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Micronesia Challenge "We Are One" Business Plan

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Micronesia Challenge We are One Business Plan and Conservation Campaign Micronesia Challenge This page: Natural wonders are found even in the smallest riffles, such as this one in Kosrae. ©KCSO. Cover: The Micronesia Challenge seeks to permanently protect mountain to reef habitats and the species that live within them, such as these Yellow Tail Fusiliers. ©Ethan Daniels/Shutterstock. Our wonders Your generosity A future secured We are One Help protect some of the most pristine, splendid environments on earth. The Micronesia Challenge brings together three nations, two territories, thousands of communities, and hundreds of international partners all working as one to permanently and effectively protect over 14,000 square kilometers of marine and terrestrial habitats. By helping us reach our goal of raising $55 million dollars for an endowment to support a wide range of annual conservation activities, you will help us protect thousands of unique and endemic species, and preserve a way of life for generations to come. Please, give generously to the Micronesia Challenge. We are Micronesia We are One Republic of Palau U.S. Territory of Guam U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Federated States of Micronesia Republic of the Marshall Islands Micronesia is alike, yet different. Isolated, yet connected. Small, but immense. e are joined as one. For our children, and the world. 500,000 people. 2,000 islands. 12 languages. 5 Micronesian jurisdictions. From the top: Flags of Palau, Guam, CNMI, FSM, and RMI Underwater scenes such as this one highlight the variety of macro- and microfauna present on Micronesian Reefs. ©Isabelle Kuehn/Shutterstock. 30, 20, one Micronesia The Micronesia Challenge is a shared commitment to conserve at least 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020. One Micronesia 5 cattered across the northern part of the tropical Pacific are tiny gems, glowing emerald green amid azure waters. These gems, islands with magnificent environments and proud cultures, form our home, our one Micronesia. Micronesia is a diverse place, formed from thousands of islands, each unique and spectacular. From the deepest spot on earth to one of the rainiest mountains on the globe, each island has special places that capture imaginations and touch the hearts of all who pass. Micronesia has beaches and forests, sea turtles and sharks. Biological diversity in Micronesia is locally vital and globally precious. For all that is different, Micronesia has much that is common. Our peoples share similar histories and traditions. Ancestors and cultural practices influence our daily lives. We are a people both old and new, rooted in tradition but embracing globalization and technology. Above all, the peoples of Micronesia share a common understanding that we are one with our earth and connected to our neighbors, that we rely on our lands and waters for sustenance, and that we must care for our environment and preserve its bounty for following generations. We are committed to our islands, our peoples, and our natural heritage. The Micronesia Challenge is our way of expressing that commitment. By conserving at least 30% of our marine resources, and 20% of our terrestrial resources, we will ensure that those next generations will have the wonders that we inherited. We are fiercely proud of the successes we have achieved so far. From millions of dollars to thousands of square kilometers to hundreds of youth and adults, we are meeting commitments and exceeding expectations. Our story is not complete. The forces that shape our islands and influence the way natural resources are used come from near and far. We know that it is crucial to seek solutions, ideas, and energies from around the world. We invite you to learn about our islands and our fascinating approaches to conservation. We ask you commit your hearts and resources to the Micronesia Challenge, just as we have committed our lives and efforts to these lands and waters. Be one with us. 1910 map of Oceania from “Meyers Konversations-Lexik on.” ©Bocman1973/Shutterstock Micronesia Challenge islands and partner sites. ©The Nature Conservancy. Used with permission. Conservation efforts in Micronesia are important globally and locally. Our conservation methods and studies guide conservation efforts around the world and our coordinated regional financing mechanisms are models for others. We have inspired similar Challenges elsewhere. Dancers in Yap. Incorporating traditions into conservation is a priority throughout the region. ©Ethan Daniels/Shutterstock The Micronesia Challenge is a historic and collaborative effort to 2006, the governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, protect the natural and cultural splendors of a wide swath of the the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the North Pacific. Together, the people of Micronesia aim to effectively US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US conserve more than 14,000 square kilometers of diverse natural Territory of Guam established the Micronesia Challenge, a