MCT celebrating 20 years

Thanks to the Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge (BMRC) Scholarship, talented young Micronesian scholars are able to pursue post-graduate degrees and begin careers in conservation across the region. One of the first graduates, Ms. Elizabeth Becky Furey, of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, earned a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management degree in 2019 from the American Public University in West Virginia. She is currently a Program Director at the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance. Ms. Nicole Yamase, from Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, graduated with her Ph.D. in Marine Biology at the University of Hawai’i, Manoa in May 2022 with a research focus on understanding the ecophysiology of native macroalgae. During her time as a BMRC Scholar and her major, Ms. Yamase was selected to join the Challenger Deep expedition in March 2021 with Victor Vescovo. She is the second female and first Micronesian to dive the Challenger Deep, the deepest point in the Marianas Trench. To learn more about the scholarship and the students the scholarship has supported, you can visit our website http://www.ourmicronesia.org/recipients.html. These two young women and many others are making their dreams come true, serving their communities, protecting their island homes, and helping to realize the vision of one of Micronesia’s most beloved champions of Micronesian conservation.

Incorporated in Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia, on November 7, 2002, the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), has chosen to celebrate our 20th Anniversary by commemorating the life and legacy of the late William Charles Raynor, known as “Bill” (February 22nd, 1957, to September 01st, 2015). Bill engaged in vital conservation work across the region for over 30 years. Among his many accomplishments, he helped launch the Nature Conservancy’s program in the region. He also helped establish/strengthen several non-governmental organizations across Micronesia, including the Micronesia Conservation Trust, the Chuuk Conservation Society, the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization, the Micronesian Islands Nature Alliance, the Yap Community Action Program, the Marshall Islands Conservation Society, etc. Many young Micronesians are engaged in conservation efforts, living the legacy Bill left behind by leading conservation and sustainable development work in their jurisdictions. As a sponsor and founding member of the Micronesians in Island Conservation (MIC) network, Bill was committed to identifying and nurturing emerging conservation champions across the region.

The BRMC Scholarship Fund aims to contribute to the effective conservation of Micronesia’s biodiversity, adaptation to the impacts of climate change, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods across the region, as Bill wished. This scholarship provides an opportunity for individuals from Micronesia to undertake either a Master’s degree or Doctorate in any resource management or conservation field at various institutions within the Pacific Region (including universities in Guam, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan) or in the US mainland. Awardees focus on leadership, technical skills, and majors that enhance their ability to work in conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development in Micronesia.

The success of the scholarship program lies in the hands of generous donors and individual contributors who continue to give with open hearts. With this fundraiser, we aim to raise $20,000 towards our commitment to secure a $100,000 challenge match to meet a pledged amount of $200,000 from a long-standing anonymous donor to the BRMC Scholarship Fund. This donation will help us reach our target goal of 1.2 million dollars (USD). This amount will generate an estimated 5% in earnings per year to support at least two full-time students at up to $30,000 per year. Moreover, MCT hopes to raise this fund as part of celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year of serving our Micronesian communities.