Six Ocean Innovators Selected for Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship

Six ocean entrepreneurs and innovators in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have been selected for the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship. Over the next year, with support from Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance the selected fellows will develop projects that will benefit local economies and contribute to a healthy and sustainable future for FSM. The fellowship provides mentorship, resources, and global exposure to help scale these initiatives for a more sustainable future in FSM.

The selected projects include:

Carlos (Douglas) Kusto, a member of the U Katengen MoaroSed community organization with extensive experience in natural resource management, will work to expand a pilot clam farm project in Awak Pah’s nearshore areas. The expansion aims to revive local clam stocks to generate community income and promote food security.

Russell Figueras, Principal of Our Lady of Catholic Mercy School in Pohnpei, alongside Environmental Science teacher Pearcylita Cubacub, will engage students in transforming recyclable waste into products and preparing locally-sourced food items for sale, with proceeds supporting school activities. The project includes collecting and repurposing waste, such as tires, into local products to instill entrepreneurial skills and environmental responsibility in students.

Yamado Melander, a Kosrae State Senator, will establish clam farms in Utwe to restore clam populations, clean coral reefs, boost local income, and promote sustainable coastal management. He has previously worked in fishing, farming and clam aquaculture at the Utwe Biosphere Reserve.

Krystle Melander, a Kosrae native and board member of the Utwe Youth Group, will implement dual farming of Kosraean mud crabs and srohsrohl to combat overharvesting of the mud crabs and create a sustainable food source for the community. She will work with the state legislature to make them aware of ways to improve mud crab conservation and promote sustainable aquafarming practices in Kosrae.

Jason Reiong will lead efforts to preserve and responsibly harvest sea cucumber in Sapuk, Weno, Chuuk by establishing a farm with the village chief Berencher Wainis. The project will start with an environmental assessment and community workshops to enroll stakeholders and educate them about sea cucumber farming and how it can preserve local reefs and marine resources while utilizing traditional practices and bring economic benefits for the community.

Allois Malfitani is the founder of Pohnpei Surf and Dive Club, a sustainable tourism business operating in Pohnpei for twenty years. Allois centers his business around environmental sustainability, and performs regular cleanups on reefs, beaches and tourist-trafficked areas, which he documents and shares on social media. This grant supports Allois in developing a campaign highlighting how responsible exploration of the jewels of Pohnpei—like reefs and ancient ruins like Nan Madol—preserve marine life and provide sustainable livelihoods. To augment the impact of this year-long campaign and expand FSM tourism into new markets, Allois will attend a large international dive trade show and upgrade their website.

Over the next year, these projects will receive:

• A grant to support project implementation

• Virtual training workshops

• Mentorship opportunities facilitated by SOA’s global network, including leaders in business, technology, finance, and more

The Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship is a partnership between Blue Prosperity Micronesia and Sustainable Ocean Alliance to support entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses in the FSM advancing ocean health, community livelihoods, and sustainable economic growth.

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About Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM)

Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) is a program to support the sustainable growth of marine resources in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). This program is government-led, with the goal to optimize ocean uses, protect 30% of FSM’s waters, strengthen fisheries management, and support the development of marine industries.

About Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA)

Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to activating young people, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and mobilizing a global movement of ocean allies to restore the health of the ocean.

Founded in 2014, SOA has developed the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders, ecopreneurs, and advocates, all committed to solving the greatest threats facing our ocean. To date, the organization has accelerated over 470+ ocean-based solutions, including for-profit startups and community-led nonprofit projects worldwide.

SOA is proud to provide grant support as well as tailored coaching to Fellowship participants to help them build capacity and advance their sustainable blue economy initiatives.

Learn more about the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellows at www.blueprosperitymicronesia.org/fellows.