Overview:
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is strengthening community-based marine conservation by engaging the Dmakeiukl Women’s Group in discussions on monitoring Palau’s Marine Protected Areas. The meeting combined scientific research with traditional knowledge to support biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across western Babeldaob.
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) participated in the Dmakeiukl Women’s Group meeting organized by The Nature Conservancy that was held at Ngatpang Community Center on April 2, 2026. The meeting brought together the community and conservation partners to discuss biodiversity and climate resilience within the four Dmakekiukl States of western Babeldaob.
During the meeting, PICRC presented on the monitoring efforts within the Protected Area Network Marine Protected Areas (PAN MPAs). The briefing provided the Dmakeiukl Women’s Group with essential updates on what marine resources researchers are currently tracking to ensure the health and sustainability of Palau’s vital marine resources.
The meeting was necessary because it provided an opportunity for a face-to-face discussion with the community groups within the Dmakeiukl States about ongoing scientific monitoring efforts. The members of the community also provided vital feedback that included traditional knowledge in survey design and results interpretation. The presentation included a series of guided questions on different marine resources presence and trends across years, and was targeted to identify ongoing aquaculture, seeding and restoration interventions operated by the community.
The Dmakeiukl Women’s group were engaged in the conversation and shared their knowledge on ongoing sea cucumber seeding projects within Olterukl MPA, in Ngatpang State.
This collaborative engagement was made possible through the support and coordination of several key partner agencies dedicated to conservation in Micronesia. PICRC would like to recognize the Micronesia Challenge Trust, The Nature Conservancy and KIWA Project, for their partnership in facilitating these important community dialogues.
By creating opportunities for scientists and community groups to discuss marine resource monitoring, PICRC and its partners aim to strengthen local management of MPAs and foster a deeper connection between research and traditional stewardship.