Mainstreaming Mondays

​This will be my last #MainstreamingMonday. It has been an honor to work with you on the Palau Biodiversity Project (GEF6) and its many associated initiatives, and I look forward to continued partnership in new ways! Dolmii will be taking over this newsletter and I wish her and all of you the best as you continue your good work for sustainable development and environmental conservation in Palau and across the globe. THANK YOU for your friendship, camaraderie, and support!

- Anu

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What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The Bekai (Micronesian Megapode, found in Palau and CNMI) has been downlisted on the IUCN Red List from Endangered (EN) to NT (Near Threatened)! This is a lowering of threat level by two steps! While there is still more work to do (including verifying if the Bekai is its own unique species and recovering from recent massive loss of habitat in Angaur), this is also worth celebration! Decades of conservation work - multiple rodent eradications (with translocations), new protected areas, incorporation of birds into EAs and EISs (and avoidance of habitat loss), enforcement of no-take laws, monitoring, and education/outreach - are having an impact!

Of the three species that GEF6 reports on, Bekai have improved, Biib are stable, and unfortunately Belochel have declined. They have increased in threat status from NT to Vulnerable (VU) (found in Palau, FSM, RMI, Kiribati, and Nauru), although it appears to be recovering in Palau. See the attached report on Bird Indicators.

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​What's coming up?

• The 31st Pacific Islands Environment Conference (PIEC) will be next week, hosted by Palau EPQB and US EPA. Find the program and registration here. Follow Palau EQPB on FB for updates.

• Week of September 4: Palau Climate Change Policy (PCCP) - Update on Desk Review Validation Workshop. Contact the Office of Climate Change.

• Ngchesar MP&LUP Writing - 7/26 @ 6pm

• Hatohobei Land Use Planning - 7/28 @ 9am

• Partners, financial and narrative reports are past due.

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Who's Doing What? 

• She sits in the back and keeps everything humming - and we totally forgot to thank her for her tireless efforts to keep the GEF6 project going!!! Thank you to Rica Ngirmang, our dedicated Financial Officer who is also one of the Core Team!!!

• Last week's Annual GEF6 Partners Meeting verified the status of project's indicators (image above plus attached presentation) to be submitted to GEF in the annual Project Implementation Report (PIR). Through this amazing partnership, Palau has achieved its indicators! The meeting also included reports from all partners (including new ones like Entrepreneurs for Growth), expectations for co-financing, timelines for Q3, audits, and the Terminal Evaluation, and the proposed GEF6 Sustainability Plan.

• The 3rd GEF6 Sustainability Workshop included an overview of the Action Plan template, which every state will receive in the next few weeks. See attached presentation.

• Hatohobei started Land Use Planning.

• Minister Victor is at the United Nations / FAO Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment representing Palau's #KeledANgercheled interests. Follow on social media using #UNFSS2023. 

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr)

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #BuyLocalByLocal #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

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Palau GEF6 Project

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment (MAFE), Palau

~Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into land and seascape governance, planning, and management.

Through the GEF6 Project, the Ministry is protecting biodiversity and natural resources by improving National-State communication and coordination and expanding partnerships between the National, State, Nonprofit, and Business sectors. Activities include: 1) Landscape, Seascape, and Master Planning; 2) Biosecurity and management of Invasive Alien Species; 3) Use of Best Practices in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, housing, and sustainable tourism; 4) Improved surveillance and enforcement; and 5) Gender and social mainstreaming and inclusivity.

According to PNCC, from Tuesday July 17 at 7 am to Saturday July 22 Palau will have a 5-day INTERNET OUTAGE. There will be NO INTERNET throughout Palau.

All scheduled GEF6 meetings are a go:

1. Wednesday, July 19 @ 8:30am: Sustainability Workshop #3 at GEF6

2. Wednesday, July 19 @ 1pm: GEF6 BOD meeting (local participants only) at West Plaza Lebuu

3. Thursday, July 20 @ 8:30am: Hatohobei Land Use Planning at GEF6

4. Thursday, July 20 @ 10:30am: GEF6 Annual Partners Meeting at Palasia Desomel Restaurant - INVITING ALL GEF6 PARTNERS & FRIENDS

5. Friday, July 21 @ TBC: GEF6 Retreat

Phone numbers are expected to work:

Anu: 775-4335 or 488-6611

Dolmii: 775-2626

Rica: 775-7422

Ophelia: 775-3077 or 488-6654

Unfortunately the GEF6 office phone is still not working.

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What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: No need to be bored this week! Download this page with pictures of Palau's Threatened Plants and then head out for a walk to appreciate them! Or, Meet Your Trees with the attached brochure from BOE DFLW.

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Who's Doing What? 

• Congratulations to Peleliu! The State held a formal ceremony to transition the Draft Master Plan from the Planning Team to the Commission. The new Planning Commission also held a Community Meeting to introduce the master plan to the community, after which they incorporated valuable feedback such as the need to incorporate the military. 

• Peleliu also celebrated the Restoration and Re-Launching of the Blil a Aol (Milkfish Farm)! As Minister Victor said during his celebratory remarks, the site is a perfect example of mainstreaming biodiversity into development: The site is nominated as a PAN site for its rare wetland habitat and cultural heritage, and is being developed as a joint food security/tourism site.

• Anu's last day in Palau is July 28. I look forward to celebrating with you at the Partners Meeting on Thursday, July 20 at 10:30am!!!

• MEN, Business Owners, and Tour Operators: I need your help! Please do the quick KAP survey: https://forms.gle/ttHxqKjH9XCTLFpW8

Happy Constitution Day, Palau! See you on Friday at the Agri-Fair!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: This year's Agri-Fair is a celebration of all things #KeledANgercheled and #BuyLocalByLocal, with a hefty helping of Best Practices as well. In addition to buying locally-grown (climate-resilient) products, learn about ways to efficiently expand agricultural and aquaculture production while safeguarding biodiversity - by using practices such as Integrated Pest Management, composting, integrated livestock and farming practices, and use of native species for food and rewilding.

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What's coming up?

• Agri-Fair on Friday, July 14 @ 9:30-3:00

• Peleliu Commission and Community Meeting on draft Master Plan - 7/11 @ 7pm

• Peleliu Milkfish Farm Restoration & Relaunching Ceremony - 7/12 @ 11am

• Hatohobei Land Use Planning - 7/13 @ 9 am at PALARIS

• NEW DATE AND NEW TIME: 3rd Sustainability Workshop moved to July 19 @ 8:30am

• GEF6 Board Meeting - 7/19 @ 1pm

• Annual GEF6 Partnership Meeting - July 20 @ 10:30am 

• Angaur LUP mapping with PALARIS - July 18-19

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Who's Doing What? 

