The Marshall Islands are a small low-lying atoll nation in the Pacific Ocean. Its very existence depends on ambitious global emission reduction to limit sea level rise. Since the islands are not suitable for agriculture, fishing is crucial for food security. The copra trade, which depends on sea transport, is the main source of income for many residents. At the same time, the vital maritime transport and fishing sectors are heavily dependent on expensive imported fossil fuels. The country works towards developing a zero-emission fleet as part of ongoing initiatives, but a successful paradigm shift throughout society is still pending. 

The project merges emission-free boat design and construction, indigenous knowledge and modern maritime training for small-scale transport and fisheries. This breaks social and gender barriers, combining efforts in society and the private sector. Integrating innovative technologies into formal education fosters societal sustainability and resilience. 

Waan Aelōn̄ in Majel - Canoes of the Marshall Islands (WAM) provides the technical base and vocational trainers. Interested private sector actors are trained in boat building and operation in three-month courses. In this context, participants build their own boats under the guidance of experienced instructors. In order to make not only the technology but also the know-how more accessible to the private sector in the medium term, it will be integrated into formal education. To this end, appropriate curricula are being developed and introduced at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI). The integration of modern technologies for sustainable maritime mobility into formal education opens up this sector to a larger population group and also promotes gender equality in the maritime professional world.

The project sends out a strong signal for the decarbonisation and autonomy of domestic sea transport, applicable to many Pacific Island States.

Henrik Richter-Alten 
Bergmannstraße 36
26789 Leer
# +49 491 92817 5084
henrik.richter-alten(at)hs-emden-leer.de

Prof. Kapt. Michael Vahs 
Bergmannstraße 36
26789 Leer
# +49 491 92817 5022
michael.vahs(at)hs-emden-leer.de

• Internationale Klimaschutzinitiative (IKI) - Project Site
• Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM) - Canoes of the Marshall Islands - Homepage
• Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM) - Canoes of the Marshall Islands - Facebook
• College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) - Homepage