Previous conferences gave guidance to inputs to Micronesia's GEF Project and Program priorities, and most recently to the ‘Ridge to Reef country project and a Small Grants programme focusing on access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources. With thanks to Alissa Takesy, Department of Resources and Development, for providing information and review of this case study. A key lesson learnt is that in order for biodiversity policy to have impact on the ground and therefore also at the sub-national and local levels, synergies and overlaps need to be identified and addressed at the national level. In particular through the creation of the Ministry of Environment (MINAM), the Agency for Protected Areas and the Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA), a strong political capacity for environmental policy has been developed.