A/HRC/61/49/Add.2 Modernization, Micronesians insist, does not mean westernization. The cultural rights-based approach requires a bottom-up process to decisions that have an impact on cultural life, the inclusion of all structures, a self-led process and resistance to the one-size-fits-all models of development that donors may encourage. 72. The cultural know-how of Micronesians must be at the centre of the discussions. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur heard of traditional knowledge systems that offer critical resources for climate adaptation and resilience, customary land and marine management practices that protect the ocean and the fish, Indigenous navigation, local approaches to agricultural production, traditional medicinal sciences and collective decision-making structures that provide models for sustainable adaptation strategies rooted in local context and cultural continuity. To the extent that free, prior and informed consent is respected, such methodologies and know-how must be identified, recorded and celebrated. The public authorities must inventory such methodologies and use them in developing the country. 73. Furthermore, if unique adaptation strategies integrating traditional knowledge are developed in full consultation with the populations and communities concerned, ensuring that cultural rights are respected, they could benefit not only the Federated States of Micronesia, but be upheld as virtuous models. The Micronesian expertise in the sustainable and culturally appropriate management of its natural resources might become a unique contribution to the progress of humanity. 74. Important stepping stones have already been laid. Micronesian peoples see themselves as stewards of the sea, sustainably taking resources from it without excess. The Micronesia Challenge 20309 expands conservation goals to aim to manage 50% of marine resources and 30% of terrestrial resources, incorporating traditional fisheries management practices to sustain cultural livelihoods and mitigate climate threats. Micronesians need to steer this programme and have the opportunity to defend sustainability goals against rapid profits. Similarly, the 2024 national adaptation plan emphasizes community-driven adaptation, leveraging traditional knowledge for food security and resource management, with workshops engaging state-level stakeholders to ensure cultural relevance. In Tonoas, efforts have been deployed at the municipality level to increase food security by combining traditional crops with new types of vegetables and to develop solar energy to maintain the digital hub. More resources and broader involvement of traditional leaders are still needed. 75. The authorities need to open up more avenues of support for entrepreneurship, so that those who have ideas may develop projects, document them and contribute directly to development efforts. The Special Rapporteur was informed, for example, of women-led projects designing unique Pohnpei skirts. Despite their success, the women involved struggled to find financial and legal support to protect their designs against copies mass produced abroad and flooding the inland and regional market that they had developed. She was also informed about a private initiative to restore, document and open to visitors the site of a Japanese lighthouse in Chuuk, an excellent example of grassroots heritage protection. The public authorities must recognize those entrepreneurial efforts and consider developing grants for which entrepreneurs can apply directly to support their sustainable development projects. 76. The country may also benefit from stronger ties with other peoples of the Pacific, for example through the Pacific Islands Forum, to exchange experiences on how to build development pathways that respond to the unique regional realities and to develop shared programmes and opportunities, such as in the area of higher education. The participation of Kosrae Public Library in the Pacific Island Association of Libraries, Archives and Museums is a positive example of the types of cooperation that can strengthen the country’s aspiration to a self-determined approach to development. 77. The Micronesian vision for development should uphold the value of solidarity by guaranteeing the cultural and human rights of everyone. The authorities have already taken important measures to address clear violations of individual rights, such as prohibiting gender-based violence and early sex and marriage. Any practice that constitutes torture, 9 GE.26-01464 Reaffirmed at the Micronesia Challenge Regional Meeting in December 2024 in Guam. 15