International 
Advancing The Micronesia Challenge through new protected areas
As of: April 2021
The project supported efforts to implement the “Micronesia Challenge” by designating protected areas. Island states such as the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia face particularly dire threats from the impacts of climate change. In 2006, the presidents of these three nations signed the ‘Micronesia Challenge’ with the goal of conserving 30% of near-shore coastal waters and 20% of their land area by the year 2020. For this purpose project partners identified target areas for conservation measures, implemented these measures and committed to sustainable, socio-economic development in the region.
State of implementation/results
- Project completed
- Adaptation to rising sea levels: a management plan based on ecotourism has been developed for the Yela Swamp Forest with the relevant stakeholders
- Protection of coastal zones: measures to increase resilience have been integrated into the management plans of six coral reefs in Palau
- Water-saving measures: seven of the ten states of Babeldaob (Palau) have signed the Babeldaob Watershed Agreement
- Management of invasive species: stakeholders drawn from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau have been trained in the design and implementation of projects to combat invasive plant species
Project data
- Country:
- Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau
- Implementing organisation:
- The Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT)
- Political partner(s):
- Babeldaob Watershed Alliance
- Marine Resources Authority - Marshall Islands
- Palau Conservation Society
- Implementing partner(s):
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) - Indonesia
- BMU grant:
- 1.551.738,97 €
- Duration:
- 12/2008 till 12/2010
- Website(s):
