MCT Past Projects: The Packard Foundation
Capacity Building for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Funding Level 2006-2008: $200,000
This project supported the management of key marine sites and the development of capacity in targeted FSM NGOs to conduct conservation work. Two major elements include:
- Management of priority marine sites: MCT assisted each of the selected NGOs with the development of and funding for one two-year project to implement in marine areas prioritized in the FSM National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the Blueprint for the Conservation of the Biodiversity of the FSM. Rather than opening the grants to the general public, MCT worked closely with the Technical Committee to assist the selected NGOs in designing these projects. Once the Technical Committee, Board of Directors and target NGO's agree on the design, budget and workplan for the project, the NGOs assumed responsibility for implementing the project activities in close collaboration with the communities at the ABSs and with technical assistance and advice available locally.
- Capacity-building: The Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO), the Chuuk Conservation Society (CCS) and the Yap Community Action Program (YapCAP) were the target organizations for the Capacity-building portion of this project. By working closely with the MCT Technical Committee, Grants Program staff and other technical assistants and resources in developing and implementing these conservation projects, the NGOs improved their organizational capacity as well as the technical knowledge of their personnel.
This project resulted in the establishment and initial implementation phases for three MPAs; one each in Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap. The management and staff of KCO, CCS and YapCAP now have the technical knowledge and expertise to implement management plans and conduct conservation projects in conjunction with the communities adjacent to the MPAs.
Capacity Building for MPAs in Action
(Photos coming soon...)
Funded Projects
Conservation Area Management for the Wichep-Epinup-Peitew-Nukanap Marine ABS, Chuuk State
The Epinup MPA project was geared toward establishing a marine protected area for the village of Epinup. The site is listed as an Area of Biodiversity Significance (ABS) for its lush mangrove forests and diverse coastal marine ecosystems. CCS worked closely with the Epinup community over the course of the project to develop a management plan for the MPA site with the overall project goal of developing "self-sufficient communities and partners within the Wichap-Epinup-Peitiw-Nukanap (WEPN) ABS that are equipped with excellent capacity skills and actively taking measures in managing their own natural resources through effective implementation of sound management plans."
The other component of this project focused on building the capacity of CCS with a focus on financial management training needs. In June of 2008, the MCT Finance Officer and the CEPP Program Officer made a one-week trip to Chuuk to assist the Chuuk Conservation Society with the development and implementation of its Financial and Administrative Management systems. The MCT staff assisted, CCS' first and newly recruited Executive Director with the development of a budgeting process and implementation of accounting standards and provided training on fundamental organizational and administrative procedures.
Other Funded Projects
- Building KCSO's Organizational Capacity to Effectively Manage MPAs in Kosrae
- Building the capacity of Yap CAP's Environment Division to Assist with and Effectively Manage the Nimpal Channel Marine Conservation Area
