Overview:
Finance and operations professionals from conservation organizations across Micronesia gathered in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, to strengthen the financial backbone of environmental work across the region. Through the latest meeting of the Micronesia Finance Administration-Operation Network (MFAN), participants shared tools, strategies, and lessons on everything from auditing to grant management—highlighting a growing recognition that effective conservation depends not only on protecting ecosystems but also on strong financial systems and accountability.
Finance, administration, and operations professionals from conservation organizations across Micronesia gathered from 24-26 February in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, for the third in-person meeting of the Micronesia Finance Administration-Operation Network (MFAN). The meeting was organized by Mingrang Kloulechad, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Micronesia and Polynesia Director of Finance and Operations, who also serves as an advisor to the group.
MFAN is a regional peer-learning network that connects finance and administration staff of conservation NGOs and community-based organizations. The network was established to strengthen financial management and operational systems, recognizing that effective conservation depends on sound grant management and clear policies and procedures that provide direction and oversight.
During the three-day meeting, members reviewed and updated the network’s three-year strategy, as 2026 marks the final year of the current strategic cycle. Participants identified priority capacity needs, mapped individual skills and expertise across the network, and drafted a 2026 work plan to guide coordinated action. Technical training sessions focused on auditing practices, financial analysis and storytelling, and practical tools for financial reporting. These sessions were designed to strengthen grants management, improve reporting processes, and enhance organizational accountability across participating entities.
Participating organizations included TNC Micronesia and Polynesia, Marshall Islands Conservation Society, Palau Conservation Society, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Protected Areas Network Fund, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, Jo-Jikum, Island Resource Conservancy of Wa’ab, University of Guam Sea Grant, and Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join MFAN, especially as a member of an NGO here in the Republic of the Marshall Islands,” said Danica Muller, Finance Officer at Jo-Jikum. “It allows me to support its vision of strengthening financial and administrative procedures in conservation and related work while deepening connections with our sister organizations across the Micronesian region.”
Moving forward, the MFAN Steering Committee will lead implementation of the 2026 workplan, address identified capacity needs, convene quarterly virtual meetings, and support the establishment of local network chapters within individual jurisdictions.