• Congratulations to Aimeliik on passing State Planning Commission legislation! Now all 10 States on Babeldaob plus Peleliu have legislated, authorized Planning Commissions who are ready to implement their master plans.

• Peleliu's new Planning Commission embraced their draft master plan and land use plan and after studying it, asked for an in-depth orientation in order to update it and implement it.

• Both Ngchesar and Ngeremlengui continued working on detailed written drafts of their master plans. They are seeking executive endorsement by the end of the month.

• Both the GEF5 and GEF6 projects are going through their Project Implementation Reports (PIRs). Good news - we have met most indicators in both projects!!!

• Anu's last day in Palau is July 28. Please come to the Partners Meeting on July 20 so we can celebrate together and talk transition. See you there!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Here is one more priority biosecurity species to prevent:

• Little Fire Ant: This tiny ant harms people, crops, and the environment and is very painful and itchy. It needs to be identified under a microscope. Call Biosecurity if you see very tiny orange/red ants swarming. Prevention is best: these ants are in Hawaii, Guam, and Yap. They can enter on imported nursery plants and flowers, but entire swarms can be found in cargo and luggage, especially if sitting unused for a while. Learn a surveillance technique for ants at this week's EDRR/IIB Biosecurity workshops. See attached for more.

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What's coming up?

• CORRECT DATES THIS WEEK: Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) and Inter-Island Biosecurity (IIB) Workshops (9am-3pm @ GEF6):

  • Tuesday: Babeldaob & Outer Island States

  • Wednesday: MAFE and Biosecurity Division

  • Thursday: Koror

  • Friday: Agency, NGO, and NISC partners

• June 30 is the deadline to apply to participate in the Biannual UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum. Contact: Mikaila.Way@fao.org

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Who's Doing What? 

• Cheldebechel will be harvesting taro this week! Women's groups participating in the COVID-19 Response for Affected Poor and Vulnerable Groups Project (with ADB, BOA, PVA, and more partners) are preparing for their next harvest of this healthy cultural staple. Contact Ary at 775-3993 or Ongly 770-6855 to buy your taro. See the attached flyer to learn more about the project.

• The second GEF6 Sustainability Workshop focused on communications, outreach, and mainstreaming with an emphasis on stakeholder identification and analysis. Participants also learned how to quickly create a Google website. See attached.

Dr. Miles' funeral is tomorrow at the Funeral Home.

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What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Let's get to know and **hate** our priority biosecurity species to prevent. These Invasive Alien Species (IAS) could wreak havoc to our food systems, economy, and biodiversity if they come into Palau.

• At the top of that list is the Brown Tree Snake. The BTS costs Guam millions of dollars per year in electrical and infrastructure damage, and many of Guam's birds are extinct. Its tell-tale feature is that the head is wider than the body. See the attachment for photos.

• Coqui Tree Frog. We will all go nuts if this tiny, ear-splitting frog comes here from Hawaii, plus it could eat all of our insects which means pollination could cease (food security!!!). They can spread on infested plants and flowers. You're looking for a round body shape and a broad rounded snout with "obvious toe pads."  See the attachment for photos.

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What's coming up?

• GEF6 Sustainability Workshop #2 - NEW DATE!!!! ("Growing your impact" - Communications, Outreach, Mainstreaming. Bring your laptop if interested in social media or a free google website) - Monday, 6/26 @ 11:30 at GEF6

• Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) and Inter-Island Biosecurity (IIB) Workshops will be next week (9am-3pm @ GEF6):

  • Tuesday: Babeldaob Partners

  • Wednesday: Koror and Outer Island Partners 

  • Thursday: MAFE and Biosecurity Division

  • Friday: NISC and government partners

• The 2nd Agri-Fair is July 14 in Ngchesar! 

• The annual PIR is underway. Please stay tuned for requests for information. How many men and women have you worked with in the past year?

• June 22 is the deadline to apply to be the GEF8 Project Document preparer.

• June 30 is the deadline to apply to participate in the Biannual UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum. Contact: Mikaila.Way@fao.org

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Who's Doing What? 

• Thank you to all the wonderful State Partners who celebrated our combined legacy at the 8th Joint Coordination Body (JCB) meeting!!!

• Partners celebrated World Ocean Day and built awareness of the Marine Spatial Planning Process, spatial mapping, and ocean conservation.

• Partners celebrated Palau Conservation Day with PCS on their anniversary.

• The GEF6 team went to Kayangel to work with the State Planning Team to finish their master plan. They also finished their draft land use plan at the 8th Outer Island Workshop.

• Sonsorol finished their master plan!

• Hatohobei finished their master plan!

• Ngarchelong held a community meeting and received strong positive feedback on their master plan and land use plan.

• Aimeliik starting working on a nearshore marine spatial plan to go with their land use plan.

• Ngchesar State is finalizing its master plan for executive endorsement. 

• Melekeok is meeting regularly to update its land use plan.

Today's #MM is written in loving memory of Dr. Joel Miles. Rest in Peace, Toktang.

Dr. Miles was a tireless advocate for biodiversity and food security, and a warrior against invasive alien species (IAS). He built many of our invasive species programs from scratch, making Palau a safer place. His legacy will live on in the diverse partnerships that continue to prevent, control, and eradicate IAS:

• MAFE institutionalized the Invasive Species Program in its organizational chart.

• MOF Biosecurity Division inspects all incoming sea and aircraft.

• Koror and Island Conservation (IC) are working to make Ulong rodent-free (it may already be!).

• Partners from PCS to Ebiil Society to Hatohobei to Sonsorol have labored over the past decades to remove rats, cats, pigs, ants, and more IAS from high biodiversity islands.

• States, communities, PAN Rangers, and volunteers continually invest their time into kebeas and busbus removal (native but invasive under human-influenced conditions).

• The Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) and Inter-Island Biosecurity Plans (IIB) are finally done, with training scheduled for the last week of June (with BOE and IC).

• BOA, BOE, and TTM are studying and reducing fruit flies.

• PCC-CRE continues its research to understand and prevent the spread of CRB and to ensure aquaculture does not spread marine IAS.

• CRRF continues its monitoring of marine invasive species and is creating a marine invasive species training program.

