Overview:
Women from Melekeok and Aimeliik are turning tradition into opportunity through giant clam farming. A new training program is helping participants build sustainable businesses, strengthen local economies and restore Palau’s reefs—showcasing women’s growing role in ocean stewardship and financial independence.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — Women from Melekeok and Aimeliik states are building new pathways to financial independence and environmental stewardship through giant clam farming, launching a training program this January in Melekeok focused on sustainable aquaculture and small-business development.
The Giant Clam Aquaculture Farming initiative equips women gleaners and fishers with practical skills to raise clams for local and international markets. With wild giant clam populations declining, the project aims to restore reef ecosystems while creating scalable income opportunities that strengthen household and community economies.
Project organizers say the effort builds on women’s long-standing role as environmental managers.
“Women clam farmers are traditional stewards of the environment,” said Kevin Mesebeluu of the CRIS Alliance. “For generations, they have developed and maintained taro patches—engineering water flow, sustaining soil and freshwater health, and ensuring food security for families. That same stewardship ethic translates naturally to the ocean, where women’s leadership in clam farming strengthens reef restoration, coastal resilience, and community well-being.”
As part of the program, experienced local farmers will survey potential sites to identify optimal water quality, current flow and protection from storms. Plans include establishing a nursery and grow-out system, along with a centralized workstation for harvesting, cleaning, shucking, preparation and cold storage that meets hygiene and food-safety standards.
A floating dock will serve as the operational hub, improving efficiency and safety during harvesting and daily operations.
Participants are receiving hands-on training in clam health monitoring, predator protection and cage construction. Once initial harvests begin, the women aim to manage their own operations as independent businesses, contributing to local economic activity while supporting marine conservation.
Organizers say the initiative reflects a growing movement in Palau to empower women as leaders in both economic development and ocean stewardship, linking traditional knowledge with modern aquaculture practices to strengthen community resilience.