April 2012: The April 2012 issue of the “Micronesia Challenge Newsletter,” published by the Micronesia Challenge Secretariat, features articles on the outcomes of the 17th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit (MCES) and the launch of the One Micronesian Campaign.

According to the Micronesia Challenge Secretariat, the 17th MCES adopted two resolutions to boost the efforts of the Micronesian Challenge. These included: Resolution 17-02 “urging the members of the MCES to endorse and support implementation of the Sustainable Finance Plan for the Micronesia Challenge in each jurisdiction in order to ensure the long term sustainable funding for environmental conservation in the Micronesia region;” and Resolution 17-03 urging MCES member jurisdictions “to collaborate with local scientists, community members, educators, leaders and decision-makers to place climate change issues at the forefront of coral reef management through efforts to decrease global contributions to emissions” through policies, regulations, legislation, assessment and by building resilience in the community and the ecosystem.

The newsletter also includes information on the recently-launched One Micronesia Campaign, which involves a region-wide awareness and fundraising effort. The Campaign aims to reach a larger audience including visitors to Micronesia (both on-the-ground and online), as well as Micronesian residents themselves.

The Micronesia Challenge is a commitment by the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands to preserve the natural resources that are crucial to the survival of Pacific traditions, cultures and livelihoods. [Publication: Micronesian Challenge April 2012 Newsletter]