Japan Grants Pohnpei Fishery Development
Government of Japan granted $43,378 to the Marine Development, Office of Economic Affairs of Pohnpei State Government for the Project for Integrated Fishery Development Program under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.
Right: Ambassador Sato
Second：Governor Ehsa
Center： Mr.Donald David
The Aim of the project is to install 3 sub-surface Payaos (Fish Aggregation Device =FADs) which are anchored at 300 meters below the sea level at 3 different points off the reef around Kitti Municipality. This will lessen the amount of fuel to consume by the boat for running around the sea to look for the fish.
A Grant Contract signing ceremony was taken place on December 01, 2008 in the Governor’s office in Kolonia. Mr. Shoji Sato, Ambassador of Japan to the F.S.M. signed on behalf of Government of Japan, and the actual recipient of the project, Mr.Donald David, Chief of Marine Development, Office of Economic Affairs of Pohnpei State Government exchanged the paper, witnessed by Governor Ehsa. Mr.Keropin David, Mayor of Kitti Municipality and Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation’s (OFCF) resident representative, Mr.Koichi Sakonju also attended the ceremony as they took a great role in consultation and coordination for the project formation.
In the ceremony, Ambassador Sato made a short remark and said “In the rise of fuel price in the global economy, I am aware of the hardship that people are facing in this country. I believe the project will encourage the fishermen to lessen the burden and generate the income, and expected to make further integrated development in the municipal level as a whole.”
Governor Ehsa, on behalf of the Pohnpei State Government conveyed appreciation to the Japan’s grant aid and mentioned how great impact that the grassroots projects can produce to the local community, and he raised the awareness that the importance of such responsive grant aid matched with local needs. The ceremony concluded with photo session and the announcement of the next upcoming grassroots project which already has approved by the government of Japan.
Right： Ambassador Sato
Left: Mr.Donald David