Kiwa Initiative Women’s Work Project Officially Launches Across All Four FSM States

The FSM launches are part of the regional project, “Women’s Work: Restoring Biodiverse Shallow Coastal Habitats and Connecting Their Keepers to Adapt Food Systems and Reach Food Security in Micronesia,” funded by the Kiwa Initiative and implemented across the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The four launches brought together women’s groups, municipal and state leaders, government agencies, conservation organizations, and community partners to affirm a shared commitment to implementation. Signing ceremonies formalized MCT’s partnerships with the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization, Yap Catholic High School, Tamil Resources Conservation Trust, Conservation Society of Pohnpei, and Chuuk Women’s Council. These local organizations will coordinate approved activities with participating women’s groups and communities, with project-management support from MCT and technical support from TNC.

The launches celebrated an important achievement: priorities identified by women and communities through consultations have now been translated into funded workplans, formal agreements, and locally led action. The Women’s Work Project will support the restoration and sustainable management of coastal and terrestrial ecosystems while strengthening food systems, livelihoods, women’s leadership, and community resilience to climate change.

Four State Launches Turn Community Priorities into Action

Kosrae — The FSM launch series began July 22 at the Kosrae State Administration Building in Tofol. The signing ceremony formalized the partnership between MCT and the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO) and marked the start of implementation in Kosrae. Municipal mayors, state-agency representatives, women’s groups, project partners, and community members joined the event, demonstrating broad support for locally led action across the state.

Yap — On Aug. 7, MCT, TNC, Yap Catholic High School (YCHS), and the Tamil Resources Conservation Trust (TRCT) launched the project with the Okaw, Riken, Tamil, and Luwech women’s groups at the YCHS Library. The signing ceremony recognized the groups’ leadership in shaping project priorities and confirmed the complementary roles of YCHS and TRCT in supporting community implementation. The newly elected President of the Yap Women’s Association, Ms. Arlynne S. Chugen, delivered the welcoming remarks, followed by a project overview and remarks from TNC and MCT, delivered by Mr. Winfred Mudong. Mr. Michael Weincek and Mr. Moses N. Faimau formally signed the on-granting agreements on behalf of YCHS and TRCT respectively. The launch underscored that activities will be guided by Yapese knowledge, local practices, and the priorities of participating communities.

Pohnpei — On Aug. 14, the Pohnpei launch brought together 12 women’s groups representing all five municipalities—Madolenihmw, Kitti, Sokesh, Nett, and U—along with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP), state agencies, MCT, and TNC. Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development Director Mark Kostka delivered opening remarks, followed by a project overview and remarks on behalf of MCT and TNC delivered by Winfred Mudong. The signing of the on-granting agreement formally established CSP’s role as implementing partner. CSP Executive Director Eugene Joseph closed the ceremony by reaffirming the organization’s commitment to working with all 12 groups as implementation begins.

Chuuk — The final FSM state launch was held Aug. 25 at Truk Stop in Weno. Chuuk State Senate Vice President Wisney Nakayama delivered welcome remarks, Kiwa Project Coordinator in FSM, Kriskitina Kanemoto presented the project overview, and Winfred Mudong spoke on behalf of MCT and TNC. Chuuk Women’s Council President Gracelyn Poll-Serious delivered closing and appreciation remarks. Participation by women’s groups and state partner agencies demonstrated strong local readiness and highlighted the Chuuk Women’s Council’s central role as implementing and fiscal partner.

“These launches represent more than the signing of agreements. They recognize the women and communities whose knowledge, priorities, and commitment shaped this project from the beginning,” said Winfred Mudong, regional project manager for the Kiwa Initiative Women’s Work Project at MCT. “With our implementing partners and TNC, we are moving into action—supporting locally led solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen food security and livelihoods, and build climate resilience across all four FSM states.”

Launch Trainings Prepare Partners to Deliver Results

Practical project management trainings held after the state launches equipped implementing partners and women’s groups to turn their approved workplans into accountable action. Participants clarified who is responsible for each stage of implementation and practiced using the financial, procurement, monitoring, safeguards, documentation, and reporting tools needed to track progress and demonstrate results. Sessions on Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion reinforced that activities must remain community-driven, inclusive, and responsive to local needs.

With agreements signed and partners prepared, the project will now move into site validation, baseline documentation, procurement, and the start of approved community activities. MCT will provide project and grant oversight, while TNC will provide technical support for Nature-based Solutions, monitoring, learning, and knowledge sharing. Together, the partners will help ensure that community priorities lead to measurable improvements for ecosystems, food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Women are not only beneficiaries; they are leading the identification and implementation of locally appropriate solutions!