• Private businesses like Paddling Palau regularly remove COTS (native, but invasive under human-influenced conditions) from our reefs.

• TNC published a scoping report on IAS actions in Palau and is working with communities to implement NbS as an adaptation to climate-fueled spread of IAS.

• DEH continues site visits and outreach to reduce disease vectors like rats and mosquitoes.

• The MAFE/BD quarantine facility is built. X-rays are on-island (we're working on getting them installed).

• EQPB enforces development and pesticide permit conditions, which helps limit the spread of invasive species.

• The NISC is scheduled to update the NISSAP in the next few weeks.

• PICRC has opened an exhibit about marine invasives. BNM is soon to open an exhibit about terrestrial species.

• Macaques are still limited to Angaur (thanks to everyone's efforts!).

• BOE and PCS are educating the next generation about invasive species.

• KSG, MPII, and Palau Pledge each work to reduce solid waste and marine debris, which can harbor and spread IAS.

• PALARIS has maps of IAS.

• MAFE Legal continues to advance the new Biosecurity Regulations.

• Rotary Palau is helping to remove invasive plants and replace them with native ones.

• Palau has strong relationships with regional and global partners that assist with invasive species management, from SPREP to PII to USDOD to New Zealand and Australian governments.

Wow! That's a lot of action and a lot of partners (apologies if I missed you). I hope Dr. Miles would be proud. (AG)

In honor of Dr. Miles, please learn more about IAS in Palau:

• The "Top 20" Invasive Species

• A draft Palau IAS Policy with priorities

• Seeds to keep out of Palau

• Species that deserve respect: Native "pest" species that we don't like - but are not Introduced IAS.

• Find lots of IAS documents here

• See pictures of Invasive Alien Plants here. #WeedsOnWednesday

• See alternative native or non-invasive plants here.

Last year, Dr. Miles provided GEF6 with a compilation of his work and with content for a future "Top 20 IAS App." These materials are on a drive and for all of us to share. Email.

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What's coming up?

• GEF6 Sustainability Workshop #1 (Sustaining your commission or team) - 6/15 @ 11:30 at GEF6

• Visit the PALARIS/GEF6 Booth and other partners at the PCS AGM Conservation Day Fair - Friday 6/16 @ 9am-2pm (followed by a special night market). 

• GEF6 grant applications are due June 17!!

• EDRR and IIB Workshops from June 26-30 (with BOE and IC).

• The 2nd Agri-Fair is July 14 at the BOA complex in Ngchesar!   Call 622-5804 to register.

Welcome to the newest member of the GEF6 team, baby Benjamin born May 17! Congratulations Dolmii and her family!

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Happy World Ocean Day!

Celebrate at Ocean Fest 2023 on Thursday night, June 8 at a special 680 Night Market at Ernguul Park @ 5pm-9pm. Plus, show off your mad cooking skills at the Sea to Cuisine Cooking Competition! GEF6 partners will be highlighting their marine spatial planning efforts and other ocean conservation work.

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What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The Palau Biodiversity Project is partnering with the Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) to fill a key gap in our IAS management - piloting a training program to identify and respond to Marine Invasive Species. Marine invasive species pose a threat to our native ocean biodiversity and to economic, food, and livelihood activities like fisheries, diving, and aquaculture. There are an estimated 20-40 known marine invasives already in Palau. Identifying new ones requires specialized knowledge of how to identify invertebrates, sea grasses, and vertebrates. A one-week training course is tentatively set for early September. Contact.

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What's coming up?

• Ngarchelong - Finish LUP & MP - 6/6 @ 6pm at BOF

• Aimeliik - MSP - 6/7 @ 6pm at GEF6

• 16th Babeldaob JCB - 6/8 @ 10am at Melekeok. Agenda.

• Kayangel Master Plan Community Meeting - 6/9 @ 6pm at Kayangel

• GEF6 Sustainability Workshop #1 (Sustaining your commission or team) - 6/15 @ 11:30 at GEF6

• PCS AGM - 6/16

• Peleliu - Ceremony for the rehabilitation of the milkfish farm - 6/29-30.

• Ocean Fest 2023 in honor of World Ocean Day - Thursday 6/8 @ 5pm at Ernguul.

• Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) and Inter-Island Biosecurity (IIB) Training Workshops will be June 26-30, in partnership with BOE and Island Conservation.

• The 2nd Agri-Fair is July 14 at the BOA complex in Ngchesar! Farmers, Fishers, Aquaculturists, and Local Producers are invited to display and sell your locally-grown and locally-made products (make sure you have appropriate Health and Food Safety permits). You may register by email, by calling 622-5804, or by going through your state.There will be entertainment, prizes, competitions, and LOTS OF FUN activities!

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Who's Doing What? 

We've been having some technical problems - Flickr photos will be updated as soon as possible.

• Congratulations Ngaraard! The State passed legislation to create a State Planning Commission, they prepared a written draft of their Master Plan, the Commission endorsed it and then sent it to the Governor for endorsement and formal submission to the Legislature!

• Congratulations Peleliu! Peleliu formally constituted their Planning Commission (by a legislative resolution following passage of their State Commission legislation). The volunteer State Planning Team officially transitioned the draft Master Plan and Land Use Plan to the Commission for their official review and adoption.

• The Palau Chamber of Commerce continues to support and promote biodiversity-friendly local products as part of its continued partnership with the GEF6 project! You can now buy products online and pay with a credit card! We're hoping to have this capability up and running for the Agri-Fair!

• In January the Palau Biodiversity Project worked with the Foreign Investment Board (FIB) to mainstream biodiversity into their first-ever Strategic Plan. That plan (attached) is now in use!

• Congratulations to Kayangel and Hatohobei! They finished the main parts of their Master Plans and started land use planning.

• Airai and Ngardmau started land use planning.

• Ngarchelong did field verification to update and finalize their land use plan.

• Ngatpang finished its Climate Change Vulnerability & Adaptation (V&A) Assessment and revised both its Master Plan and Land Use Plan to reflect climate risks and needs. 

• The GEF6 project continues to partner with the Office of Climate Change to identify climate risks and vulnerabilities. Ngiwal, Peleliu, Ngeremlengui, and other states have also added Special Management Zones (SMZs) to their Land Use Plans based on climate projections. Ngchesar is working on adding SMZ regulations to their zoning code.

