Committee on Resources & Development (R&D)

The Committee on Resources and Development serves as the primary legislative body focused on Kosrae’s economic vitality and the sustainable management of the state’s natural and economic resources, balancing immediate development needs with long-term sustainability goals.

Resource management forms a critical dimension of the committee’s work, particularly in an island state where marine and terrestrial resources are fundamental to both subsistence and economic activity. The committee reviews legislation affecting fisheries management, agriculture and food security, forestry, and the utilization of natural resources. This includes examining policies related to traditional resource rights, conservation measures, sustainable harvesting practices, and the balance between resource exploitation and preservation. Given Kosrae’s rich marine environment and limited land resources, the committee plays an essential role in ensuring that resource policies support both economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.

The development component of the committee’s mandate addresses economic growth, business development, and revenue generation across various sectors. The committee examines legislation related to tourism development, small business promotion, foreign investment, trade and commerce, and economic diversification initiatives. This includes oversight of development projects, private sector support programs, and strategies to create employment opportunities and generate state revenues beyond traditional sources.

The committee also addresses infrastructure and capacity building that enables economic development, including workforce training, entrepreneurship support, and the regulatory environment for business operations.

Through its comprehensive focus on both resources and development, the committee works to chart a sustainable economic path for Kosrae, ensuring that development initiatives create opportunities for current generations while preserving the natural resource base and cultural values that will sustain future generations. The committee’s work is essential to building economic resilience and prosperity in Kosraean communities.