A Message to My PEERS

Yapese Students COM Founding Day

We the youths of Micronesia often say that our home islands are nothing but a dead end. That nothing ever happens and that our customs and traditions are a thing of the past. We crave technology, foreign ideals, and a new way of life; and so with that mentality a great deal of us youth often travel abroad to pursue a higher education and a better life, with a set decision never to come back. And some that stay behind often feel that they are missing out on something super fun happening out there... maybe... maybe not.

My first Dive

A GOOD CATCH

Typical Yap Sunset

Having been the Micronesia Challenge Young Champions Intern for Yap State and my current involvement with the Nimpal Channel MCA has given me a better understanding and exposed me to the different aspects of Conservation work, and the opportunities are practically unlimited for our island home. There is a whole bunch of work that needs to be done. Who is going to do it? We are, the youth of Micronesia. To reach our goals of the delicate balance of sustainability and conservation, it requires us the next generations to take an interest and pursue these challenges through our education and eventually our career paths; hence, taking everything to the next level of sustainable development that is good for our home islands. My point is not necessarily for everyone to pursue a career in conservation works, but too pursue "good" development in Micronesia as a whole. We have the potential to grow and be better than what we already are at a pace and scale that is appropriate and nurturing of our beautiful islands.

It was a perfect day for the folks from Chuuk Conservation Society and The Department of Marine Resources. The sun was shining and the ocean was smooth and calm. It was a good day to dive! The Coral Reef Monitoring program first started out in 2008 with training held by people from Palau International Coral Reef Center and The Pacific Marine Resources Institute. When the training ended, Coral Reef Monitoring started here in Chuuk. Today, it is still and ongoing project. The purpose of this project is for management and legislation, also for communities or resource owners who want to start a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The amazing part of these monitors is getting a first hand knowledge of the aquatic life and how they work with one another to survive the dangers of the changes that constantly appear. It takes a person to experience going underwater to really know the wonders of our very own ocean!

Watching this really made me think about what we can do for our islands. I know conservation is at a slow pace here, but they do say, "Slow and steady wins the race," right? Conservation is still so new to us, but with the progress we've had so far, things are looking pretty bright. Seeing this video made me realize that if they can do it, we can definitely do it too!



/s/ Kris