(contenu disponible en anglais uniquement)
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia – A significant milestone has been reached in Micronesia's efforts to bolster coastal fisheries resilience in the face of climate change. The Regional MiCOAST Project, funded by the Kiwa Initiative, kicked off with an inception workshop attended by various national and regional organisations.
From January 22 to26, 2024, stakeholders gathered in Pohnpei for the inaugural workshop, jointly hosted by the Conservation Society of Pohnpei and OneReef Worldwide Stewardship. Among the participants were key organisations from around the region (Marshall Islands Conservation Society; Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization; Rare; cChange; Nauru Fisheries and Marine Resources Authority; the Pacific Community (SPC)) and representatives from national, state, and local governments, and traditional leaders.
The MiCOAST project, an abbreviation for "Micronesian Community-based Fisheries Management as a Nature-Based Solution for Coastal Resilience," spans three years and aims to promote Community-Based Fisheries Management and Nature-based Solutions across Micronesia. By leveraging the concept of Nature-based Solutions, the project seeks to foster collaboration among local fishers, communities, and stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the sustainability of coastal fisheries management in the region. Notably, it aligns with regional and global commitments such as the Micronesia Challenge 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Local inception meetings for the MiCOAST project are expected to take place in other represented jurisdictions in the coming months.
“MiCOAST is a really important project in terms of providing resources and solutions for the future, and also being able to transfer much of our traditional knowledge and practices to younger generations. A lot of the project’ activities are meant to support not only economic livelihoods, but also to ensure that we have food security for our communities,” said Ms. Madelsar Ngiraingas, OneReef Micronesia, Director of Operations, Palau.
The Kiwa Initiative, overseen by the French Development Agency (AFD), embodies a concerted effort to bolster local and national capacities while championing strategies attuned to addressing social vulnerability and gender disparities. A pivotal aspect of its mission involves fostering dialogue among various stakeholders, including donors, regional bodies, and individual nations, to streamline Official Development Assistance efforts. At its core, the Kiwa Initiative harnesses Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to fortify the climate resilience of Pacific Islands ecosystems, communities, and economies.
“The launch of the MiCOAST Project not only implies a significant step towards fostering community empowerment but also underscores the value of collaborative efforts in bolstering grassroots capacity. By amplifying community voices and legitimising their operational capabilities, this endeavour has the power to catalyse meaningful change and foster sustainable resource management practices,” said Mr. Watisoni Lalavanua, Community-based Fisheries Management Officer at SPC.
“Through the MiCOAST Project, we are not just building resilience in coastal fisheries; we are fostering a legacy of sustainability and stewardship for future generations. By integrating traditional knowledge with innovative Nature-based Solutions, we empower communities to thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings,” said Mr Ludovic Branlant, Nature-based Solutions Mainstreaming Advisor at SPC. “Harnessing the benefits of Nature-based Solutions, such as ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation, we ensure that community-based fisheries management becomes not only effective but also inherently resilient.”
Key initiatives under the MiCOAST project include comprehensive efforts across Micronesia, including marine protected area management, aquaculture expansion, and community-based resource management plans. Partnerships between national and regional organisations will advocate for policy reforms, knowledge dissemination, and the replication of successful models to maximize the project's impact.
The launch of the Kiwa MiCOAST project marks a significant step forward in enhancing coastal fisheries resilience and promoting sustainable management practices in Micronesia.
For more information please visit the Regional MiCOAST Project or the Kiwa Initiative websites or contact our team below.
Contacts
Ludovic Branlant, Nature-based Solutions Mainstreaming Advisor | [email protected]
Rebecca Stirnemann, Project Development Coordinator - Kiwa Initiative| [email protected]
Angelica Salele, CCFP Communications Officer | [email protected]
