PICRC and Ngaraard State Government Host Community Meeting on Coral Restoration

As part of its mission to conserve Palau’s local marine resources, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is carrying out several coral research and reef restoration projects, actively engaging local communities. In Ngaraard, where Typhoon Mike in 1990 caused severe damage from which the reef has yet to fully recover, the Center began its coral restoration work in 2023, following a request from the State Governor and a subsequent site assessment.

On December 23, 2025, PICRC and the Ngaraard State Government hosted a community meeting with local residents to provide updates on the work carried out to date in the area and to share the next steps of the project.

In addition to PICRC researchers and members of the Coral Futures Academy—Uly Olsudong, Mengiau Sasao, and Dr. Jue Lalas, who lead the coral restoration project in Ngaraard—other PICRC representatives attended the meeting, including CEO Siual Blesam, Outreach Director Imade Tellei, and Mr. Asap Bukurrou. The Coral Futures Academy is a project funded by the G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) that aims to build a network of local leaders in coral reef restoration across Micronesia.

Representing Ngaraard State, notable attendees included Governor Sharp Sakuma and members of the Ngaraard Legislature, Duane Tochi and John Temengil, bringing the total number of participants to 25. Many of the attendees were men and women from Ngaraard State eager to learn about coral restoration efforts and their effectiveness in improving coral reef health.

The meeting began with presentations by Uly Olsudong and Mengiau Sasao, who outlined the coral restoration procedures implemented in the project and provided an overview of progress in Ngaraard. Following the most recent deployment of 40 reef stars in October 2025, carried out in collaboration with community members and volunteers, the reef now hosts a total of 249 reef stars. These structures provide a stable base for coral fragments, placing them on the seafloor to grow and integrate into the reef. PICRC monitors them regularly to ensure healthy development, helping rebuild the reef over time.

The presentations were followed by a dynamic dialogue with the community, during which PICRC researchers and representatives engaged with the Governor and other community members, encouraging attendees to ask questions and share their own observations and local knowledge. “Sharing information with the communities is vital, as their input and perspectives on their reefs are essential for moving forward. These communities are the resource owners, and it is important that they understand what is happening and what is planned for their reefs. Engaging and interacting with them not only strengthens collaboration, but also validates the work we do and fosters a strong sense of ownership and stewardship,” noted Uly.

PICRC thanks the Ngaraard State Government for its collaboration, hospitality, and leadership in hosting this community meeting and for its continued partnership in ongoing coral restoration efforts. Engaging communities is a priority for PICRC, ensuring they remain well informed and are empowered to participate in the conservation of their marine resources, while also recognizing and incorporating local knowledge into its projects.