PICRC and JICA present results of coastal ecosystem management project

Earlier this month, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) shared the results of their ‘Project for Enhancement of Integrated Management of Coastal Ecosystem in Palau for Strengthening Their Resilience to Climate Change’. This three-year initiative, which began in February 2022, is set to conclude in February 2025. Cooperating agencies include the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment (MAFE), Palau Community College (PCC), and the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB).

Guided by the project’s Chief Advisor, Tadashi Kimura, the event featured presentations from project leaders and experts. PICRC’s CEO Roxanne Siual Blesam opened the evening by emphasizing the project’s importance in strengthening Palau’s coastal resilience. Geraldine Rengiil, Director of PICRC’s research department, provided an overview of the project, stating its main goal of sustainably strengthening coastal ecosystem resilience to climate change. This includes establishing an integrated coastal ecosystem management system, developing a mangrove monitoring and management mechanism, creating a sediment monitoring and evaluation system, and enhancing communication, education, and public awareness (CEPA).

Researchers and mangrove experts Yoichi Harada, Victor Nestor, and Yuki Okada, presented findings from the mangrove and sediment monitoring conducted in Airai and Ngiwal between December 2022 and September 2024. While mangrove areas are decreasing in some regions, and fallen trees and human impacts are increasing, the overall mangrove health and biodiversity remain stable. Based on these findings, the project developed a new protocol and conservation plan to guide mangrove conservation at both state and national levels. This includes promoting sustainable uses of mangrove ecosystems, such as environmental education, the construction of walkways, and silvo-fishery (integrated forestry and aquaculture). The project also proposed mitigation measures like soil amendments and revegetation to address sedimentation and prevent soil runoff from reaching sensitive ecosystems like seagrass and coral reefs.

Kanako Itagaki, Project Coordinator, and Rebecca Carey, Communications and Outreach Officer at PICRC, presented the project’s CEPA activities, including mangrove education activities, the implementation of a mangrove ecotour pilot program in Ngiwal, the creation of a mangrove guidebook for PCC students, and participation in national campaigns like World Mangrove Day.

Looking ahead, Mr. Kimura recommended a mangrove monitoring and management plan for the “Dmakeiukl” states (Aimeliik, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, and Ngatpang) as a post-project action and expanding the mangrove management network to include the east coast of Babeldaob and outer island states in the future. He also stressed the need to continue regular monitoring by state PAN coordinators and rangers, as well as sedimentation mitigation efforts.

“This project has been a crucial step toward ensuring the long-term health of Palau’s coastal ecosystems,” said Mr. Kimura. “Sustained collaboration, monitoring, and adaptive management are key to the resilience of these vital ecosystems in the face of climate change.”

As the project moves toward its conclusion, it remains focused on ensuring long-term sustainability and conservation. The collaboration between PICRC, JICA, local stakeholders, state governments, and government agencies like MAFE is key to ensuring that the efforts made so far are sustained and expanded in the future.