PALIKIR, Pohnpei – In a landmark step toward sustainable ocean management, H.E. President Wesley Simina, T.H. Governor Stevenson Joseph, and Mr. Ted Waitt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the State of Pohnpei to support the Blue Prosperity Micronesia program. The signing took place on the margins of the recent State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) on December 11, 2024.
This new MOU initiates the development of a legally-binding Marine Spatial Plan for Pohnpei’s waters from 0–12 nautical miles. The plan will leverage scientific data and local input to create strategies for sustainable ocean management. The process will be led by Pohnpei State, with technical support from the Waitt Institute, and will include extensive consultations with local communities to ensure the plan reflects the needs of the people of Pohnpei. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to Marine Spatial Planning, advancing FSM’s Blue Economy, strengthening sustainable fisheries, and protecting 30% of the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Blue Prosperity Micronesia program will align with and complement Pohnpei’s history of ocean stewardship and existing sustainable ocean management efforts. The program also builds upon FSM’s existing marine protection commitments, including supporting the regional goals of the Micronesia Challenge.
President Simina emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “The Simina-Palik Administration is deeply committed to meeting the aims of Blue Prosperity Micronesia. We are extremely pleased that Pohnpei State is also dedicated to meeting BPM’s objectives. National and state-level collaboration is essential to achieve a better future for all of FSM, and we look forward to achieving these goals together.”
Pohnpei joins Kosrae, Yap and Chuuk states, who have also signed MOUs to endorse and implement the BPM program. Governor Stevenson Joseph said, “The State of Pohnpei is proud to honor our shared commitments to protect the FSM’s marine resources, both at the state and the national level. The development of a Marine Spatial Plan that takes into account Pohnpei’s unique features will allow our government and our people to sustainably manage our resources for generations to come.”
In 2019, the Government of the FSM signed an MOU to create Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM), a government-led partnership with the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) and the Blue Prosperity Coalition to support the sustainable growth of marine resources in the FSM, optimize ocean uses, protect 30% of FSM’s waters, strengthen fisheries management, and support the development of marine industries.
Ted Waitt, Founder & Chairman of the Waitt Institute and Waitt Foundation, praised FSM’s leadership: “The FSM’s dedication to sustainable ocean management at both the national and state level is inspiring. The Blue Prosperity Coalition is honored to support Pohnpei in achieving its ocean management goals and preserving its cultural heritage.”
About Blue Prosperity Micronesia:
Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) is a program to support the sustainable growth of marine resources in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). This program is government-led, with the goal to optimize ocean uses, protect 30% of FSM’s waters, strengthen fisheries management, and support the development of marine industries.
BPM brings a holistic approach based on best available science and stakeholder participation to build a healthier marine environment that will benefit future generations. Since launching in July 2019, BPM has made significant strides towards better management of FSM’s ocean for increased ocean health, food security, economic opportunity and climate change resilience. To learn more about Blue Prosperity Micronesia, please visit https://www.blueprosperitymicronesia.org/.
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