Palau’s President, Surangel Whipps Jr., has fiercely criticized a recent Bloomberg Green article suggesting The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is driving plans to shrink the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS). Whipps, addressing the press on January 24th, called the reporting “insulting” and “irresponsible.”
Published on January 19th, the Bloomberg article claimed TNC was behind proposals to reduce the PNMS, currently one of the world’s largest marine protected area, from 80% to at least 30%. The article quoted numerous figures involved in the sanctuary’s history and current discussions, including Whipps, Minister Steven Victor, and former President Tommy Remengesau Jr.
Whipps, visibly upset, expressed disappointment in Bloomberg, a respected media outlet, for publishing what he deemed “unprofessional” reporting. He took particular offense to the lack of contact with himself or Minister Steven Victor, both of whom, according to Whipps, were not interviewed for the article. “They did not talk to us,” he emphasized, urging the reporter to “talk to the people who know the facts” before publishing such stories.
Minister Victor, while acknowledging a quote attributed to him in the article, echoed Whipps’ concerns, claiming no recollection of an interview with the reporter.
The Bloomberg article centered around a document allegedly provided by TNC to President Whipps, proposing a reduction in the protected area and the reopening of portions to industrial fishing. While Minister Victor did not explicitly deny this claim, he framed it as one of several proposals submitted, similar to past collaborations with TNC on projects like the Protected Areas Network and the Northern Reef Management Plan.
The proposed reduction to at least 30% protected area, with the potential for a 70/30 split in favor of industrial fishing, has sparked heated debate. While some, like former President Remengesau Jr. express concerns about potential environmental damage and lack of transparency, others, like Minister Victor, see it as a necessary compromise for economic growth.
Meanwhile, the publication has raised the ire of President Whipps and Minister Victor, who implied that the article and the timing of its release may be politically motivated.