The skilled hands of an island woman weaves coconut fronds.
Weaving
OUR MISSION
iREi is dedicated to upholding the unique cultural and environmental heritages of islands. We strive locally to promote the self-empowerment necessary for island peoples to protect their land and lifestyles and globally to enhance awareness of threats faced by insular areas.
OUR RATIONALE
Due to their limited area, restricted resources, relative remoteness, and dynamic physical settings, islands are intrinsically vulnerable to environmental and socioeconomic pressures. Local or global changes can be disproportionately damaging on islands, making them some of the world's most alarmingly endangered places. In addition, environmental and cultural particularities of islands can be viewed as products of geographic seclusion, threatened by today's rapidly integrating world.
OUR APPROACH
At iREi we believe that the many disadvantages and vulnerabilities faced by islands and islanders can be offset by specific projects aimed at protecting local environments and fostering local cultures.
We carry out research and educational projects and support grassroots activities. Our work focuses on matters of cultural and environmental preservation, and spans the fields of geography, ethnography, anthropology, biology, linguistics, arts, philanthropy, and more. Even with limited resources, by a dedicated and narrowly focused approach we strive to produce real benefits to the islands and islanders.
FINANCES: DOING A LOT WITH A LITTLE
iREi is proud to report that most of our work is all-volunteer. Our team does everything from the every-day nuts and bolts of administration and management to the technical details of our research and educational projects.
People united by admiration for the islands and a determination to help them, come together to donate their time, talents and expertise to our common cause. Please take a look at our 2005 balance sheet to see how much we have accomplished with minimal cash flow. Some of our funding is self-generated, as we try to design projects that can earn income to support iREi's activities. Most of our work, however, remains dependent on financial support from other sources including grants, corporate sponsors and private contributors. We are deeply grateful to all our benefactors. It is only through your generosity that we are able to make a difference in the islands.
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HOW WE WORK
We initiate and implement our own projects and collaborate with like-minded groups. The scientific and educational work by iREi is carried out in direct response to specific concerns in specific locales. We identify needs, evaluate problems and develop solution strategies. We also support local efforts and provide technical assistance and conduct research on behalf of community groups, organizations, corporations and government agencies. All our activities are carried out by dedicated experts and volunteers, and in close collaboration with island communities and authorities.
WHERE WE WORK
iREi was founded in Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia). Our most intensive work still takes place in the FSM, but we have expanded activities to cover other countries in the region, specifically Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau and the Marshall Islands. In the future, we hope to expand our work to other parts of the Pacific and beyond.
OUR PARTNERS
iREi cooperates with organizations and companies who share our respect for the islands. Meet them here...