Ilebrang Olkeriil, Director of the Aquarium Department at Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) was nominated on April 30, 2018, to be a member of the Palau Global Environment Facility (GEF)/ Small Grants Program (SGP) National Steering Committee (NSC).
The nomination was made by Ms. Osnat Lubrani, the UNDP Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. In her nomination letter, Ms. Lubrani stated that Ms. Olkeriil was nominated based on her leadership role in various environmental programs throughout Palau and her position as Director at PICRC. Ms. Olkeriil will use her experience and knowledge to help guide projects for Palau SDG.
Since 1992, the GEF-SGP has been active in supporting non-governmental and community-based organizations in various developing countries, most specifically in dealing with environmental challenges such as climate change, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of persistent organic pollutants, and prevention of land degradation.
The main goal of the SGP is to provide assistance to communities that enable them to generate sustainable livelihoods, all while making positive impacts in their respective communities.
As a member of the SGP-NSC, Ms. Olkeriil will be tasked with working with other members to review and approve project proposals and occasionally, participate in monitoring the implementation of approved projects with the SGP Staff.
Within this role, Olkeriil will be able to help ensure that environmental challenges are being addressed and are aligned with national priorities that meet the GEF focal areas of Biodiversity, Land Degradation, Climate Change Mitigation, Chemicals and Waste, and International Waters. (PR)