region- habitats, spread across an area of 6.7 million square kilometers. wide effort to permanently and effectively conserve at least 20% of The challenges of distance and mounting modern pressures are our land and 30% of our near-shore marine areas by 2020. great and growing. Our conservation efforts in Micronesia are as important globally The wonders of our islands, however, make all challenges pale in as they are locally. Our reefs and islands nurture migratory birds comparison. These islands are home to a wide variety of habitats and fish, including much of the world’s tuna. The conservation and some of the greatest biodiversity in the world: at least 1,400 methods and studies supported by the Micronesia Challenge plant species, 1,300 fish species, 535 coral species, and hundreds are providing guidance to increase the resilience of coral reefs of birds, amphibians, insects, reptiles, and mammals. A strong around the world to rising temperatures and acidity. We share the and vibrant scientific culture in Micronesia increases knowledge knowledge and methods we are developing with others around of its biodiversity yearly. This diversity is both unique and globally the world through networks like the Global Island Partnership. important. Many of Micronesia’s species are found nowhere else in We contribute to and benefit from a growing global body of the world. knowledge and best practices to sustain biodiversity, preserve local cultures, support local economies, promote sustainable agriculture The people of Micronesia have cared for our ecosystems for and fisheries, increase food security, control invasive species, and thousands of years. In the face of increasing pressures from adapt to climate change. climate change and development, Micronesians have begun a region-wide effort to blend traditional conservation practices With our shared cultural heritage and by collaborating with modern methods to protect these natural resources. In together, we have been able to accomplish greater things that Dugong, a protected mammal. ©MRHanson/Shutterstock Tuna is economically vital. ©Alexius Sutandio/Shutterstock Native orchid in old-growth forest. ©Tarita Holm/PCS we could have individually. We are developing a region-wide that estimate key costs, funding sources, and remaining needs Biosecurity Plan and creating a region-wide shark sanctuary. to meet our conservation goals. We have identified funding We are developing campaigns to help our communities sources for approximately $4M of our $24M goal for one-time understand climate change and to promote conservation in establishment funding. We have current funding for more than culturally appropriate ways. We work with global partners to $11M of our $21M annual operational funding goal, and we have train conservation professionals across our region. Our Young identified another $7M in potential funding sources for annual Champions program has already mentored more than twenty of operations. We have distributed over $20M for conservation Micronesia’s next generation of conservation leaders. Through projects in grants and operational funds to our conservation these efforts and others, the Micronesia Challenge established a agencies and organizations. And we have built a $14.5M region- model for large-scale, collaborative conservation networks that wide conservation endowment that we hope to grow to more than has inspired similar efforts across the globe, including the Coral $55M by 2020. Our innovative sustainable financing mechanisms Triangle, the Caribbean, and the Western Indian Ocean. - such as Green Fees charged to departing visitors, a multilateral endowment, and the establishment of the Micronesia Conservation We are progressing towards our goals. We have strengthened Trust, a central coordination and fundraising body - have sparked or established more than 150 conservation areas covering more the interest of entities as diverse at the United Nations and other than 6,800 square kilometers - 15% of our near-shore marine areas regional Challenges. and 16% of our land. We have developed protocols to ensure coordination and standardized evaluation. We have involved As we continue our progress towards our conservation and stakeholders at all levels - local, state, national and international financial goals, we need continued support from the across the - in these efforts. globe to support our work. We invite you to learn more about our islands and our work. We encourage you We have built a solid foundation to fund the considerable work to contribute to our efforts. We welcome ahead. We have developed overall and individual financial plans you to join us on our journey. One. One Micronesia 9 Palau’s Permanent Endowment Goal $6,200,000 Palau’s Rock Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ©Amornthep/Shutterstock Republic of Palau Creating best practices for sustainable management At the western edge of Micronesia, the Republic grove swamps, sandy beaches, and Micronesia’s of Palau has the highest reef and bird diversity largest freshwater lake, a UN Ramsar Convention in the region. Palau is home to a wide variety of Wetland of International Importance.
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