservation, ecological and socioeconomic assessments, protected areas planning using tools like Marxan, and addressing threats like coastal erosion, flooding, and water security. The FSM works with local partners, state governments, US agencies, SPC, SPREP, and others for coordination and support at national and local levels.
35. Shared commitment of the governments of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Territory of Guam to: “ effectively conserve at least 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources across Micronesia by the year 2020.”
COUNTRY PROFILE: Pacific Island Country, Small Island Developing State (SIDS) 607 islands ranging from high volcanic to low lying islands EEZ of 1.6 km ² (~3 million miles²)
FSM is isolated from continental landmasses. As a result, the total number of species decreases from west to east, but the proportion of endemic species increases.
FSM people dependent significantly on subsistence livelihoods and ecosystem services provided
High Island “Ridge-to-Reef” Management Perspective
Low-lying island “ridge-to-reef” management perspective
Terrestrial natural heritage
Marine natural heritage
Local capacity
Bridging the gap between technical and local experts
Conservation education in action
Traditional management in a modern world…
Not reinventing the wheel…existing processes and collaboration/networks and utilizing local experts
New technology (e.g. GIS/spatial modeling tools) revalidating traditional knowledge
Eco-regional planning to achieve local natural resource management objectives
Climatic change exacerbates the scale of recurring seasonal storm events faced in the FSM outlying islands
Non-climatic stressors which are contributors to the accumulating affects on the natural resources
Late 2008 – early 2009 tidal surge impact in Kosrae
Kosrae tidal surge impact cont’d
Yap & Pohnpei tidal surge impacts
Chuuk State tidal surge impacts
Food Security in Atolls (taro/breadfruit) Non-climatic causes play big role (population/diet) Geology/Size (fractures) Nutrients replenishment decreased (taro) Replaced by exotic plants (breadfruit) Interventions with mix success (concrete taro patch) Salt tolerant varieties still at infant stage Potential Adaptation Response Address non-climatic causes Nutrients enhancement by Mulching Process Replanting
Fruiting/flowering seasonal cycle out of synch
Water Security Geology/Size influence groundwater resource Groundwater impacts food resources Rainwater not fully utilized (roof/gutters/storage) Poor O&M on existing systems (leaks/protection) Potential Adaptation Response Develop groundwater where feasible Fully utilize rainwater sources Develop other sources (desalination/renewable energy)
Coastal Erosion Complex system Possible non-climatic factors (But…) Some erode, some accretion??? Potential Adaptation Response In depth studies at specific sites Decrease non-climatic stress Beach nourishment where feasible Replanting of appropriate plants
CHALLENGE – SYNERGIES BETWEEN CONTEMPORARY & TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT SCHEMES & BRIDGING THE GAPS BETWEEN EXPERT AND TRADITIONAL CAPACITIES
CHALLENGE - SUSTAINABLE FINANCING & DIVERSE TENURE SYSTEMS UNDER ONE FRAMEWORK - FSM PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK PROJECT DELIVERABLES
Micronesia Challenge Commitment’s objectives
MC Support assist the MC Regional Office, 3 staff (Coordinator, Communication Specialist & Admin. Asst.) and the working groups – communications, measures (marine & terrestrial) and steering committee – to achieve milestones
Success/lessons learned (cont’d): Multi-sectoral coordination within the federation
Sustaining the country’s rich ethnobiological traditions
Why we do the work? To improve our people’s quality of life and ensuring their sustainable future….