NOAA Grant

The MPA is pleased to announce its receipt of a grant from the U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Conservation Program, to be used for a comprehensive managment effectiveness study. This study will be conducted using the NOAA, World Wildlife Fund and International Conservation Union's publication, "How Is Your MPA Doing?"

The grant allows the MPA to hire paid staff to assist MPA volunteers in conducting the study. A weeklong kickoff workshop on marine management was held in Unakap Village, Nguna, from June 5-9, 2006.

Travel funds were also provided for Nicholas Michael, Dore Tamara and Kalmet Willie of Taloa Village to attend the first International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC1) in Geelong, Australia, in October 2005. IMPAC1 was a highly successful conference with over 800 participants from 80 countries. The week provided an opportunity to learn and share with other MPA staff from around the world.

Participants at the MPA NOAA Management Workshop