A meeting about archaeological and historic preservation training projects was held from 19-22 June, 2001, at the Micronesian Area Research Center, University of Guam. This brought together Dr. Hiro Kurashina, MARC Director; Dr. Yosihiko Sinoto, Bishop Museum; and Dr. William S. Ayres, University of Oregon, all co-investigators on a multi-national training project supported by the South Pacific Islands Nations Fund (SPINF) of Sasakawa Peace Foundation and also, for the Micronesia area, by the University of Oregon. The group appreciated the participation of Ms. Reiko Hayakawa of SPINF as the Foundation representative. This meeting was set up by the MARC staff and provided an opportunity to review recent developments with regard to the second year's projects in the three-year training program. It was confirmed that, with the encouragement of Palau's Division of Cultural Affairs, the next training project could take place in the Republic of Palau in September, and, later, one would be conducted again in the Federated States of Micronesia as plans are finalized.

Scott Fitzpatrick, a PhD student at the University of Oregon, conducted the Palau training session in August-September, 2002. In addition to continued work at the Omis Cave site, which has provided evidence of early occupations, the trainees developed skills in underwater sites assessment. A training effort in Pohnpei State is planned for later this year.