• Members of the #KeledANgercheled Food Systems Task Force and experts from BOA and BOF helped update a report on Palau's food systems in preparation for a UN Stocktaking Moment. There has been a lot of positive movement towards food security in the past two years, from increased production to increased consumption of local, healthy foods. See the attached reports.

• BOA started working on an update to Palau's Agriculture Policy.

• Melekeok started a mainstreaming exercise to align multiple plans for Ngardok: their Master Plan, PAN Management Plan, Melekeok Eco-Tourism Plan, and National Park Service (NPS) Foundation Document. Mainstreaming means ensuring that the plans are aligned and have no conflicts, there are no redundancies or gaps, and that budgets are not repetitive. In partnership with Palau Pledge.

• MAFE and SPREP held a soft launch of the 2022-2030 Palau National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) and celebrated SPREP's 30th anniversary! The NEMS will be posted online soon. THANK YOU to the 57 Palau experts who provided input to the NEMS. SPREP partners were in Palau to develop a Palau Country and Territory Strategic Partnership Framework (CTSPF, attached) and to review implementation of the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP) (attached) in partnership with the Bureau of the Environment (BOE). Contact.

• SPC and SPREP completed their assessment of NbS capacity needs (attached). Contact.

• The Palau Biodiversity Project is partnering with the Palau Housing Authority (PHA) to mainstream biodiversity into an updated Strategic Plan.

• The Palau Development Plan (PDP) is winding its way through the writing and analysis process. Community priorities from master plans have been integrated throughout. MAFE mainstreamed biodiversity into the agriculture, fisheries, and environment sector plans. 

• In partnership with IUCN, the request for Proposals for the Palau GEF8 full-size project preparation has been launched and available on the IUCN procurement website.  The deadline for submission is June 22.

Happy Senior Citizen's Day!

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What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The National Emergency Committee has placed Palau under Stage 1 of the Drought Action Plan due to dry conditions. The National Weather Service currently has Palau under an "El Niño Watch." El Niño weather patterns in this part of the Pacific usually mean drier conditions and warmer sea surface temperatures. Further impacts can include drought, increased/severe/repeated fires, coral bleaching, increased activity of invasive species and disease vectors, and more (see attached). Steps to protect biodiversity (and the human livelihoods that rely on biodiversity) including reducing pressure on/protecting resilient coral reefs, conserving water, and avoiding fires. Learn more about fires in Palau from the Pacific Fire Exchange.

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What's coming up?

• Airai update of Land Use Plan - 5/2 @ 6pm in Airai

• Conservation Consortium Meeting on PNMS Science & Monitoring Plan - 5/4 @ 10am at PICRC. Contact.

• Ngiwal MP/LUP Completion Checklist #2 - 5/4 @ 6pm at GEF6

• Aimeliik MP/LUP Completion & CC Vulnerability & Adaptation Assessment - 5/10 @ 6pm at GEF6

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Who's Doing What? 

• Congratulations to Ngeremlengui for being the first state to write a Draft Master Plan! In doing so, Ngeremlengui has provided all other state partners with a template (coming soon!). They also adapted their land use plan to address climate change vulnerabilities, and assessed vulnerabilities to cultural sites and practices. As always, Ngeremlengui showed off their #KeledANgercheled spirit! See pictures.

• MAFE hosted an Earth Day Expo in partnership with Belau Modekngei School at Nekken. It gave students direct experience with livestock, forestry, and agriculture operations. Special thanks to Taiwan Technical Mission, Koror State, and USDA NRCS plus all the MAFE bureaus. See pictures.

• Plan a visit to a little slice of paradise in Aimeliik: Check out the new Elauesauchel Trail at the MAFE complex at Nekken. Wander through a beautiful bit of native riparian forest and learn about local plant species! See pictures and video.

• MAFE and PALARIS partnered to host a booth about land use planning for the Earth Day Green Fair. When asked "What would you do?" more attendees said they would zone a parcel of land "Agriculture" over "Housing." MAFE was also there in force! See pictures.

• Airai started an update of its Land Use Plan, which was officially adopted after 2012 and is in force. The Commission adopted updates to their zoning code. The partnership with the Office of Climate Change (OCC) also continued, with OCC conducting a Vulnerability & Adaptation Assessment (CC V&A). See the attached CC "Cheat Sheet". See pictures.

• Kayangel, Sonsorol, and Hatohobei are making great progress with their master plans! Sonsorol meets twice-monthly on Fridays and Kayangel and Hatohobei meet during monthly Workshops (we're up to #6).

• Ngaraard completed its CC V&A with a consultation on environmental vulnerabilities and adaptation capacities.

• Melekeok started an update to its zoning code and land use plan, which was drawn in 2015 but not implemented.

• Ngatpang went through the Master Plan Completion Checklist, approved updates to the land use plan after field verification, and started their CC V&A.

Happy Earth Day and Happy Earth Week!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: This year's global theme for Earth Day is "Invest in Our Planet". Palau's Earth Day Committee localized the theme to "Invest in Your Community." From mangrove cleanups to using leaves to make plates to recycling, Palau's communities invest their time, energy, passions, and money regularly into our environment and communities. Thank you!

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What's coming up?

• #KeledANgercheled: Buy taro at BOA in Ngchesar on Thursday 4/20 and at the Green Fair on Friday 4/21 at Ernguul Park

• Ngarchelong Land Use Planning - 4/18 @ 6pm at BOF

• Airai Zoning - 4/19 @ 6pm at Airai

• MAFE-Belau Modekngei School Expo - 4/20 @ 9-12 at Nekken

• Green Fair - 4/21 @ 9-4 at Ernguul Park. Learn about Land Use Planning and Zoning from PALARIS and GEF6, and find MAFE's bureaus at the Green Fair!

• Outer Islands Master Planning Workshop #6 - 4/25 @ 10am at GEF

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Who's Doing What? 

• 11 State's Theme Maps for land use planning are now online. The Risks maps will be useful during Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments (CC V&As).

• Congratulations to Ngaraard! We were pleased to see a copy of State Planning Commission Legislation that had passed its first reading. Ngaraard also started its CC V&A through a partnership with the Office of Climate Change and GEF6.

• Ngiwal and Ngchesar both held meetings to compare their master plans and land use plans against a "Completion Checklist" as we all work to wrap up master planning this year.

• An initial draft of the Palau Development Plan was presented to the President and members of the Cabinet. We were pleased to hear the core team discuss "Community Development Priorities" that have been integrated throughout. 

