Interior Department Provides Funding for Micronesia Challenge Conservation Efforts

September 28, 2010
For more information please contact:
Jennifer Feng (202) 208-6974
Jennifer_Feng@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, Tony Babauta today signed a $130,059 a Coral Reef Initiative grant award to the Nature Conservancy's Micronesia Program.

Funds will be utilized to further commitments established by the Chief Executives of the Micronesia Challenge (MC) to effectively conserve 30 percent of the near-shore marine and 20 percent of terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020. Over the next two years, the Nature Conservancy proposes to assist in identifying ecoregional priorities throughout Micronesia to strengthen fisheries management and establish broad-based, functioning conservation networks.

"I am excited that the Conservancy, as a leading conservation organization, will lend its expertise to fine-tune efforts presently underway throughout the region," said Assistant Secretary Babauta. "This is an optimal opportunity to begin integrating best practices, working with all Micronesian stakeholders, to develop conservation methods based on traditional management systems that recognize the importance of building innovative and sustainable approaches," Babauta added.

The Conservancy will work closely with regional partners to protect vital coastal fisheries for communities and develop nation-wide networks to effectively manage protected areas resilient to climate change threats.

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