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FSM Environment Conference Concluded in Yap

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): April 20, 2011 - The 3^rd National Environment Conference has concluded today with the signing of a resolution by the Directors of EPA and KIRMA requesting representatives and leaders of the FSM to fully achieve sustainable access to safe drinking water and dependable supplies of drinking water to the people of the FSM. Many issues were discussed over the five-day Conference and resulted in adoption of recommendations calling for revitalization of efforts, enactment of laws, better coordination and partnerships,

The Conference was held Yap from April 11-15, 20011, is held every two years and assembles all environment officials from the National Government and the f states along with relevant partner agencies, NGOs, regional organizations, and international and local partners.

The objectives of the conference under the theme of "Bridging the Gaps for a Healthy and Sustainable Environment, include a) coordination of national and state activities related to the environment and resource management, b) review of recent developments and prioritizing of areas of intervention under the multilateral environment agreements over the next 2-4 years, and c) review and update of state's and national's environment laws and regulations.

The conference was kicked off on April 11^th, 2011 with remarks made by the Honorable Governor Sebastian Anefal and followed by Vice President Alik Alik during an opening ceremony held at the Small Business Development Center.

In his brief welcoming remarks, Governor Sebastian Anefal thanked Vice President Alik, members of the 16^th FSM Congress and Representatives from the Regional and International Partners for their continued support and for availing their time to be part of the very important undertaking. Governor Anefal also extended his peoples warm welcome to all the participants and thanked them for their efforts and hoped that the conference produce meaningful outcomes that will benefit the people of the whole nation. He expressed concerns on the issue of toxic materials leaked into the Pacific due to damage on Japan's Nuclear Reactor caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami catastrophes in Japan.

Vice President Alik Alik delivered the key note address and echoed the statements made by Governor Anefal. He challenged the Conference to, "[...] consider all options available and see how these could address the issues and challenges at hand" such as climate change which "are real to our islands". He highlighted the need to focus support to FSM's most vulnerable people who rely on the environment and natural resources.

Attending the meeting also were FSM Congress Senator Roger Mori of Chuuk along with Senators Peter Christian and Dohsis Halbert both from the State of Pohnpei. State Senators John Mooteb of Yap and Josiah Waguk of Kosrae joined along with Mayor of Tafunsak, Mr. Jacob George.