• A workshop this week presented the First National Climate Outlook Forum; it seems we are entering into an El Niño pattern (drier for us). There was info on the ongoing development and use of tools for early predictions of rainfall, temperature, and ocean parameters (temperature, height, coral bleaching, and fisheries convergence zone outlooks and uncertainties). Contact the Grants Office or Palau Weather Service for more information.

Happy Earth Month!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: EQPB held a workshop to review a draft Chemicals Profile and Chemicals Strategy for Palau. The profile is attached and feedback is welcome. As with the Palau Biodiversity Project, the Chemicals Project calls for mainstreaming of chemicals - and minimizing of their impact - into national and state plans and policies. The draft Chemicals Profile found that chemicals are released into Palau via the following sectors that negatively impact air, soil, and water quality:

1. Agriculture - Pesticides and fertilizer

2. Tourism industry - Pesticides and detergents

3. Fishing industry - Used oil, fuels

4. Services: Retail and Construction - Solid waste

5. Services: Power - Used oil, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane, carbon dioxide, particulates

6. Services: Water and sewer - Used oil

Managing the entire life cycle of chemicals (all of which are imported) is a key strategy to keeping Palau's human and environmental health safe.

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What's coming up?

• Ngaraard Master Planning and Climate Change V&A - 4/11 @ 6pm in Ngaraard

• Ngchesar Master Planning and Climate Change V&A - 4/12 @ 6pm at PALARIS

• Sonsorol Master Planning - 4/14 @ 9am at GEF6

• Airai Master Planning and Climate Change V&A - 4/14 @ 6pm at Airai

• Ngarchelong Land Use Planning - 4/18 @ 6pm at MAFE

• MAFE-Belau Modekngei School Expo - 4/20 @ 9-12 at Nekken

• Green Fair - 4/21 @ 9-4 at Ernguul Park. Find MAFE and partners at the Green Fair!

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(IMAGE) Participants at a RRI Workshop to strategize ways to address top challenges in Koror.

Who's Doing What? 

• The partnership with PALARIS has been critical to land use planning and to grant proposals! See an updated spatial resources page for a sneak peak at how land use planning is shaping up in Babeldaob and Peleliu and access guidance maps for individual states (base maps, low-impact development recommendations, high-impact suitable sites, hazards maps, and suitable soils). Also find updated agriculture maps produced to help secure grants, such as from the World Bank and Taiwan ICDF.

• PICRC announced that Dr. Golbuu will be leaving the Center after 21 years (Thank you Dr. Golbuu!!). He is moving to The Nature Conservancy, where he will address regional climate change issues and initiatives. PICRC is recruiting for a new CEO, with applications accepted until April 18.

• Ngarchelong tackled some deep, philosophical questions as it began land use planning: how much risk are they willing to take?

• Ngchesar's leadership reviewed and provided feedback on the draft master plan, land use plan, zoning code, and street names.

• Melekeok updated its master plan with feedback from community meetings and prepared for leadership review.

• Koror and PCS held a Resilient Reefs Initiative (RRI) workshop to develop Resilience Strategies for 9 top challenges that had been previously identified and prioritized by community focal groups and other stakeholders. At the March 29 workshop, small groups identified pathways for 4 of the top concerns: 1) Fisheries Management, 2) Preservation of Culture and Practices and Historical Sites, 3) Adaptive Management, and 4) Sustainable Financing. Email for more.

• The Hatohobei Planning Team started identifying street names. 

• The Palau Biodiversity Project was very pleased to hear that State legislation to create a Sonsorol State Planning Commission had passed its first reading. Partners, we could use your input on where to place a Commission in the state branches. If you have an organizational chart to share, please email.

• In case you missed it: Koror is collecting input for a potential water reclassification to create a beach near the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. Reach out to your legislator if you have input.

• MAFE/PALARIS's GIS Expert attended a Local 2030 Islands Network Conference to identify sustainable approaches to tourism, carbon mitigation, and more. She ran into a familiar face (hello - setbacks) from the Palau-Hawaii Zoning Exchange in Hilo, who was proudly sporting a very unique shirt!

• The GEF6 Project Board held its 15th quarterly meeting, and were pleased to hear about an audit report with zero findings!

• Happy Earth Month! Palau Pledge hosted a mangrove cleanup in Ngerbeched. It's amazing (and saddening) to see the junk pulled from our mangroves, which are essential habitats for young fish, invertebrates, and birds; and which provide essential ecosystem services such as storm and flood buffering and trapping of sediment from land. Missed it? Participate in a Social Media contest or come to the Green Fair on April 21 to celebrate Earth Day with lots of partners!

• The GEF6 project continues to advocate for "Community Development Priorities" within the draft national Palau Development Plan. The draft plan is being presented to cabinet this week, ideally with priorities from State Master Plans integrated throughout.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Palau is located in two major flyways for migratory shorebirds: the West Pacific Flyway and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). The EAAF has some of the highest diversity of migratory bird species of all flyways in the world. Several of the migratory birds that pass through Palau are globally threatened, including the iconic Delerrok (moneybird, Far Eastern Curlew). Peleliu and its landowners are working to protect the Lkes sandflats, a critical stopover for migrating shorebirds and a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA). Palau also has two Marine IBAs: a radius of 36 miles (60 km) around Fana, and a radius of 7.5 miles around Helen. Endangered migratory birds that travel through Palau regularly include:

• Far Eastern Curlew (EN), Delerrok

• Japanese Night Heron & Great Knot (EN)

• Providence Petrel, Matsudaira’s Storm Petrel, Common Pochard (all VU)

• Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Red Knot, Streaked Shearwater, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint (NT)

• EN: Endangered. VU: Vulnerable. NT: Near Threatened.

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What's coming up?

• Koror RISL Resilient Reefs Initiative - Resilience Strategies Workshop with KSG and PCS - 3/29 @ 8am at PICRC

• 15th GEF6 Board Meeting - 3/30 @ 10am

• Plan ahead: Technical support for master planning phases out in July 2023, support for land use planning ends in December 2023, and the entire GEF6 project closes in June 2024.

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Who's Doing What? 

• GEF6 is partnering with the Office of Climate Change to update/develop State Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessments. The assessments will be used for the 3rd National Communication to the UNFCCC and the update to the Palau Climate Change Policy, and will be used to complete climate chapters in the state master plans. Assessment materials were tested during the 5th Outer Islands Workshop.

