WASHINGTON, D.C.—Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia’aina announced $1,094,205 in grant assistance to address the impacts of climate change and other threats to coral reefs in the U.S. territories and freely associated states. The grants are part of the Coral Reef Initiative Program in the Office of Insular Affairs.
“I am pleased to support these coral reef projects that focus on understanding and reducing the effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems,” said Kia’aina. “These grants are especially timely as we witness the devastating effects on our coral reefs from this year’s record-breaking warm ocean temperatures. These funds will help insular area governments and communities take measures to increase the resilience of these critical resources in the face of the significant threats posed by climate change.”
Source: Saipan Tribune