Alii, Hafa Adai, Tirow, Mogethin, Ranannim, Kaselehlia, Lenwo, Iokwe

  • The MC was a groundbreaking and innovative initiative that led the world in the development of region-wide conservation commitments and sparked similar initiatives throughout the world.

  • Conservative estimates show that overall the MC raised or leveraged over $82M for conservation efforts in the region between 2006 and 2020.

  • All jurisdictions increased the number of areas placed under conservation in some form or another (e.g., through traditional approaches, legal mechanisms, or addressing watershed issues to conserve marine areas effectively).

  • Commitment to the MC was sustained over 17 political transitions of Chief Executives after the initial signing in 2006, and gave Micronesia a greater voice in discussions/negotiations during events at big international meetings.

  • The

    OUR VISION

    We envision a thriving, sustainable, and resilient Micronesia by fostering innovation and responsible stewardship, ensuring a brighter future for our region and its people.

  • Micronesia Challenge photograph of the Republic of Palau rock islands.

    OUR MISSION

    We commit to effectively managing resources, supporting traditional livelihoods, and empowering resilient communities through responsible practices and sustainable financing.

  • OUR VALUES

    OUR VALUES

    Unifying Micronesia through environmental initiatives.

    Blending traditional stewardship methods with modern science.

    Building our next generation of conservation leadership.

Our Challenge

The Micronesia Challenge stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and conservation. A groundbreaking commitment by the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Guam, and the Northern Marianas Islands, this collaborative initiative strives to safeguard the region's unparalleled biodiversity and ecological integrity.

The Micronesia Challenge was initiated in 2006 with the aim of conserving a minimum of 30% of nearshore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources in the vast expanse of islands. Covering an area of over 2.5 million square miles, this initiative is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and heritage of the region.

Micronesia Challenge 2030

As we venture beyond the initial milestones, our new challenge expands our reach to effectively manage 30% terrestrial and 50% marine resources.

Our new targets also include Micronesia's climate change efforts, reducing invasive species, increasing sustainable livelihoods, and incorporating management approaches to fisheries.

Join the Challenge,

Be a Success Story.

Most Recent

The Global Environment Fund International Waters (GEF IW) experience notes highlight outputs, case studies, presentations, etc. from specific projects. This month the GEF highlighted the MC 2030 project “Strengthening and Enabling the Micronesia Challenge 2030” through two experience notes “Lessons from the Micronesia Challenge 2030: Using a science-to-management approach for effective protected areas” and “Lessons from the Micronesia Challenge 2030: Reimaanlok, A National Framework for Locally-led Conservation”

Experience Notes from the GEF 7 International Waters

The MC notes are now posted and available on the GEF's learning exchange website!