• Sonsorol and Hatohobei continued with master planning at the 5th Outer Islands Master Planning Workshop, completing economic and environmental goals and objectives and starting social goals.

• The Palau Biodiversity Project was pleased to assist the Palau Housing Authority (PHA) with strategic planning. It offered an opportunity to mainstream Palau's environmental laws, policies, and plans; and provided an opportunity to share information from housing suitability analyses and land use plans. Learn more about PHA's mandates and see an analysis of housing needs here.

• Small business owners making local products in Guam stopped by MAFE last week with SBDC /Chamber to promote their products and learn about Palau’s biodiversity-friendly local producers. Their products consistently use labeling and certification to tell their cultural stories! P.S. They are looking for suppliers of coconut, chilis, and breadfruit, and are interested in taro flour. Anyone able to produce 5000 lbs of coconut meat per month? Get a look at their products, packaging, and labels here.

Happy Youth Day from the Palau Biodiversity Project (GEF6)! Offices will be closed on Wednesday.

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What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Global ocean partners, including Palau's own team of international treaty negotiators, scored a big win for marine biodiversity in early March. Years of work on "BBNJ" (biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions) led to a High Seas Treaty. The legally-binding treaty will enable large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs) on the high seas, which are international waters that span 2/3 of the ocean and cover 1/2 of the planet. The high seas are little studied, but are known to be home to hundreds-to-thousands-or-more fish, shark, and invertebrate species, marine mammals, seabirds, and reptiles. Individual seamounts (underwater mountains) and deep water coral gardens can be home to hundreds of endemic species. Oceans are also corridors for economically and culturally important migratory species. A network of high seas LSMPAs (reaching a target of at least 30% of the entire ocean) will complement the work of nations such as Palau that have protected portions of their EEZs via the PNMS.

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What's coming up?

• Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) Meeting - 3/17 @ 5pm at PC

• Outer States Master Planning Workshop #5 - 3/21 @ 10am-3pm at GEF6

• State Planning Teams and Commissions: GEF6 will be scheduling Vulnerability & Adaptation Assessments (with the office of Climate Change) in March and April.

• Email if you would like to review copies of the Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) and Inter-Island/Inter-State Biosecurity (IIB) (for prevention and control of invasive species) Situation Analysis or Draft Framework.

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Snapshot of land use planning and zoning so far in Palau

Who's Doing What? 

• Community priorities have been forwarded to the Palau Development Plan (PDP) for consideration and inclusion in the national plan, which will be tied to the budget process. Priorities came from the State Master Plans and have been guided by the Governors Association with input from the JCB. Read the summary document here (15th, #6).

• Materials from the 15th JCB meeting are online, including an introductory presentation by BOF about MSP, an update on mangrove research from the PICRC-JICA project, copies of the 8 State Vulnerability & Adaptation Assessments (V&A), and State input on activities completed under the 2015 Palau Climate Change Policy (PCCP).

• President Whipps, Jr. mentioned planning and zoning in his weekly press conference (starts at 11:03, zoning at 13:28). Zoning work continues in line with State Visions. 7 project States have completed land use planning and are working on adopting them as zones. See the graphic above for a snapshot of how those States are zoning their lands so far.

• PICRC and partners published an article on maml and kamedukl populations in Palau in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, indicating that maml populations are in decline. The article and press release, summarizing a recommendation to keep both fisheries closed, are attached. Please email PICRC if you would like to attend a special Zoom presentation on the findings with lead author, Dr. Alan Friedlander (date TBD).

• Hatohobei State held a community meeting to introduce Master and Land Use Planning and to review the draft vision and economic goals. Find the introductory presentation here (#12) and photos here. 

• The Ngaraard Planning Team did field verification of their proposed land use plan.

• Check out the new PAN Video: "A Commitment: The Protected Areas Network".

• EQPB published February's water quality testing results. EQPB also announced the dates of the 31st Pacific Islands Environment Conference (PIEC), to be held in Palau from July 31 to August 4, 2023. The theme is "Harmonizing Strategies in the Pacific: Islands, Oceans and Economies."

Invasive plants Allamanda (yellow) and Bamboo Orchid (pink) are not on Peleliu (or are in very low numbers). Inter-island biosecurity is important to keep them from being introduced.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) consultations are showing that Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are not distributed everywhere. We learned last week that Peleliu does not have many IAS Plants found in Koror and Babeldaob, and that some islands in Sonsorol and Hatohobei don't have Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles. It is essential to keep them that way! Inter-Island Biosecurity is critical before moving cargo and especially soil, plants, fruits, seeds, and animals between islands. As Koror says, "STOP - CHECK - GO." Taking the time to check your boats, airplanes, and cargo for IAS could keep these islands free of new threats. Here are pictures (what to keep an eye out for):

• Invasive Animals (attached PPT)

• IAS Plants (#WeedsOnWednesday) (Photo Album)

• Field guide to invasive plants (2020)

• Invasive Plants of Palau (2002, Palauan language)

• Invasive Species that threaten Palau's Wetlands (poster)

• Micronesia Invasive Plants and Animals Guide (2006)

• Top 20 IAS Threats in Palau (website with links to more info)

What's coming up?

• Airai Land Use Plan update - 2/27 @ 6pm

• Governors Association Community Priorities for PDP - 2/28 @ 12pm

• 15th Meeting of the JCB - 3/2 @ 10am in Ngchesar

• Ngaraard Land Use Plan Field Verification Day - 3/3 @ 9:30 at the Makit

Peleliu Community Meeting about Street Names

Who's Doing What? 

• Congratulations to Peleliu State on the passage of state legislation to create and empower a State Planning Commission and State Planning Office! Peleliu's Master Plan and Land Use Plan are complete. Once a Commission is named, the GEF6 team will help orient and transition the new Commission to the task of reviewing and adopting the plans before sending them to the State legislature for approval and implementation. 

• The Peleliu Planning Team identified possible Street Names, which were then debated at a Community meeting. The resulting names will be sent to the State legislature for their approval via Resolution.

• The Palau Biodiversity Project (GEF6) is pleased to be able to assist the Governors Association with the identification of Community Priorities for the Palau National Development Plan (PDP). Together, Governors and Project Partners will pull out common themes across the State Master Plans and propose costed solutions for consideration in the PDP. See the attached MOF-PDP press release.

• Ngarchelong started land use planning.

• Kayangel, Sonsorol, and Hatohobei continued working on their master plans. They are nearly done with economic and environmental goals and objectives.

