2011 Inaugural Address By The Honorable Sebastian L. Anefal ...

e promoting a holistic and coherent approach to sustainable developmentefforts across the entire State of Yap.In this connection I am pleased to note the proactive participation of our nationalgovernment in the ongoing international negotiations on replacement for expiringprovisions of the Kyoto Protocol that address climate change. There is no doubtthat climate change is the single most serious threat to our islands and our veryexistence. Already we have fallen victim to an industrial phenomenon to whichwe have neither effective response nor any meaningfully affordable defense.I therefore call on all governments and civil society to redouble their effort inclimate change adaptation.I also urge the Legislature and the Traditional Councils of Chiefs to unite with theAdministration in implementing the Micronesia Challenge, a sub-regionalinitiative to conserve and protect our valuable natural heritage -- ourenvironment. The potential of this initiative to leverage external assistance isenormous.When all is said and done, I would urge the FSM National Government to expediteaccessing both technical and financial assistance to mitigate the threateningeffects of sea level rise.CultureAs part of our sustainable development strategy, we must give due recognitionand importance to the cultural identity of Yap. Within this context, we mustrecognize the need to develop cultural industries and initiatives that present25