| About the Micronesia Challenge | Micronesia Challenge Staff |
About Us
The Micronesia Challenge is a commitment by the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of 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. The overall goal of the Challenge is to effectively conserve at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020.
This ambitious challenge far exceeds current goals set by international conventions and treaties, which call for countries to conserve 10% of terrestrial and marine resources by 2010 and 2012 respectively. The challenge also emphasizes the need for Micronesian leaders to work together at the regional level to confront environmental and sustainable development issues.
By The Numbers:
- 6.7 million: area in square kilometers of the Pacific ocean covered by the Micronesia Challenge. The Challenge represents more than 20% of the Pacific Island region and 5% of the largest ocean in the world.
- 66: number of species in Micronesia recorded on the IUCN Red List
- 1,300: species of fish living in the waters of Micronesia
- 483: species of corals (60% of all known corals)
- 1400: species of plants (200 endemic)
- 85: species of birds (50% endemic)
- 104: number of the 218 recognized Endemic Bird Areas confined entirely to islands around the world.
- $2 billion: annual net benefits to the Pacific from coral reefs
- $800 million: benefits annually distributed across Micronesia from coral reefs
- $12 million: initial funding goal for the Micronesia Challenge ($3 million committed thus far).
The Micronesia Challenge also serves as a model for island conservation and has inspired other areas of the world into action, including:
- Grenada in the Caribbean pledged to effectively conserve 25 percent of nearshore marine and 25 percent of terrestrial resources by 2020.
- Indonesian President Susilo Bangbang Yudhoyono pledged to increase marine protected areas to 24.7 million acres from 18 million acres by 2010 and to “formalize collaboration” with his neighbor countries to protect the “Coral Triangle”, the global center of coral and marine biodiversity.
For additional detailed information on the Challenge, go to:
Contact Us:
Charlene Mersai
Regional Coordinator, Micronesia Challenge
Post Office Box 4040
Koror, Palau 96940
Phone: (680) 488-8008
Fax: (680) 488-8003
Staff & Steering Committee members
