Highlights from the 2024 PIFC Executive Committee Meeting
The Pacific Islands Forestry Committee (PIFC) Executive Committee convened for its 2024 meeting from October 21 to 23 in Majuro, Marshall Islands.
Representatives from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, the Territory of Guam, and Hawai’i attended the meeting. Also in attendance were USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) staff, Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) staff, and Forest Service Graduate Fellows from American Samoa and Palau.
While in Majuro, attendees participated in the 2024 World Food Day & Bob Festival Revival, hosted by RMI’s Ministry of Natural Resources & Commerce Agriculture Division. This three-day event celebrated the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization and emphasized the significance of the pandanus tree and its value-added products. PIFC members joined in festivities, including the fishing derby, the international street food market, and the closing ceremonies.
During the meeting, the PIFC Executive Committee completed an in-depth review of its charter, a governing document that defines the committee’s mission, purpose, processes, and membership structure. This review reinforced the committee’s mission and clarified specific duties and responsibilities for the PIFC.
A key accomplishment of the meeting was the development of the new 2025-2029 PIFC Strategic Plan. The strategic plan outlines the committee's long-term goals, provides a brief rationale for each goal, and identifies indicators to measure success over the 2025-2029 period.
Other key topics during the meeting included Forest Action Plans, agroforestry and the changing climate, grants, and research. The committee also discussed invasive species including the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, upcoming training and capacity-building opportunities, and communication materials.
Lastly, the committee elected the new leadership team for the 2025 Executive Committee. The leadership team includes:
- Chair: Christine Fejeran (Guam)
- Vice Chair: Jenny Grimm (Hawai‘i)
- Secretary: Randon Jack (RMI)
- Past Chair: Marlyter Silbanuz (FSM)
- Sherry Hazelhurst, USDA Forest Service
- WFLC Staff Liaison: Sara Goodwin
The PIFC members will reconvene virtually in January 2025 for their first quarterly call of the year.
The 2025 PIFC Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for September 19-20, 2025, in Kona, Hawai’i’.
Visit the PIFC webpage for a recap of PIFC’s 2024 accomplishments and upcoming scope of work for 2025.
