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The International Waters Scholarship Scheme

The International Waters Scholarship Scheme is helping to build capacity in environmental management in the Pacific region. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) the US$273,000 Scheme offers postgraduate scholarships valued up to US$20,000 for each of the 14 participating countries. The scholarships are linked to the IWP’s work to build management capacity in the areas of sustainable coastal fisheries, waste reduction, and the protection of freshwater resources.

UNDP Resident Representative in Apia, Joyce Yu, praised the IWP Scholarship Scheme as an investment in the future of the Pacific region, “I’m very excited by this scheme because it is making such a tangible contribution to building human resources in the region. All the recipients are working to improve the management of our coastal resources and their work will continue to have a real and lasting impact on the quality of life in Pacific communities.”

COUNTRY	STUDENTS
Palau	Kimie Ngirchechol is trying to find ways to reduce the impacts of increasing development on the coastal environment of Palau. With assistance from the Scheme, Kimie has now begun work on her Masters in “Water Quality and Microbial Pollution” at the University of Guam’s Environmental Science Programme.
Solomon Islands	Julia Manioli is undertaking postgraduate studies in Marine Science at the University of PNG. She is researching how beche de mer can be harvested sustainably through the traditional management systems currently used by the IWP communities of Chea and Mbili Passage in Marovo Lagoon.
Vanuatu	David Esrom