Ngiwal State and PICRC-JICA Coastal Project celebrate the official launch of Ngiwal Mangrove Ecotour

On January 14, 2025, Ngiwal State officially opened their Mangrove Ecotour in the Orsoulkesol Waterfall Conservation Area. This ecotour project has been developed over the last two years in collaboration with the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) technical cooperation project, ‘Project for Enhancement of Integrated Management of Coastal Ecosystem in Palau for Strengthening Their Resilience to Climate Change’ (PICRC-JICA Coastal Project).

To commemorate this, Ngiwal State and PICRC-JICA Coastal Project held a ceremony to celebrate the official launch of the Ngiwal Mangrove Ecotour. The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by Deacon McWeldon August, followed by a welcoming speech by High Chief Uongruios Elliot Udui. High Chief Udui thanked PICRC and JICA for their collaboration with Ngiwal State over the past few years, a sentiment echoed by Ngiwal State’s Governor Francisco Melaitau in his opening remarks. Governor Melaitau also highlighted the need for continued support and guidance from PICRC to improve the ecotour.

In her remarks, Ms. Roxanne Siual Blesam, PICRC’s CEO and Project Director of the PICRC- JICA Coastal Project, emphasized PICRC’s commitment to supporting and empowering local communities and expressed willingness to continue supporting these projects. She also highlighted an educational activity held by PICRC-JICA Coastal Project in Ngiwal for World Mangrove Day on July 26, 2024. According to pre- and post-survey results, 20% of students had never visited mangroves before, but after the mangrove ecotour, 86% of students had a better understanding of mangrove ecosystems, and 93% expressed a desire to learn more about mangroves. These results underscore the importance of connecting students with nature, and PICRC aims to continue providing educational activities for students.

Mr. Tadashi Kimura, the Chief Advisor of the PICRC-JICA Coastal Project, congratulated the community on the official launch of the ecotour and explained how the PICRC-JICA Coastal Project has supported its implementation. This support included providing equipment such as kayaks, developing an implementation plan, and conducting ecotour guide training. He encouraged the community to continue protecting mangroves for their long-term use and mentioned that this community-based ecotour could serve as a model for other states in Babeldaob.

Mr. Kimura introduced Ms. Alicia Oderai Eledui, the Protected Area Network (PAN) Conservation Officer of Ngiwal State, who will lead the Ngiwal Mangrove Ecotour in the future. She provided an overview of the project and reflected on her journey as a PAN Conservation Officer, expressing her goal to help the community for future generations. Although she is still learning, she is eager to educate others about the importance of mangroves, not only for the environment but also for the community.

Finally, Mr. Tsunenori Aoki, Chief Representative of the JICA Palau Office, concluded the ceremony with expressions of appreciation to the partners. He reiterated the importance of collaboration and investment for future generations. Mr. Aoki emphasized that Palau is committed to maintaining its natural environment and hopes that ecotourism will be successful in providing both environmental and economic benefits.

Approximately 30 people attended the ceremony to officially open the ecotour. Although the PICRC-JICA Coastal Project will conclude this month, collaboration will continue.

For more information about the Ngiwal Mangrove Ecotour, please contact the Ngiwal State Protected Areas Network office at [email protected] or [email protected],  or call +680 679-2967.