Equip rangers to save coral reefs in Micronesia

Coral reefs face multiple global and local threats.  By removing local stressors such as over-fishing and pollution, we give coral reefs a fighting chance. Apprehending poachers and preventing illegal fishing is a key responsibility for Conservation Officers (rangers) in Micronesia. Your donation made it possible for us to equip these heroes!

The traditional chiefs and chief Community Conservation Officers (aka rangers) made these videos to personally thank you for supporting their efforts to protect their coral reefs.  Watch their videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoZnyJfodzM&t=33s

In October 2020, two new communities in Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia) entered into a partnership with OneReef. Now, we are working to provide them with the same surveillance equipment that we sent to our existing 4 partner communities with your help. The Conservation Officers from these two new communities were trained in the use of this equipment when we held the training for the other 4 communities in October, 2020. So they will be ready to hit the ground running once we can raise the funds to send them the equipment.

We are constantly impressed and inspired by the dedication of the Community Conservation Officers in Pohnpei, especially since they do not get paid for their time and effort.  They volunteer to do this risky and tiring job of patrolling and surveillance because responsible stewardship of their marine environment is in their DNA and part of their personal and community identity. By equipping and training them, we make them more effective and make their working conditions better and safer. Thank you for supporting them!

Links:

• Videos of Community Chiefs thanking supporters