Yela Ka Forest Legacy: Moving Towards Establishing A Ridge-To-Reef Community-Driven Initiative with aim for comprehensive upland forest, mangrove forest and nearshore reef ecosystem biodiversity sustainable management and protection while also supporting eco-trail and visitors lodge development to support alternative income development. The project aims for Yela to be the first recognized ridge-to-reef conservation project model in Kosrae with these key objectives are as follows:
1. By 2015, YELA will develop and implement a comprehensive management plan for the establishment and demonstration of the Yela ridge-to-reef conservation initiative.
2. By 2015, YELA will implement environmentally sound small-scale infrastructure developments on the ground to promote ecotourism activities, awareness on the Yela CE, forest stewardship, scientific researches, and monitoring/ surveillance.
3. By 2016, YELA and key local partners will be ready to launch integration of the watershed, mangrove forest, and a new marine protected area (MPA) as part of the overall YCA.
4. By 2016, the Yela project will become a highly recognized demonstration model and forest legacy that represents a common brand name to the people of Kosrae through social networking and marketing.