PICRC-JICA Coastal Project Officially Hands Over Mangrove Guidebook to PCC

On February 5, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officially handed over the comprehensive “Mangrove Guidebook, Okeburs er a Belau” to Palau Community College (PCC). This guidebook, developed over the past three years as part of the PICRC-JICA technical cooperation project, “Project for Enhancement of Integrated Management of Coastal Ecosystems in Palau for Strengthening Their Resilience to Climate Change” (PICRC-JICA Coastal Project), is a significant resource for both ecological and cultural education.

The guidebook provides an in-depth look at the mangrove species in Palau, highlighting their ecological benefits and their deep-rooted significance in Palau’s cultural history. It explores the unique characteristics and traditional uses of mangroves, placing them in a global context and addressing the challenges they face in an evolving world. The scientific information included has been gathered from local experts to ensure it is both current and accurate. Additionally, the guidebook is aligned with PCC’s science curriculum, making it a valuable educational resource.

PCC’s Acting Dean of Academic Affairs, Mr. Jay Olegeriil, expressed his gratitude to the PICRC-JICA Coastal Project for its efforts to support tertiary education and provide PCC with 1,000 copies to complement environmental science studies. Project Coordinator for the PICRC-JICA Coastal Project, Ms. Kanako Itagaki, stated, “We hope the introduction of this guidebook into tertiary education will expose young scientists to Palau’s unique mangrove ecosystems and inspire them to advocate for their sustainable management.”

The collaborative efforts and contributions from various experts and institutions have been instrumental in the creation of this guidebook. The PICRC-JICA Coastal Project team extends its thanks to PCC Associate Professor Vernice Yuji, David Adema from the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Dr. Ann Hillman Kitalong and Sholeh Hanser from the Belau National Museum (BNM), and Dr. Richard Mackenzie from the US Forestry Service for their invaluable contributions and scientific expertise.