The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) represented by Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, Palau Visitor’s Authority (PVA) represented by Chairman of the Board Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, and the Koror State Government (KSG) represented by Governor Franco Gibbons, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a collaborative coral reef and marine environment rehabilitation program. The signing took place on September 21, 2018, in a packed PICRC Kedarm Conference Room. Many dignitaries including President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., Minister F. Umiich Sengebau, Speaker Sabino Anastacio, Delegate Sebastian Marino, Senator Phillip Reklai, Senator J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, Senator Regis Akitaya, and Senator Frank Kyota were present to witness the signing ceremony. Also present were numerous Koror State Legislators along with Directors from Koror State, and representatives from the PVA and PAN Fund Board of Directors.
The collaborative project among PICRC, KSG, and PVA has two goals: to rehabilitate the coral reefs in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (RISL) World Heritage Site and raise awareness in Palau’s visitors on the importance of coral reefs and how they can help in its protection and conservation.
This project entails breeding of corals, giant clams and other marine animals, then transplanting them to different sites in the RISL that need rehabilitation. The project will utilize the research and aquarium expertise at PICRC in order to identify and breed resilient corals that can withstand climate change stressors like rising sea temperatures. Once established, the program will allow the opportunity for visitors to take part in transplanting their own coral fragments to these sites.
The rehabilitation program will be led by PICRC’s Director of Aquarium Ilebrang Olkeriil and Director of Research Geraldine Rengiil. The two directors will supervise a team of researchers and aquarium culturist in implementing this breeding and transplantation program.
Koror State Government and Palau Visitors Authority contributed equally the seed money of $7,488.00 to start the project. In an unexpected and welcome surprise, during the signing ceremony while President Remengesau was giving his remarks, he announced that Speaker Anastacio pledges $1,000.00 toward this project and that he would also pledge $1,000 to match the Speaker’s donation. After hearing the announcement by President Remengesau, Senators Akitaya, Kyota, Reklai, and Senior also pledged to match the donation from the Office of the President and the House of Delegates with $1,000. The Koror State Legislators present then followed with their pledge of $1,000 toward the project. In a matter of just a few minutes, a total $4,000 additional funds were raised to support this coral reef rehabilitation project. (PR)