The Federated States of Micronesia is undertaking a cultural mapping, planning and policy project (CMPP) which is funded by the European Union and facilitated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. The CMPP project began with the cultural mapping process in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on 10 November 2010 in all the four states: Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. Cultural mapping involves research, collection and inventory of cultural information and resources primarily through community consultations. The purpose of the cultural mapping report is to summarize cultural key findings as well as the current situation of cultural practices, resources, and recommendations to improve cultural sector in FSM.

Consultations with cultural stakeholders in each state took from one to two weeks, depending on specific protocols and logistics. In Pohnpei, it was first necessary to seek the approval of the state government and traditional chiefs. Yap’s organized council of chiefs and their advocacy for cultural preservation contributed to successful meetings in that state. Approximately two weeks were spent in Pohnpei, one week in Kosrae, and one week in Yap. Consultations in Chuuk were flexible because the consultant is a native and resident of Chuuk.

The purpose of this report is to present the cultural findings and priorities identified by the cultural mapping process within FSM. The objective of the mapping process is to:

• identify cultural themes, priorities and needs in FSM through a cultural mapping process that will assist in the development of a national cultural policy;

• provide a situational analysis of culture findings in FSM; and

• offer options for directing an FSM cultural policy

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