Partnerships

Epinup conservation project is a collaborative effort between the people of the village of Epinup with a number of partners including individuals, offices, schools, communities, and organizations. It was obvious to the people in Epinup that to succeed in the conservation project, it would have to be rooted in the village leadership who represent a cross section of the community.

The grassroots support began to filter through to some of the leading local conservation experts including Ms. Mary Rose Nakayama from the RARE Project at College of Micronesia - Chuuk Campus. Through that connection, the conservation initiative partnered with Seacology through Oliver Wortel. Mary Rose Nakayama then contacted the leadership at her alma mater Xavier High School to serve as the grant administration. Through several months of discussions and planning, the partnership formalized and Phase I of the project began. Some of the partners include:

EPINUP COMMUNITY COUNCIL LEADERS

It was imperative from the start of the project for the community to be completely supportive of the conservation efforts. Led by Reverend Tai Ichin & Mr. Sander Flaisek both of whom are leaders in the community, the Epinup Community Council makes all the village decisions on the placement of the water tanks, work schedule, and ensure equity and fairness in the community. >For a complete list of the Epinup Community Council Members

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES - Chuuk State

Using existing resources to support the conservation efforts was important to the planners. Understanding that the Department of Marine Resources already hire, train and coordinate a workforce of Marine Protection Officers, it was important to get the support of its director Mr. Romio Osiena to oversee the hiring and training of Epinup-based officers and community leaders to patrol the mangrove protected area when it is implemented.

COLLEGE OF MICRONESIA

The College of Micronesia has the academic and advisory resources that are valuable to the proper planning, implentation, and coordination of the project. From the very beginning Ms. Mary Rose Nakayama from the College has already been leading conservation efforts in Chuuk. Having her expertise and her grassroots organizing skills placed the project on a professional level. (www.comfsm.fm)

XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

The Project required a reliable, trustworthy, and respectable organization to administer the grant funding that is neutral, non-governmental, and community-based. Xavier High School was identified and approached to take the responsibility of generating a reliable fiscal management procedure for the funds. Fr. Arthur Leger, S.J.,the Director of Xavier High School agreed to utilize the existing accounting system of purchase orders and vendor payment option for the $30,000 grant. (www.xaviermicronesia.org)

SEACOLOGY

Seacology ultimately provided the much needed funding through the generous support of Nu Skin Enterprises’ Force For Good Foundation and the Moore Foundation. The Micronesian Field Representative of Seacology at the time Olivier Wortel masterminded the timely completion of grant application and the necessary documentation for the funding. (www.seacology.org). Simon Ellis, Executive Director of Marine and Environment Research Institute of Pohnpei...P.O Box 2031 Kolonia, Pohnpei 96941, eellis@mail.fm is now the Micronesian Field Representative for Seacology.

RARE CONSERVATION

Rare Conservation has provided Mary Rose Nakayama the funding and training necessary to lead the conservation initiative. Participating in the Rare Pride campaign, the Epinup Mangrove Conservation Project focuses on the creation of a strong grassroots organization for protecting the natural resources in the village and the State of Chuuk. (www.rareconservation.org)

ATAWE DESIGN - Island Needs, Global Resources

Atawe Design, Inc. is a home-based web design company that focuses on helping to bring global resources to Pacific island non-profit organizations and small companies. Founded by Vidalino Staley Raatior, former assistant director at Xavier High School and member of the initial Epinup Project planning team, Atawe Design is inspired by the Chuukese spirit of atawe which means "to help and empower others in need." (www.atawedesign.com)