A/HRC/61/49/Add.2 and the ability to resist consumerism. Their desire to return often conflicts with the struggle they experience to find economic and work opportunities and therefore to contribute to the social dynamics. An undue impact of migration has been to monetarize exchanges that used to be contracted in kind or in time. The need to contribute economically to family events and social responsibilities has become one of the main drivers of migration. 42. Despite the strong cultural ties, migration in such high numbers remains a risk factor for the erosion of traditional ways of life, as it interrupts the transmission of practices that convey important values. This is reportedly particularly true in Kosrae, where empty houses show the weakening of the fabric of the community. It can also lead to a generational disconnect, between those who did not experience migration at all and are anchored in the social fabric, and those who have spent many years outside the country and do not find a function upon their return. Government officials shared with the Special Rapporteur their concerns about adequate replacement for governmental positions when those currently in function retire. 43. In this context, the Government should closely consider the demand for the creation of an office tasked with developing and maintaining the relationship with Micronesian migrants. Enhancing migration governance, investing in diaspora engagement strategies and integrating migration considerations into national development and climate adaptation plans could ensure that mobility contributes positively to the country’s sustainable development. C. Access to and knowledge of heritage 44. The preservation of local histories and of the sense of identity relies both on oral accounts and on physical assets, which strengthen each other. In the Federated States of Micronesia, both forms of heritage recording need much more attention. The country does not have any museums recounting its own history nor a space where the various groups could record their own perspectives on their past. The main archive about the country is situated in neighbouring Guam and most of the documents it contains tell the story of the Federated States of Micronesia from an outsider’s perspective. Furthermore, those in charge of the archives in Guam are reportedly aware of their weaknesses in ensuring local participation and the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and practices. The Special Rapporteur understands that certain stories cannot be written down or made available to everyone. It is for Micronesians to find adequate support for the conservation of their heritage and to decide which stories and resources are fit for museums, exhibitions or history curricula. However, they need to find a way to record their histories, songs and heroic events and people, so that all Micronesians, including newer and future generations can learn and benefit from them. 45. A consequence of the absence of museum spaces and archives where people can see and learn about their heritage resources is that knowledge fails to protect artefacts from illicit trafficking. That knowledge is critical for the training of custom officers to enable them to perform their protection duties. At the time of the visit, the few artefacts that had been previously displayed in a museum area in the Micronesian capital had been stored away. The Special Rapporteur was given a presentation on the project of creating a museum exhibition space to be established in a new conference centre in Paliki, which should also house the Office of National Archives, Culture and Historic Preservation. The creation of this space would be an important step forward in improving access to cultural heritage. Other steps to consider would be to record or digitalize heritage resources and make them accessible online through the websites of the Office of National Archives, Culture and Historic Preservation and the state Historic Preservation Offices or to arrange touring exhibitions across the country. 46. All inhabitants must be able to enjoy cultural sites and their preservation must be safeguarded. The extraordinary site of Nan Madol, and the historical knowledge drawn therefrom, is not easily accessible, including to school groups and researchers. First, there are various administrative and economic obstacles: permission to access is controlled by the chief, who can ask for a fee. Those who own the land may also ask for a fee for passage. None of those fees contribute to the maintenance of the sites themselves. Second, there are physical challenges to reaching and exploring the site, which depend on the tides, if coming by boat, the maintenance of the access road, if coming by car, and the maintenance of the ruins and the sites’ paths themselves. Finally, there are challenges relating to access to the GE.26-01464 9