Advancing community-led fisheries management and ocean conservation in Palau
Brimming with mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and vast coral reefs, the Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean is a vital geographic area for coastal fisheries. Palau, an archipelago in the region with over 300 tropical islands, is home to some of the world’s most intact marine ecosystems. It’s also recognized globally for its marine protected areas and deep cultural commitment to ocean conservation. Coastal communities depend on these ecosystems for food, livelihoods, and cultural identity, and many households also rely on smallholder farming to support their families.
As a Small Island Developing State, Palau is especially vulnerable to overfishing, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change. Through community-led solutions, Rare works with coastal communities to restore fisheries, protect biodiversity, strengthen food security and livelihoods, advance gender equity, and build climate-resilient futures.
About Rare’s Fish Forever program
Fish Forever is a global program to revitalize the world’s coastal fisheries. Through Fish Forever in Palau and the Federal States of Micronesia, Rare supports coastal communities and their local leaders to protect, restore, and manage the coastal waters and habitats on which we all depend.
Rare works with coastal communities and local leaders to establish community-managed fishing areas with “no-take” marine reserves to protect and rebuild fisheries while strengthening livelihoods. Rare also works to secure these areas as OECMS, strengthening community rights and contributing to broader conservation goals.
Coastal 500 is the largest global network of mayors and local government leaders committed to fostering thriving and prosperous coastal communities.
The Rare approach to community-led conservation
We work with communities to lead conservation and build the conditions that help it last.
This includes strengthening rights, governance, livelihoods, and culture, while also working beyond the community level to ensure policies, finance, and other systems sustain these efforts over time.
Designing solutions that work for people and nature
We design solutions grounded in how people make decisions and act. We work with communities to align new practices with local priorities, social norms, and daily realities — and use tools and technology to support adoption, learning, and scaling.
Strengthening policies that support community leadership
We work with communities and governments to shape policies that recognize local leadership and support long-term stewardship of natural resources.
Expanding access to finance for communities
We connect communities to financial tools and opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and help them adapt to environmental and economic change.
Stay Connected
Sign me up for occasional emails to learn more about Rare’s work and how I can support its mission. I know I can unsubscribe at any time.
Partners in Palau and the Pacific Islands
Rare works with a range of partners in Palau and the Pacific Islands. The following is a sampling of our partners (past and present):
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment (MAFE), The Palau National Marine Sanctuary, Micronesia Conservation Trust, Ebiil Society, and Friends of the Marine Sanctuary among many others.
We are grateful to the partners and supporters whose collaboration makes this work possible.
Partner with us
Healthy oceans depend on strong partnerships and community leadership.
If you are interested in partnering with Rare in the Pacific Islands or supporting community-led fisheries management, we would love to hear from you.
Contact us to become a partner
Contact Us
For more information on Rare’s work in Palau and the Pacific Islands, please contact us.
Photo Credits: Jesse Alpert for Rare.