The Philippines, Indonesia, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau are all characterized by precious coastal and marine ecoystems. However, many of these systems are threatened by overexploitation, environmental destruction and climate change. Within the framework of its International Climate Initiative (ICI), the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety therefore is promoting a new project in the region with 3.4 million euro.
The nature conservation organisation Rare Inc. is implementing the project in 27 marine and coastal areas based on an approach that has already proved successful in the region: The project combines public awareness campaigns and education with technical measures geared towards establishing and managing marine protected areas as well as implementing exclusive fisheries rights for local communities. Selected "Conservation Fellows" are trained by universities to work on changing the attitudes and behaviour of local comunities vis-à-vis nature and enhance their understanding of the benefits of nature conservation. Finally the project advises local partners on how to individually draw up so-called pride campaigns in their communities.
The goal is to enable local communities to independently and proactively protect their natural resources and to ensure adequate food supply through sustainable fishing practises. So far Rare's experience with such projects, launched for example in communities in the Philippines with the support of another ICI project, has been positive. The partner countries' governments wish to extend the project scope and transfer it to other regions. The new ICI project plays an important role in this context.
Island states are particularly threatened by the impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels and more frequent and intense storms. So far, ICI has supported 26 projects focussing on adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change and conservation of biodiversity in the region.