Japan Ambassador Hirohisa Soma joined the official launch ceremony for the Project for Strengthening Local Food Supply, held at the Marshall Islands High School campus. At the ceremony, Japan’s grant aid of 203 million Japanese yen (approximately $1.3 million) for the project was formalized through the signing of the Exchange of Notes.
The launch was attended by Minister of Education, Sports and Training Gerald Zackios, Deputy Commissioner of the Public School System Junior Paul, Associate Commissioner for Secondary Schools Kenneth Fernando, IOM Head of Sub-office in the RMI Hillary Vanderwey, faculty and students of Marshall Islands High school, and others.
For the Marshall Islands, strengthening local food systems is about more than growing food. It is about supporting healthier families, creating opportunities for children to learn practical skills, strengthening community resilience, and helping ensure that nutritious food remains accessible even as climate change puts increasing pressure on the islands.
This two-year initiative, supported by Japan’s grant, will work with schools and communities across the RMI to strengthen climate-resilient food systems.
Through the introduction of sustainable agricultural techniques and the promotion of healthy cooking using locally available ingredients, the project aims to help communities make greater use of local food resources and expand opportunities for people to grow, prepare, and enjoy nutritious food.
The Embassy of Japan and the IOM Sub-Office in the RMI have been collaborating to address the underlying drivers of migration by helping communities build resilience, including through essential water and sanitation projects. This new project marks an important next step in this partnership, connecting climate resilience with food security, health, and community well-being, said the Japan Embassy. By supporting locally driven solutions, Japan and IOM aim to help Marshallese communities strengthen their capacity to withstand climate-related challenges and build a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come.
Ambassador Soma stated the importance of revitalizing local food systems and improving access to affordable, nutritious food.
Vanderwey expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Japanese government. “This work will help restore local vegetation, improve access to traditional foods, and support sustainable food production,” she said.
Minister Zackios said it was fitting that the launch ceremony was held last week under the World Food Day theme “Innovating today, nourish tomorrow.”