By: Samantha Iyar
Koror, Palau — The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment (MAFE) launched a new initiative on October 29 aimed at promoting biodiversity-friendly and culturally integrated agrifood and agritourism practices in Palau. The workshop, held at West Lebuu Street, marks the inception of the project, with MAFE as the lead agency, the Global Environmental Facility’s Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) as a funding partner, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the multilateral implementer.
Funded by GBFF, the project aligns with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, focusing on enhancing biodiversity efforts in vulnerable regions through national strategies and sustainable funding.
During the workshop, MAFE outlined project goals, engaged stakeholders, and discussed the integration of biodiversity in local agriculture and tourism. The agenda included project targets, stakeholder identification, and updates on related efforts.
“Agriculture benefits not only the environment but also our people,” said MAFE Minister Steven Victor, emphasizing the project’s goal to strengthen local food systems and diversify tourism. Victor addressed challenges such as limited land and infrastructure for farmers and mentioned initiatives to support commercial farming.
Victor also discussed a collaboration with Belau Modekngei School to create an agriculture curriculum aimed at involving Palauan youth in farming. “We hope this curriculum can be a pathway for engaging Palauans in agriculture,” he added.
FAO’s Suzette Manilay, Associate GEF Technical Specialist, provided an overview of the GEF biodiversity fund. Emily King, GEF Project Design Specialist from FAO’s Pacific Islands office, led a session on project outcomes and metrics, while participants took part in group discussions on project safeguards and shared lessons from previous initiatives.
The workshop represents a step forward in integrating sustainable practices to enhance biodiversity while supporting Palauan communities.