Program Updates from Pohnpei

Pohnpei TASIK Update: March 2024

The Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) and PREL have been long-time partners in providing education programs and activities that encourage youth advocacy and self-efficacy in communities.  

Last summer, from July 24-28, 2023, CSP and PREL implemented a summer program for youth at the Lukop Elementary School campus, hosted by the Nanwap MPA Community Conservation Officers and the Lien Wehi Association, along with members of five neighboring communities collectively known as MLMDA (Mesihsou, Lukop, Metipw, Dolopwail, and Aparahk) Organization. The summer program gathered over 20 youths from Kitti and the surrounding Madolenihmw communities. The program entailed morning presentations by partner NGOs, as well as State and National partners in environmental conservation, research, and education such as the FSM R&D’s UNDP GEF Invasive Species Project, State Departments of Education, Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, Micronesia Conservation Trust, OneReef Micronesia, MERIP (Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei), and SPC. The afternoons and evenings were for learning from local elders and hands-on demonstrations surrounding indigenous conservation, preservation, and protection of natural resources. The program held storytelling events of the surrounding areas, especially pertaining to the Nanwap Marine Protected Area (MPA). The youths were given the opportunity to learn the practice of preparing fibers to make ropes used for making fishing nets, an art most Pohnpeians have forgotten or never had the chance to learn. They were also taught several weaving styles for making different types of food baskets and fishing hats. Lastly, they were taken out to the Nanwap MPA to see firsthand the methods and techniques employed in preserving the marine resources in the MPA. In all the presentations, stories, and activities, the youths were consistently asked to observe and listen to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics (STEAM) elements that were involved or mentioned.   

To build on the TASIK research and lessons learned during the summer program, we hope to work with more youths, incorporating some from U and Sokehs municipalities as part of CSP’s new project that will be focusing on anti-littering campaigns and activities. Following the conservation mantra, “ahi mour, ahi pwukoah” (my life, my responsibility), the project hopes to recruit and educate youths in leading activities to increase citizens’ awareness and strengthen the Pohnpei State’s Litter Abatement legislation. We will continue to weave the TASIK research into CSP’s work, asking the question, “to what extent does youth’ participation in STEAM-based storytelling and story exploration lead to increases in these youths’ engagement and interest in STEAM and self-efficacy over time?”