The aim of this project is to help the University of the Ryukyus and institutions of higher education in Micronesia seek solutions to problems shared by island nations through civic programs, student exchanges, and joint research projects by faculty members, thereby promoting exchange between Micronesia and Japan.
In 2007 an essay contest for college and high school students living on Amami and Okinawa islands was held under the theme of "Culture and the Nature of the Island," and the contest's five winners were sent to the Marshall Islands from August 20 to 29. The group studied the local environment systems and waste-related issues and met members of local governments and businesses.
A similar contest was held in Micronesia, and three students from the Northern Marianas College, the College of the Marshall Islands, and Guam Community College were invited to Okinawa from September 9 to 18. The students took part in a study tour focusing on environmental measures and exchanged views with Japanese students.
They also attended the annual meeting of the Japan Society of Island Studies and participated in a community exchange program at the Coconuts College of the Pacific, both held on the island of Yonaguni. Officials of the College of the Marshall Islands and the University of the Ryukyus exchanged views regarding joint research into island studies and intercollegiate exchange.