Overview:
Palau Marks 10 Years of Ocean Leadership Through the Palau National Marine Sanctuary
KOROR, Palau — Guided by the belief that “a healthy ocean sustains all life,” Palau this week celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) — one of the world’s most ambitious ocean conservation initiatives. Since its creation in 2015, the PNMS has protected 80% of Palau’s waters, becoming a global model of science-based stewardship, community partnership, and national pride.
KOROR, Palau — “A healthy ocean sustains all life,” a guiding principle that continues to define Palau’s global leadership in marine conservation, was echoed this week as the nation celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS).
Established in 2015, the PNMS stands as one of the world’s most ambitious ocean protection efforts, safeguarding 80% of Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from all extractive activities. Over the past decade, it has become a model of science-driven stewardship, collaborative governance, and enduring national pride.
The 10th-anniversary celebration, held at the Palau Royal Resort’s Breeze Bar, brought together a broad coalition of partners who have supported the sanctuary since its inception — the Rubekul Belau (Council of Chiefs), the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK), the Governors Association, the Speakers Association, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), the Friends of the PNMS (FPNMS) and the community. Together, they reflected on a decade of progress and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Palau’s ocean heritage.
A Decade of Science and Stewardship
In the ten years since its establishment, research led by PICRC has validated the ecological and social benefits of the PNMS. Monitoring and evaluation studies show encouraging signs of resilience and recovery in both nearshore and pelagic ecosystems. By limiting offshore fishing pressure, the sanctuary has helped rebuild fish populations and redirected local efforts toward sustainable coastal fisheries that strengthen food security.
Palau’s domestic fishing zone continues to serve as a vital source of protein for communities while supporting long-term fish stock regeneration in areas once heavily fished. Oceanographic studies — conducted in collaboration with partners such as National Geographic Pristine Seas, the Ocean Exploration Trust, and NOAA Ocean Exploration — have revealed rich biodiversity and unique deep-sea habitats, underscoring the sanctuary’s global ecological importance.
Beyond research, PICRC has championed education and outreach to cultivate public awareness and engagement. Initiatives such as the Berius el Chais radio series, Tekoi I’Chei newsletters, and school-based programs have nurtured a generation of young ocean advocates. A recent PICRC national survey found that over 70% of Palauans support ongoing protection of the PNMS, reflecting broad national ownership and pride in this conservation legacy.
A Shared National Commitment
The PNMS embodies Palau’s unity of purpose — a vision shared by traditional leaders, government institutions, and citizens to protect the ocean that sustains their culture, spirituality, and economy.
As Palau enters the second decade of the sanctuary, partners reaffirm their collective responsibility to ensure that the PNMS continues to deliver ecological, scientific, and social benefits — reinforcing food security, advancing marine research, and strengthening climate resilience for future generations.
The 10th anniversary stands not only as a celebration of what has been achieved, but also as a renewed promise that Palau’s leadership in ocean stewardship will endure for decades to come.