MiCOAST: In Pohnpei, Micronesia, Fishers involved in an awareness session on Sustainable Marine Resource Management

On 18 February, an awareness session brought together fishers, community representatives and local authorities at the Sokehs Council Chamber to discuss the boundaries of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and current fishing regulations. This initiative, supported by the Kiwa Initiative’s regional MiCOAST project, enabled open and constructive dialogue on sustainable marine resource management.

Organised by the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, with the support of the Sokehs Municipal Government, the event aimed to improve understanding of fishing rules while giving fishers the opportunity to voice their concerns, share traditional knowledge, and actively participate in local decision-making. This type of initiative directly contributes to enhancing fishers’ knowledge, protecting their livelihoods, valuing traditional practices, preserving marine ecosystems, and ensuring viable resources for future generations.

The awareness session is part of a Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) course delivered by the University of the South Pacific, with the support of the SPC Coastal Fisheries Programme and the PEUMP Programme.