• Training sessions on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories are under way. Expect to be queried in the next month on topics such as number of livestock, hectares planted, or solid waste composition.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: A valuable tool in land use planning is the Special Management Area (SMA). State's draft zoning codes define the SMA as an "overlay" that goes on top of a zoning code to indicate that some sort of special conditions are needed. For instance, states are placing SMAs in areas where sea level rise, flood surges, landslides, repeated fires, or other impacts from climate change may occur and where specific building conditions may be necessary. SMAs can also highlight areas with high biodiversity, such as places with threatened or endangered plants, important forest areas, or important bird areas, and require conditions to protect that biodiversity. SMAs can also be placed on top of zones next to industrial or high-impact sites, to indicate that conditions are needed to ensure the safety of neighboring uses.

What's coming up?

• 4th Outer Islands Master Planning Workshop - 2/21 @ 10am

• Ngarchelong Land Use Planning - 2/21 @ 6pm

• Peleliu Community Meeting on Master Plan, Climate Change & Biosecurity Consultations, and street verification - 2/23-24

• PNMS Draft Strategic Plan Review 2/24 @ 8:30am. Email PICRC.

• GHG Inventory Hands-On Training & Workshops. Email OCC.

  • Energy & Transport - 2/24@ 9am

  • Industrial Processes, Products Use, and Waste - 2/24 @ 1pm

  •  Agriculture, Forestry, and other Land Use - 2/27 @ 10am.

• 15th Meeting of the JCB - 3/2 @ 10am in Ngchesar

Who's Doing What? 

• Go check out PICRC's new Biodiversity and Invasive Alien Species interactive (!!!) exhibit. You might be able to earn a fantastic t-shirt when you learn something new!

• In the news: Palau Delegation visits Hilo, Hawai’i for Zoning Learning Exchange 

• More in the news: Palau delegation meets with UH Hilo students, encourages them to move home

• Exchange participants met to debrief and agreed on several changes to the zoning code and land use maps. These included a spirited debate on the merits of including many more "Principle" (permitted) uses or instead listing "Prohibited" uses.

• Ngchesar's Planning and Development Commission decided on a Variance and Amendment Process and incorporated it into their zoning code.

• Ngatpang conducted a field verification day to review its proposed land use map and adjust zones to reflect conditions on the ground.

• Ngaraard finished its land use plan and scheduled a field verification day, and planned for the process of getting community and leadership approval.

• Melekeok prepared for a series of community and leadership meetings to seek feedback and approval on their updated master plan. The community meeting was scheduled for Monday, 2/20.

• Experts from Hatohobei and Meriil continued updating their GIS maps with PALARIS as part of the Outer Islands Master Planning effort.

• Palau submitted its GEF8 Expression of Interest (EOI) and thus starting a long 2-year process to developed the next GEF grant. Palau will be pursuing sustainable food systems transformation in GEF8.

• Find results of a 2020 FAO-Partner study on food systems, Covid, and Tourism in the attached report. Also, check out this article: Agritourism promotes food traditions in Palau.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: After three weeks of consultations for an Inter-Island Biosecurity Framework and Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response Plan (EDRR), it is clear that invasive alien species (IAS) are having serious negative consequences on food security and livelihoods. In some of Sonsorol State's islands, for instance, the growth of the specialty coconut products industry is hampered by Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRB). UOG's website includes several resources on controlling CRB, including covering piles of compost with fishing nets and creating different types of traps: https://www.uog.edu/extension/popular-publications (look under "Brochures"). A UOG-developed "tekken netting" technique for trapping CRB recently earned an award for innovative conservation! Speaking of IAS - the Palau Aquarium at PICRC has unveiled its new Biodiversity and Invasive Alien Species Exhibition! They have a fun incentive with prizes running to encourage visitors to come and learn about marine IAS.

What's coming up?

• Sonsorol and Hatohobei mapping at PALARIS 2/15 @ 9am & 1pm

• Melekeok Master Planning - 2/15 @ 6pm at  GEF6/BOF 2nd floor

• Ngchesar Zoning & Variances - 2/15 @ 6pm

• Ngaraard Land Use Plan finalization and Action Planning - 2/16 @ 6pm in Ngaraard

• Zoning Exchange Debrief #1 - 2/17 @ 11am at GEF6/BOF 2nd floor

• Ngatpang field day to verify Land Use Plan - 2/20

• Airai Land Use Planning - 2/20 @ 6pm in Airai

• 4th Outer Islands Master Planning Workshop - 2/21

• Ngarchelong Land Use Planning - 2/21 @ 6pm

• Peleliu Community Meeting on Master Plan, Climate Change & Biosecurity Consultations, and street verification - 2/23-24

• 15th Meeting of the JCB - 3/2 @ 10am in Ngchesa

Who's Doing What? 

• As we continue to process the lessons learned from the Palau-Hawaii Zoning Exchange in Hilo, one particular lesson stands out. The County of Hawaii Planning Director asked us to consider: "Are we moving towards what we want or are we moving away from what we don't want?" The only way to get what we want is to plan for it proactively. Planning for what we don't want means we could end up somewhere else.

• The Babeldaob JCB held a Special Meeting last week to conduct consultations on Climate Change Policy activities and Inter-Island Biosecurity and Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) needs. All of the materials from the meeting - including presentations on climate change projections, the GHG inventory, the 3rd National Communication, and Invasive Species Prevention are online. All approved minutes and past meeting documents are also finally online. Special thanks to the Office of Climate Change for hosting the meeting. All 10 States were at this meeting, and they are extending an invitation to all the other States Planning Teams to send a rep to the next JCB meeting on March 2nd, as a way of expanding the country's capacity to coordinate planning across borders and islands (see the tentative agenda under "15th meeting").

• In partnership with PALARIS, Aimeliik incorporated changes from its field verification day and finalized its Land Use Plan. The state will start community consultations soon on its master plan and land use plan.

• New members on an expanded Planning Team for Sonsorol State were oriented to the master planning process and continued working on economic goals. Experts from the different islands have been working with PALARIS to update their maps in preparation for land use planning. Last week, Fanna stopped by.

• Together with Airai's Rangers, the team mapped the trail to the beautiful Kmekumer waterfall, which is planned as an eco-tour destination. 

