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Interior grants $650K to combat threats to coral reefs
WASHINGTON , D.C.—Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia’aina approved nearly $650,000 in initial grant assistance provided under the Coral Reef Initiative program in the Office of Insular Affairs to fund several efforts to reduce threats and improve management of coral reefs in the U.S. insular areas.
The goal of the CRI program is to improve the health of coral reefs and marine resources in the nation’s island territories and Freely Associated States for their long-term economic and social benefit. The funded projects will build capacity, public education and awareness for coral reef protection in the U.S. insular areas
“Coral reef resources are under threat from a variety of stresses, including sedimentation, poor water quality, over-harvesting, coastal development and climate change,” said Kia’aina. “It is important to build capacity by training high school and college students interested in coral reef protection and management and increasing education and awareness for the general public. These grants will help achieve these objectives while addressing local threats and improving the overall health of coral reefs that that are critical to the livelihoods of island communities.”
Micronesia Conservation Trust will receive $175,000 to implement the goals of the 2013 -2016 Strategic Action Plan of the Pacific Islands Managed and Protected Areas Community. Activities include implementing priority actions for addressing vulnerability and adaption to climate change; conducting on-the-ground, community-based conservation projects; and training youth in marine resource management.
Other projects outside of FSM that will receive funding include American Samoa, Guam, CNMI, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (U.S. Embassy Kolonia)
