Island nations with jurisdiction over 2.6 million square miles of ocean (about 2/3 the size of the continental United States) have committed to conserve the vast marine and terrestrial resources that have sustained their island peoples and cultures. In support of their innovative regional approach, we are helping to develop a model for collaborative, cost-effective conservation that enhances the prospects for long term self-sufficiency of islands worldwide.
With a relatively small investment targeted at building the capacity of partners, we are strengthening conservation at sites (currently more than 100) managed by local governments, communities and organizations. We also work at the highest levels to build institutional and financial systems to sustain these collective efforts and ensure they are supported by public policy locally, regionally and globally.
Integrated Ocean Management: We help partners apply the latest innovations in science, protected area design, and policy and legal frameworks to protect their coral reefs, watersheds and coastlines. We provide technical support for integrated land-use planning and management to maintain the values of protected areas, restore watersheds, minimize threats to fisheries and mitigate impacts of climate change.
Broadening the Constituency: We have helped establish several regional peer learning networks as a means to strengthen a cadre of conservation leaders, practitioners and young champions. They, in turn, have created a full social movement and the political will for long-term conservation. We support the independent One Micronesia Campaign, an effort to raise awareness, funds and support from Micronesians, corporations and a growing online community.
Valuing Nature: We use the Conservancy’s financial expertise to help partners develop or adapt financial instruments to fund conservation in the long term. We help partners identify and craft legislation to secure recurrent sources of funding - such as ‘green’ fees, payment for ecosystem services or license fees from industry - and provide support for implementation of the Regional Sustainable Finance Plan.
