Utwe Biosphere Reserve

The Utwe reserve on southern Kosrae was set up by the community and became a UNESCO biosphere reserve, covering mangrove channels, seagrass, reef and a stretch of forest behind. Kayaks go up the mangrove channels from the village, which is the way to see it: narrow tunnels of roots, mudskippers, crabs and the occasional monitor. The reef outside is in good condition. It was the first community-managed conservation area in the Federated States and became the model that other villages copied. The reserve also runs a small visitor centre in the village explaining the mangrove system.

The landscape

• The mangrove channels - narrow root tunnels paddled by kayak.
• The community management - a reserve set up and run by the village.
• The seagrass and reef - the marine part of the protected area.
• The biosphere designation - the UNESCO listing covering the whole system.

When to go

December to March is the drier season. Tide governs which channels are passable. Rain falls in every month on Kosrae.

Good to know

Trips must be arranged with the community and there is no walk-up operation. Mosquitoes in the mangroves are severe. Kayaking the narrow channels needs some fitness.

Nearby

Menke is inland, and Sipyen Falls is nearby.

Key facts