Tamil Resources Conservation Trust

Marine resources in Micronesia are threatened with habitat destruction compounded by climate change, with severe effects on local communities. In response, the Tamil Council of Chiefs in the state of Yap established the Tamil Resources Conservation Trust (TRCT) to promote ridge-to-reef conservation for community and ecosystem resilience. On land, watershed-wide conservation projects ensure the provision of clean water to over half the population of Yap, while the first-ever community nursery cultivates climate-resilient native species such as nipa palm to reduce coastal erosion, and produces traditional food crops such as taro. Promoting use of the nursery to support agroforestry, the initiative decreases reliance on vulnerable coastal fisheries for 848 families. At sea, TRCT has established a systematic marine conservation plan in collaboration with international partners. TRCT is a leader in the Pacific, illustrating how interwoven traditional knowledge and science can foster climate change mitigation and adaptation for future generations.

Key facts

Equator Prize Winner: 2019

Founded: 2014

Location: Tamil, Micronesia, Federated States Of Micronesia

Biodiversity: Oceans and coasts

Case study