Pohnpei, FSM-The Conservation Society of Pohnpei held its annual meeting at the Island Food Community of Pohnpei at the Botanical Gardens at 5:45 on Friday February 5. As many as 100 people gathered to hear about CSP's project with conservation projects.
Father Frances X Hezel and Allois Malfi tani have agreed to serve as board members for the next three years. Bill Raynor, who Executive Director Patterson Shed called a father of modern conservation in Pohnpei and Micronesia has served as a board member for 12 years. Although he has agreed to act in an advisory capacity he leaves the CSP board this year. Patti Arthur has served for the last three years and will be leaving the board this year.
Several dignitaries attended the function including Lt. Governor Churchill Edward, Senator Walter, Senator Phillip, Speaker Nett District Council, Vice Speaker Sokehs Council, U Chief Minister, community chiefs Lepen Madau en Metipw and Sahu Takaiou. Shed also thanked the Church, in particular Father Dave Andrus and Dihken Santiago for their presence.
Shed said that he looks forward to working ever more closely in 2010 to protect Pohnpei's biodiversity and livelihood from "ridges to reefs."
Among his announcements that evening Shed said that thanks to the good work of CSP in collaboration with the State and the Nahnpei family, Governor Ehsa has agreed to issue an executive order that will include Ahnd as part of Pohnpei's marine protected areas.
Shed presented an outstanding Power Point presentation that showed that not only is the Conservation Society of Pohnpei making great strides in environmental conservation and education their achievements are being noticed by donors. Some major grant makers and some smaller ones supported CSP last year. Shed thanked past donors and encouraged future donors to consider the environmental future of Pohnpei when they consider donations for the future. "We can't do it without you," he said.
Shed said in an email that the CSP Annual report will be available online in PDF form at www.serehd.org.