Through a customized shared vision plan for each community, OneReef helps each community to take the lead with stewardship efforts. We actively engage community leaders through local events, council meetings, and community gatherings. Once a shared vision is established for the reef and its surrounding community, we bring together government and community leaders, along with other partners, to bring the plan to life. Working closely in partnership ensures effective collaboration and long-term results.
In June, OneReef sponsored an international gathering of Pacific Island leaders.
Featured speakers included (pictured from left to right above):
- Chairman of the Helen Reef Board and OneReef Micronesia Senior Director, Wayne Andrew, who is also the former Hatohobei State Delegate from Palau’s National Congress, the 8th Olbiil Kelulua (8th OEK).
- Former President of Palau, the Honorable Tommy Remengesau, Jr., a champion of traditional leadership recognized by the United Nations for his role in ensuring environmental and cultural resilience.
- OneReef’s first Impact Director, Dr. Nicole Yamase, the first person from Micronesia to earn a doctorate in marine biology and the 20th person to descend to Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the ocean.
- Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, a distinguished guardian of the tradition of celestial navigation.
- Rohsa (Traditional Chief) of Ant Atoll UNESCO Biosphere, William Hawley, a respected leader and partner of OneReef.
- CEO and Founder of OneReef, Chris LaFranchi, a former Mulago Rainer Arnhold Fellow and nominee for the Pew Fellowship in Marine Science. He has performed field work in at least 12 countries, including engagements with the World Bank, NOAA, USAID, and WWF.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by Pacific Island leaders to engage Pacific Island communities in our collective work to preserve coral reefs across the Pacific.
