ABOUT
BLUE PROSPERITY MICRONESIA
Blue Prosperity Micronesia is a partnership between the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Micronesia Conservation Trust and the Blue Prosperity Coalition. National and State governments lead with strategic decision-making and technical guidance. The Micronesia Conservation Trust provides
implementation support to government and international partners. The Blue Prosperity Coalition brings
funding and technical expertise.
PROGRAM
GOVERNANCE
Blue Prosperity Micronesia is implemented through a National Task Force. Member agencies include:
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Department of Resources & Development (Chair)
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National Oceanic Resource Management Authority
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Department of Finance
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Department of Justice
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Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECCEM)
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Department of Foreign Affairs
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Office of National Archive, Culture and Historic Preservation
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Chuuk State Department of Marine Resources
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Kosrate State Department of Resources & Economic Affairs
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Pohnpei State Department of Resources & Development
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Yap State Department of Resources & Development
BLUE PROSPERITY
PARTNERS
BLUE PROSPERITY MICRONESIA
TEAM
Shawn Walter
Technical Coordinator
A recent alumnus of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, Shawn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Science. Upon completing his studies, he returned to his homeland with a commitment to contribute and serve his country. Shawn has garnered valuable experience through internships with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei and the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority, providing him with insights into both conservation and resource management. Additionally, he served as the Pohnpei State Food Security and Livelihood Coordinator for the GCF Food Security Project.
Dr. Nicole Yamase
Science Advisor
Dr. Nicole Yamase is from the islands of Pohnpei and Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia. She has a B.S. in Environmental Studies and B.A. in Biology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. She recently obtained her Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
In March 2021, Dr. Yamase became the first Pacific Islander and fourth woman to reach the world’s deepest part of the ocean, Challenger Deep, in the Marianas Trench. She hopes her love for the ocean and expedition will inspire young Pacific Islanders and other minority students to pursue STEM fields. As a passionate advocate for education and her local community, she is the program leader for The Madau Project. This project focuses on reconnecting Micronesian high school students in Hawaiʻi to their navigational heritage through canoe activities, community service opportunities, and educational workshops.