At the INSPIRE project launch held April 30, 2024 by Palau Conservation Society and partners at the Bai Ra Maiberel in Koror. In his affirmation, PCS Executive Director Elbuchel Sadang expressed the organization’s commitment to work with the state governments and MAFE to improve invasive species management between the islands through inter island biosecurity.
In a collaborative effort to safeguard Palau’s vibrant biodiversity, the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) joined efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Environment, Koror and Kayangel State Governments, and Island Conservation to launch a new initiative focusing on inter island biosecurity between Koror and Kayangel.
A Site Inception workshop on Invasive Species Management for Resilience Ecosystems and Communities (INSPIRE) Project was attended by Minister Steven Victor, Governor Richard Ngiraked, Director Jennifer S. Olegeriil of the Koror DCLE, with biosecurity officers and rangers from Kayangel and Koror. The Embassy of Australia was also represented by their Senior Program Officer, Clarissa Adelbai.
The INSPIRE Project will focus on enhancing biosecurity measures through increased surveillance, early detection, and rapid response protocols. Training sessions and capacity building workshops will be conducted to equip biosecurity officers and rangers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively prevent and manage invasive species inside and outside of protected areas and between the islands.
In addition, community engagement initiatives will be implemented to raise awareness about the impact of invasive species on ecosystems and livelihoods. Local communities will be encouraged to participate in invasive species control efforts and adopt sustainable practices to protect their environment, health, and food security.
The collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities demonstrates a strong commitment to conservation and sustainable development in Palau. By working together, we can ensure the protection of Palau’s rich biodiversity and secure a resilient future for our islands.
The INSPIRE project is a regional effort implemented by Birdlife International with its national partners in Palau (Palau Conservation Society), Fiji (Nature Fiji), French Polynesia (SOP Manu), and Samoa (Samoa Conservation Society). The project is funded by the Kiwa Initiative. The Kiwa Initiative is a multi-donor program which aims to build resilience to climate change through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The initiative is funded by the governments of Australia, Canada, European Union, France, and New Zealand.