Solutions in Focus

8 SOLUTION

Palau’s Protected Areas Network Act

Solution provider:

Noah Idechong, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism of Palau

Summary:

The solution establishes a nationwide framework that empowers communities to designate and manage marine and terrestrial protected areas in cooperation with partners. It provides standards, criteria, application processes, and technical and financial assistance for management and monitoring of sites.

Location:

Palau

Impacts The solution successfully merged traditional management with modern legislation to establish procedures and monitoring standards. Participation, resource ownership and empowerment of communities increased significantly. It created jobs so that people returned to their villages, reducing urban drift. 35 protected areas have been established, contributing to Palau's goal of designating 30% of its near shoremarine environment and 20% of its terrestrial resources by 2020. Tourists contribute to conservation via the green fee mechanism, which supports local communities with US$ 1.8 million annually.

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