Nett, Pohnpei, FSM : November 26, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph addressed dignitaries including H.E. Nobuo Kagomiya Japanese Ambassador to FSM and Vincent Mut-Tracy, U.S. Embassy Charge’ d’affaires, local chief executives, and community members at Nett Point, marking the launch of a specialized sea cucumber training program. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the College of Micronesia (COM) Land Grant program—a U.S.-funded institution—and Japanese trainer Masaya Miyazaki, facilitated through the Embassy of Japan in Pohnpei.
In his remarks, Governor Joseph reflected on his childhood memories of Pohnpei’s once-abundant sea cucumber population. “I remember stepping on sea cucumbers as I walked the shores, and we could easily fill 50-pound rice bags with our harvest,” he said. “But today, in the same area, I see only one or two every couple of feet.”
Governor Joseph applauded the program’s focus on restocking sea cucumber populations, emphasizing that such scientific and community-driven initiatives are essential for sustainable resource management. He said that training like this gives us hope to restore what we’ve lost and strengthen our natural resources for future generations. He thanked the organizers for adopting a “train-the-trainer” approach, which empowers participants to share their newfound knowledge within their communities.
Quoting the proverb, “Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” Governor Joseph highlighted the importance of self-reliance. He urged development partners to support Pohnpei’s economic growth in a way that aligns with local traditions and environmental stewardship. “We don’t just want handouts; we want to build a stronger economy that reflects who we are as Pohnpeians,” he said.
The Governor commended the COM Land Grant program for its innovative work over the years, which has consistently provided solutions for sustainable economic development in the FSM. He also encouraged the trainers to use their expertise to create a ripple effect across their communities, benefiting not only Pohnpei State but the nation as a whole. Governor Joseph expects the sea cucumber training initiative to:
Restock depleted sea cucumber populations.
Provide an additional source of food security for local communities.
Offer opportunities for supplemental income through sustainable harvesting practices.
Governor Joseph concluded his remarks with a message of unity and progress, noting that by working together and combining traditional wisdom with modern science, we can ensure a better future for Pohnpei.