KOROR, Palau – The Palau Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment (MAFE) and Ministry of Justice have joined forces to combat farm thefts and wild pig damage, a growing concern for the island nation’s food security.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on May 30, 2024, by MAFE Minister Steven Victor and Vice President Uduch Sengebau-Senior, who also heads the Ministry of Justice, marks the official collaboration.
The initiative stems from community reports of rising farm thefts targeting crops like taro and betel nuts, as well as damage caused by wild pigs.
“This effort came about due to reports from the community of farms being raided and produce stolen,” Minister Victor explained. “Food security is MAFE’s responsibility, but we need the Justice Ministry’s help, especially Fish and Wildlife, to control wild pigs.”
Minister Victor emphasized increased law enforcement presence and collaboration with state governments and rangers in Babeldaob as key deterrents to farm theft.
He added that the MAFE-Justice Ministry partnership is part of a broader effort that includes the states of Keuikl, Aimeliik, Ngatpang, Ngeremlengui, and Ngardmau. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and deter potential theft through a comprehensive approach.
Vice President Senior commended MAFE’s cooperation and pledged the Justice Ministry’s full support.
“I’m pleased to sign this MOU, a great collaboration to provide security and surveillance to affected states,” Vice President Senior said. “The first phase involves working with governors and rangers in those states to give them the support they need.”
“This is how we can assist communities with security,” she continued, “and we look forward to a successful future through this collaboration.”
The MOU implementation will begin with meetings in affected communities, awareness campaigns, and outreach to organizations like the local Bangladeshi community to inform their members about theft prevention efforts.
The MOU establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration to address these critical issues impacting Palauan livelihoods and food security.