The Republic of Palau and Conservation International have renewed their partnership to support Palau’s efforts in building a resilient island economy based on marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. Rooted in the Palau Blue Prosperity Plan, which integrates environmental protection with sustainable economic growth, the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) now extends through 2029.
The MOU aims to enhance the sustainable management of Palau’s fisheries by implementing supportive policy, infrastructure, and finance measures that support Palauan farmers, fishers and technical specialists. This includes strengthening sustainable production practices and providing direct support to the Palauan workforce.
The agreement also seeks to advance world-leading marine conservation and adaptive management strategies to safeguard critical ecosystems while increasing economic benefits for Palauan communities.
“Palau did not start out to be a world leader in marine management. Our efforts as a people started centuries ago with the understanding that healthy ecosystems on land and in the water meant more resources for us,” said President Surangel. S. Whipps, Jr. “It was a matter of survival. And that is truer today more than any other time in our history. But this is not something we can do alone. This is why we appreciate partners like Conservation International. This renewed partnership with Conservation International strengthens our ability to protect our resources, secure our economy, and pass a thriving ocean on to future generations. More than that, it shows the world what can be achieved when we work together.”
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Republic of Palau and Conservation International, builds on a collaboration first established in 2021 and aligns with Palau’s national vision, “A Kot a Rechad er Belau” (Palauan People First), that focuses on ensuring conservation efforts benefit Palauan communities.
