KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM — August 2, 2024 — The Pohnpei State Government proudly announces the graduation and completion of training for 18 Reservist Conservation Officers at the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). This significant achievement is part of the Pohnpei Conservation Officer Reserve Program, launched on July 15, 2024, by Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, in collaboration with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) and OneReef. The success of this initiative acknowledged the support of WildAid, Micronesia Conservation Trust, The Nature Conservancy, PIMPAC, and other partners that supported Pohnpei’s environment management and critical wildlife conservation efforts.
The 18 officers began their intensive training three weeks ago, under the guidance of both local instructors and instructors from the Guam Police Department. Their training focused on firearms proficiency, law enforcement, and policing principles and tactics. These newly trained officers are now equipped to support the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) within the Department of Public Safety (DPS), ensuring swift responses and a robust Community Conservation Officers (CCO) collaboration to address challenges within the Pohnpei Protected Areas Network.
Governor Stevenson A. Joseph could not attend the graduation ceremony due to a state visit to the Southern Islands of Kapingamarangi, Nukuoro, and Sapwaufik. However, he did attend the opening ceremony of this training program which he expressed confidence in the program’s potential to enhance the State’s resource management for the long-term sustainability of the resources for the present and future generations.
This program, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to bolster the state’s conservation efforts through capacity building and a community-driven approach to enforcing conservation laws. The initiative includes funding from OneReef and the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, which covers the costs of training, gear, uniforms, and the establishment of a Reserve Fund to support the officers.
The Pohnpei Conservation Officer Reserve Program exemplifies a strong partnership among CSP, DPS, DFW, CCO network, Municipal Governments, and the Pohnpei State Government, fostering collaboration for managing and conserving Pohnpei’s natural environment. During the signing ceremony for the MOU, Governor Joseph expressed confidence in the program’s potential to enhance resource management for the long-term sustainability of the state’s resources.
The Pohnpei State Attorney General’s Office played a pivotal role in drafting the MOU, which was signed by Governor Joseph, Acting Director Ricky Rodriguez of the Department of Public Safety, and Mr. Eugene Joseph of the Conservation Society of Pohnpei.
As these 18 officers join the ranks of Pohnpei’s conservation efforts, the state looks forward to their contributions to preserving and protecting its invaluable natural resources for present and future generations.
The Pohnpei Conservation Officer Reserve Program was launched to enhance the enforcement of conservation laws and improve resource management in Pohnpei. This collaborative initiative involves the Pohnpei State Government, the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, OneReef, and the Department of Public Safety. Special thanks to Lead Instructor Deputy Chief of Police, Bronson Martin and Instructors Lt. Taylor Andon and Antonio Mallarme Jr.
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