Overview:
Melekeok and Ngiwal states have signed Palau’s first regional partnership focused on community-led marine conservation, combining traditional Bul practices with modern science to strengthen fisheries management and protect coastal ecosystems.
KOROR, Palau (May 21, 2026) — Leaders from Melekeok and Ngiwal states have signed a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening coordination on marine conservation and fisheries management, marking Palau’s first regional alliance focused on community-led coastal resource management.
The agreement was formalized during a stakeholder event at the Capitol in Ngerulmud on May 19, bringing together governors, state legislators, community leaders, fishers and conservation partners to advance the “Safeguarding Palau’s Coasts: Traditional Knowledge and Community Leadership for Coastal Protection” project supported by international conservation organization Rare.
Melekeok Gov. Henaro Polloi and Ngiwal Gov. Francisco Melaitau signed the partnership agreement, which seeks to improve collaboration in managing shared marine ecosystems through coordinated governance, fisheries management and conservation efforts.
Kevin Mesebeluu, senior program implementation manager at Rare, said the partnership represents a commitment to the fishing communities of both states and highlights the importance of collaboration in protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience.
“Partnerships like this help ensure Palau’s natural ecosystems will continue to thrive, and sustain the food security, livelihoods, and resilience of our communities in the face of climate change,” Mesebeluu said.
The initiative builds on preliminary research conducted by Rare and local partners, including biophysical assessments, household surveys and documentation of traditional ecological knowledge. Findings from the research were presented and validated during the May 19 event.
The project is part of Rare’s Fish Forever Program, which promotes sustainable fisheries management through a network of Managed Access and Reserves, or MA+R, systems designed to improve climate resilience and protect coastal resources.
Central to the initiative is the integration of Palau’s traditional Bul practices with modern scientific assessments. Organizers said the approach combines centuries-old customary fishing and resource management traditions with scientific data to better address environmental and fisheries challenges facing coastal communities.
Officials said the partnership also provides political support for coastal policies, joint surveillance and co-management of shared fisheries resources.
“We are stronger when we work together,” Gov. Melaitau said during the signing ceremony while discussing reef recovery efforts.
The agreement aligns with Palau’s recently endorsed Coral Reef Action Plan led by The Nature Conservancy. Both governors have also joined Rare’s Coastal 500 Network, a global coalition of leaders advocating for sustainable and resilient coastal communities.
