HEADS of government in the Micronesian region met in a virtual forum last week to discuss the Micronesia Challenge, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said.
Besides the governor, the participants included Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Marshall Islands President David Kabua, FSM President David Panuelo, and Guam Gov. Lourdes Deleon Guerrero.
The FSM president hosted the virtual forum.
The Micronesia Challenge was a commitment made by Micronesian leaders in 2006 to effectively conserve at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020.
An evaluation of the challenge was initiated in December 2019 to prepare for 2020 and provide an opportunity for the islands to gauge their collective accomplishments, challenges faced, lessons learned, and strategic opportunities.
A new challenge has been launched, known as Micronesia Challenge 2030, aiming to effectively manage 50% of marine resources, including the exclusive economic zone or EEZ, and 30% of terrestrial resources by 2030.
Its proponents said the goal now includes a larger voice for fisheries management, reducing invasive species, restoring habitats, increasing livelihood opportunities and reducing risks to communities from climate impact in Micronesia.
Governor Torres emphasized that as Pacific Islanders, water and land are vital to life, recalling that during the forum, FSM President Panuelo said, “The water is our father and the land is our mother.”
The governor said, even in the midst of the pandemic, his administration has been mindful of those who live off the land and sea, including adjusting curfew hours to accommodate fishermen who fish in the late evening or early morning.
He highlighted the enduring importance of the environment.
“In order to be a world-class destination, the community needs to understand that we can never reach that goal if we’re going to litter or [improperly] throw our trash,” he said.
As the Commonwealth seeks to reopen to tourism in the coming months, the governor encouraged community members to keep the environment clean.
“It is our obligation to make sure that it’s clean wherever we go, especially at the beach,” he said.
Earth Day
In related news, the annual island-wide cleanup in honor of Earth Day and Environmental Awareness Month was held Saturday.
Teams from community groups, businesses and government agencies adopted sites around the CNMI to clean up, including Managaha.
Trash and debris were collected and hauled to the landfill for proper disposal.
