08/06/2026
🌱 Building a Stronger First Line of Defense Against Invasive Species in Kosrae 🌱
The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the College of Micronesia-FSM recently completed a series of community-based Invasive Alien Species (IAS) training events in Kosrae State under the FSM GEF-6 IAS Project. The trainings brought together farmers, youth, women, and government stakeholders to increase awareness and strengthen local capacity to prevent and manage invasive species.
A total of 71 participants attended the trainings, representing seven groups across Kosrae: Utwe Youth Farmers, Utwe Farmers, Tafunsak Farmers, Malem Farmers, DREA, Women in Farming, and Lelu Farmers.
The training sessions focused on the identification of invasive alien species, pathways of introduction and spread, reporting procedures, and the impacts invasive species can have on agriculture, food security, native ecosystems, and local livelihoods. Participants also learned about the important role communities play as the first line of defense in protecting Kosrae's unique environment.
Community engagement is a critical component of the FSM GEF-6 IAS Project. While quarantine officers and border agencies help prevent invasive species from entering the country, informed community members and farmers are often the first to detect new pests, diseases, and invasive plants before they become widespread.
Through these trainings, participants gained practical knowledge that will help strengthen early detection efforts and support the long-term protection of Kosrae's biodiversity, agricultural resources, and food systems.
CFE extends its appreciation to all participants, community leaders, and partner organizations whose support contributed to the successful implementation of these training events. The project team is continuing preparations for additional community outreach activities as the FSM GEF-6 IAS Project works to build stronger biosecurity awareness and invasive species management capacity throughout the Federated States of Micronesia.