MICRONESIA CONSERVATION TRUST

Welcome to the

Micronesia Conservation Trust

The Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) is a regional organization chartered under Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) laws to support biodiversity conservation and related sustainable development for the people of Micronesia.

We are the only Micronesia-based organization set up to provide long-term, sustained funding to community-based organizations and other non-governmental organizations through a grants program.

MCT is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of seven regional and two international members. The Trustees' expertise range from financial management and investment, conservation, law to community development and policy. Pew Fellow Willy Kostka, Executive Director of MCT, and his dedicated staff ensure the day to day running and long-term development of MCT.

MCT also provides a forum for bringing together people from national, state, and local governments with private enterprises and organizations to address the challenges facing natural resource management in Micronesia. Toward this we strive to form public-private partnerships in order to share experiences and best practices.

MCT is headquartered in the state of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Micronesia Challenge

In 2006, Micronesian leaders of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and the U.S. territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands outlined a substantial environmental plan which seeks to protect 30 percent near-shore marine and 20 percent terrestrial resources by 2020. In total, the area the Micronesia Challenge would protect works out to almost 200,000 hectares, or twice the size of Portugal. This exciting project has gained international recognition and, as recently as December 2006, has been pledged over $6 million USD in support. MCT will serve as the financial mechanism for this Endowment Fund, distributing the revenues from the fund according to the priorities and program decisions of the five entities participating.

MCT has also recruited a group of talented and dynamic Micronesia youths to assist with the implementation of on-the-ground public outreach activities. We call these young people Environmental Champions.