High Level Support Shown For FSM Plastics Repurposing Initiative

A plastics repurposing training, held in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from 27-29 April, greatly benefitted from the support of the honorable First Lady, Ms. Patricia Edwin.

Through the FSM Division of Tourism, the workshop attracted 24 participants some of whom included girl scouts groups, representatives from the indigenous women’s council and children with special needs.

While opening the workshop, Ms. Edwin acknowledged the potential for tourism growth in the country, saying:
“Tourism is not a major industry for our country. However, the Government continues to recognize the potential opportunities which FSM can benefit from if tourism is developed with sustainability and community benefits at the center”

The training was made possible through a collaboration between the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), under the Small Island States (SIS) Attachment Programme.

FSM is the fifth country to benefit from the Pacific Tourism Waste Action Initiative (PTWAI), which is a collaborative effort between SPTO and Fiji based artisan, Mr. Warwick Marlow. With a strong community engagement component the initiative incorporates both traditional and scientific knowledge to contribute to marine conservation whilst simultaneously creating sustainable livelihoods for tourism reliant communities.

Accompanied by Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima and Ms. Chery Berkendine from the US Embassy, the First Lady also attended the closing of the event which included an exhibition of the crafts made by the participants.

For more information on this initiative, please contact sustainable@spto.org

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