3 December 2012: The December 2012 issue of the Micronesia Challenge Newsletter, published by the Micronesia Challenge Secretariat, provides a round-up of the key developments in each of the 11 prior monthly issues of the newsletter.

For January 2012, the round-up spotlights the handover by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of US$1 million to Palau. For February, it notes a climate change workshop held in Chunk. For March, it looks at four “Young Champions” in Palau and Guam.

The April 2012 focus is the launch of the “One Micronesia” Campaign and the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance’s “Green Gala.” For May, it is the Micronesians in Island Conservation (MIC) 15th retreat, and for June, it is the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) workshop to craft a communications plans for Yap.

For July 2012, the round-up issue looks at the Humatak Community Foundation’s Coral Reef Ambassador Program in Guam, while for August, it examines the Challenge’s first ever Socioeconomic Measures Workshop in Palau. For September, it points to the Pacific Islands Managed and Protected Areas Community (PIMPAC) meeting held in Hawaii, US to discuss enforcement and compliance approaches.

For October 2012, the round-up spotlights a Challenge outreach effort in Pohnpei, while for November, it looks at school visits by the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO).

The Micronesia Challenge (MC), a commitment by Guam, FSM, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Marianas Islands and Palau, aims to conserve at least 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020, exceeding the goals set by current international conventions and treaties. [Publication: Micronesia Challenge Newsletter, Vol. 13]