10/10/10 Get to Work!

We wanted to make sure that people in our village knew how they can "get to work" and make the future work, so we developed a movement to educate the community members on how we can alleviate or attempt to assist nature’s resiliency for a more productive, sustainable and safe environment, and how we can begin to adapt to changes already set in motion.

We think that perhaps this 10/10/10 action was the first to take place amongst 6294 others all over the world. Watch the video and find out why.



Great fun, but with a serious purpose. See below and click here for more pictures and videos. It was a honor to join people from around the world and "get to work" on this defining issue for the Marshall Islands.

Ilo Kautej aolep (With respect for all),

Benedict Yamamura –
Micronesia Challenge Young Champion/MIMRA Intern
RMI 350 Organizer

Radiant Barrier, PrePaid Meter, Water Heater Timer, and Tree OH MY!

First off, I'm keeping the awesome tree that provides such good shade from the afternoon heat. But some changes were in order... Last week I installed the radiant barrier I ordered from EcoFoil , and unfortunately (really bummed about it actually) I didn't have my energy savings hat on when I installed it, and missed the opportunity to measure temperature of the ceiling before and after, plus didn't get any photos. Really bummed about it, but I can tell that the house is a lot cooler, and that despite not taking measurements and pictures, I did spent a few days making sure I had the information and equipment needed to install properly. It was the first time ever installing the stuff, and the extra care seems to have paid off. Rounding out the energy-saving party is a new pre-paid meter from MEC and electric water heater timer from Ace Hardware. Each and every one (including the tree as it continues to grow!) of these features are going to reduce my monthly energy bill from above $100 to below, and oh reduce my carbon footprint too :)

a musical bridge

I'm encouraged and inspired by the heart and talent shown by the Marshall Islands High School Choir, in part because I'm a fan of Glee, and also because I've been working alongside MIHS administration, Science, and Social Studies departments on the Jaññõr Windward Forest Project, which aims to show how heritage, education, health and environmental sectors in the RMI can work together to achieve common goals.

Here is the choir the night they arrived into Honolulu. Choir leader and Brother Kiuna, speak!

"Aloha to all of our family and friends in Marshall Islands. We arrived on time but it took us some time to get through filling out the customs forms but the staff there was really helpful and friendly. They even allowed us to wait until the whole group was done. By the time we went to baggage claim, all of our luggage was ready to be picked up. It worked out quite well. We then met up with Dan, who was the only non-Micronesian in the waiting area. He was a BIG help. We immediately went to check in for our Maui flight but they didn't let us do so because they had to check in earlier flights first.

"We opted to go to McDonald's for breakfast--we actually walked from the airport to the McD's near Nimitz Hwy (naval base). It was quite the journey but it was good to get some fresh air. After we ate, we performed for the crew at McDonald's and they really really enjoyed it. We sang "KANAKA WAIWAI" a Hawaiian hymn--most of the "audience" knew the song and couldn't believe that Marshallese would know such a famous Hawaiian song. The kids had a good time. We walked back to the airport and checked in maybe 45 minutes ago. We're waiting to go into the security checkpoint then maybe I will be able to get some rest."

Upon their return, a slightly sobering truth awaited. Many choir members were enamored by the American lifestyle, or at least the impressions they formed during their 2 weeks trip, and wanted to go back without finishing their high school education. One actually did.

Bridges to the Land of Eb

Eb -- a mythical land of the afterlife -- a destination for us all.

I came upon The Land of Eb website last week. I've been thinking about the title, and how it provided an interesting and creative perspective on Marshallese migration. This is definitely one movie I want to see.

I am told by one of the producers that "at the moment we are still in the process of editing. Our next step is to finish the sound mix. Our hope is that we'll have the movie ready for film festivals by the end of the year."

Something to keep an eye out for...

NY Times' story on the RMI-BP oil spill link

This cool email showed up in my inbox yesterday, and I just had to post....




Iakwe folks, [Iakwe means hello]

In case anyone is wondering if there is a link between the RMI [Republic of the Marshall Islands] and the oil spill currently wreaking havoc in the Gulf of Mexico, there is! The oil rig which blew up, sank, and caused this environmental disaster was flying the flag of the RMI and was registered with the RMI ship registry.

I'm not sure why the RMI, which is in particular danger in regards to climate change and the otherwise unhealthy effects of the global addiction to fossil fuels, would register an oil rig.

Here's the NY Times' story on the RMI "flag of convenience" BP oil spill.

The RMI is mentioned at the end of the article (the second page).

Ilo kautiej, [that means with respect]

David K.




I can't wait to start teaching a socio-economic course on climate change in the Marshall Islands, joining alongside David at the College of the Marshall Islands. Perhaps as early as Spring 2010!

Micronesia Challenge

Have you seen the following video or heard of it? It's a pretty good, very succinct take on Micronesia Challenge's initiatives in the RMI.

Climate change in RMI video that was filmed by DeutscheWelle

Moving Pictures Are Worth 1 Billion Words

Click here to find cinematic productions out of the Marshall Islands. If you choose to make additions to your movie library, check out one scene in particular in the movie Na Noniep in which you are taken on a drive down the southern side of Majuro Atoll, giving you one of the best glimpses you can find of just how fragile these islands really are.