On February 6, 2024, the Micronesian Financial and Administration-Operations Network (MFAN) funded by US Department of Interior (USDOI) kicked off its 3-day workshop in Palau, bringing together representatives from conservation organizations across the region. Partnering with the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and Palau Conservation Society, Palau Protected Area Network Office (PANO), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) facilitated this collaborative event, reflecting its 34-year commitment to supporting conservation efforts in Micronesia.
MFAN plays a critical role in strengthening the operational capacity of conservation organizations throughout Micronesia. With over 20 members located in Marshall Islands, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, Guam, CNMI, and Palau, MFAN provides a critical platform for finance and administration-operations managers to share knowledge, expertise, and resources. Recognizing the importance of strong administrative practices for successful conservation organizations, MFA was envisioned and created in 2013.
“Developing a network of skilled administrative professionals across Micronesia has been fundamental to the success of MFAN,” shared Tammy Clark, Deputy Director of the Nature Conservancy Micronesia and Polynesia Program. “By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, we empower each member to achieve their individual conservation goals while contributing to the region’s shared vision.”
Since its founding, the Micronesian Financial and Administration-Operations Network (MFAN) has consistently provided valuable training and support to conservation organizations across the region. This year’s post-pandemic workshop marked a significant revitalization effort, focusing on building capacity for new members including Protected Area Network (PAN) and employees. TNC, alongside core members from the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), collaborated to facilitate this important gathering.
The workshop addressed two key objectives:
1. Reinvesting in MFAN’s Vision and Mission: Participants revisited and reaffirmed the network’s core values and goals, ensuring continued relevance and impact in the evolving conservation landscape.
2. Building Capacity for the Future: Essential training sessions covered budgeting, grant reporting and monitoring, leveraging Excel for finance, and implementing best practices in human resources. This knowledge sharing equipped new members and employees with the tools needed to drive efficient and effective operations.
Building on the regional workshop, localized efforts are now underway, with Palau leading the way through a dedicated capacity-building program within its Protected Area Network (PAN).