FSM PROPER Project Progress and Planning Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSM PROPER Project held a Progress and Planning Workshop to Align FY25/26 Priorities and Drive Implementation

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia – July 11, 2025 – The FSM PROPER Project convened its mid-year Project Progress and Planning Meeting on July 10–11, 2025, at the FSM Central Facilities in Palikir. The two-day workshop brought together national and state-level representatives to assess implementation progress, address delivery challenges, and finalize aligned workplans and budgets for FY25/26.

The PROPER Project is a six-year, $56 million initiative funded by the World Bank that aims to strengthen stakeholder capacity for regional collaboration and improve fisheries sector performance and habitat preservation, while promoting smart, safe, and sustainable fisheries in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Opening Remarks Set the Tone for Collaborative Delivery

Mrs. Limanman Helgenberger, Acting Executive Director of the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA), opened the workshop by welcoming returning and new participants and expressing appreciation for the strong collaboration between national agencies and states.

She acknowledged the State departments for their support and close cooperation in getting the project to implementation, and thanked the World Bank for their support, and the Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA) and the Central Implementation Unit (CIU) for their preparatory and logistical support.

Ms. Helgenberger highlighted NORMA’s commitment to providing technical and operational support to the National Working Groups leading implementation, in close collaboration with national and state-level agencies. She stressed the importance of ensuring:

• Timely implementation, by executing the $56 million portfolio within the six-year timeline;
• Effective implementation, by delivering tangible benefits to communities and measuring impact beyond project reporting;
• Sustainable delivery, through a foundation of smart, safe, and sustainable fisheries.

She concluded by emphasizing the goal of using Smart, Safe and Sustainable fisheries to ensure long-term resilience and impact.

Members of this project-mandated bi-annual meeting are the representatives of the five Working Groups who are designated respectively by the FSM President and the four State Governors.

Collaborative Planning Across Workstreams

Throughout the workshop, component leads and working group members reviewed activity pipelines, adjusted FY25/26 budgets, and aligned timelines across environmental safeguards, social inclusion, communications, M&E, and procurement. The agenda included state presentations, procurement harmonization proposals, and breakout sessions to strengthen coordination.

A World Bank technical team participated virtually, offering guidance on procurement strategies, performance improvement, and regional synergies.

Closing Reflections Emphasize Action and Impact

Mrs. Helgenberger closed the workshop by thanking participants for their active engagement: “Our collaboration over the past two days gives us a very positive outlook as we move forward with implementation. Let’s not lose the momentum—we need to ensure we not only spend the project funds on time, but more importantly, that we see real benefits on the ground that improve the lives of the people we serve.” She extended appreciation to the Chairs and members of the five Working Groups for their leadership in their respective jurisdictions.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us. I wish us all the best of luck—and may the Lord bless our efforts.”

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