Koror State Ulong Island Eradication and Closure Announcement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u3eNcrexxO7y2HyZPo7nDmuiTlatrWDb/view?usp=share_link

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming:  "STOP - CHECK - GO" Koror State Government has started public outreach in advance of the Ulong Rat Eradication scheduled from March 7 to 31, 2023 and as part of its interisland biosecurity regime to stop the reintroduction of invasive species. Rats are detrimental to biodiversity (especially to ground nesting birds such as the endangered Bekai (Palau Megapode)), human health, agriculture, and sanitation. This project will allow the Ulong island complex to return to a more natural state. As Koror reminds us: "Good biosecurity is dependent on the people that use the island to be good stewards of the land and sea. Anyone traveling to Ulong on in the Rock Islands is encouraged to STOP and CHECK their boats and equipment [for invasive species to be removed] before they GO." Ulong will be temporarily closed during the application of the rat bait. For human health and safety, there will be a moratorium on harvesting all species on or around the island for 6 months (including fishing, gleaning, and terrestrial plants/species). Koror will be publishing an official buffer zone. Keep our islands free of invasive species: STOP, CHECK, GO.

What's coming up?

• Aimeliik Land Use Planning - 2/8 @ 6pm

• Special JCB Meeting - 2/9 @ 9 am at Palasia Desomel

• Melekeok Master Planning - 2/9 @ 6pm

• Sonsorol Master Planning New Team Orientation - 2/10 @ 8:30am

Who's Doing What? 

• Last week 12 participants from Palau attended a Palau-Hawaii Zoning Exchange in Hilo, Hawaii to learn how to implement master plans, land use plans, and zoning. Participants included representatives of Babeldaob State Planning Commissions and Planning Departments, the Governors Association, and GEF6 partners. See pictures on Flickr and stay tuned for a lot more on the lessons learned! In addition to the exchange with the County of Hawai'i Planning Department, they met with Mayor Roth, Palauan students at UH Hilo, the Local2030 Islands Network, Pacific RISA, and USDA Rural Development Programs.

#MainstreamingMondays will be on hiatus next week. Instead, follow us for updates on the Palau-Hilo-Hawaii Zoning Exchange!  #gef6palau Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau)

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Partner event:

Register by today at noon for tomorrow's Chamber of Commerce Biodiversity-Friendly event. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2152857264909224&set=a.145547842306853

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The Invasion Curve: Biosecurity targets prevention of arrival, establishment and spread. Image courtesy of Monica Gruber: https://driv e.google.com/file/d/1hwXx5sSRwdtL14BD2IKxX_7tkX9Tsrc9/view?usp=share_link 

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The Bureau of Environment together with Island Conservation and a company called Pacific Biosecurity are developing an Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) and Inter-Island Biosecurity Framework. Biosecurity are actions and processes that prevent the arrival and spread of invasive species in a country and between islands. Biosecurity is critical for protecting a nation's environment, health, food systems, cultural, and economic assets from harm. As part of the EDRR process, the team is trying to understand the level of risk: Species threats, Pathways for arrival and movement of invasive species, and Palau's capacity to respond to risks through prevention, detection, and response.

What's coming up?

• 3rd Outer Island Master Planning Workshop - 1/24 @ 10am

• Ngatpang Land Use Planning - 1/24 @ 6pm at PALARIS

• Ngchesar Land Use Plan Field Verification - 1/25

• Melekeok Planning Team - Master Plan Leadership Meeting (with streets) - 1/25 @ 6pm at Bailechesau

• Aimeliik Land Use Plan Field Verification - 1/26

• PICRC 22nd Anniversary Fundraising Gala - 1/26

• Consultations are under way for the EDRR and Inter-Island Biosecurity Framework

Who's Doing What? 

• The Gender and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming webpage on the Palau Biodiversitiy Project (GEF6) site is back up! (Thanks!)

• The project participated in a consultation to help develop the Australian Government's Palau Gender Country Plan. Materials from the consultation are attached and they welcome your feedback. Summary Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y4SJT8y6VL3KXs7bjHguONerPiRB3okh/view?usp=share_link   Presentation on Digital systems and Social safety: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10HH9wdu5NrHd0hP2MKqdx4xeN28fPXkC/view?usp=sharing  

• The Ngatpang Planning Commission completed a draft of its Land Use Plan in one meeting - it can be done!

• The Ngchesar Planning and Development Commission officially adopted its Zoning Code and began the final pieces of the master plan, including variances and amendments.

• Have you participated in your State's governance? Street naming, like voting for Ngiwal's street names, is a great and easy way to start.

• Hatohobei and Sonsolor updated their maps at PALARIS as part of land use planning.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Did you know that Palau's plants are not protected, unless they are in a State's protected area? That is because there are no national laws establishing or protecting endemic, threatened, or culturally important plants. The GEF6 Threatened Plants page has been revamped to show pictures of species of concern, with links to learn more. Click on the map of known locations of threatened plants; many of these plants are in the southern part of Babeldaob, which does not have many terrestrial conservation areas. Land use planning and zoning - reserving these areas for conservation, watershed, or historic preservation - offers one layer of protection.

What's coming up? States and Partners, your 100% financial reports are past due!

• Land use mapping for Sonsorol and Hatohobei - 1/17 @ 10am at PALARIS

• Food Systems Pathway update meeting - 1/17 @ 10am at BOA
  
  

• Ngchesar LUP - 1/18 @ 6pm

• Conservation Consortium - Resilient Reefs and GEF8 - 1/19 @ 10:30am at PICRC

• Gender Validation Workshop - 1/20 @ 2pm at Palasia

• 3rd Outer Island Master Planning Workshop - 1/24 @ 10am

• SAVE THE DATE: The 3rd Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase will be on Friday, December 1, 2023!

Who's Doing What? 

• Materials from the most recent GEF6 Board meeting are online, with an update on project activities and links to the 2022 Project Implementation Report.

• Airai finished the main body of its master plan!

• Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, and Ngatpang all made progress on land use planning.

• Through a partnership with Island Conservation, the process to develop an Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Plan for invasive species is underway! An IC-Consultant will be visiting Palau in January and February and holding Stakeholder Consultations.

Happy New Year!

What's being mainstreamed?

Everything Mainstreaming: How well do you know your policies? Start your 2023 off with this quick review of national environmental and other policies that impact development. Find links to more policies here: https://sites.google.com/view/gef6palau/palau-national-policies-plans.

What's coming up?

• Airai (Finish) Master Planning - 01/09 @ 6pm in Airai

• Ngaraard Land Use Planning (LUP) - 1/10 @ 6pm in Ngaraard

• Showcase Debrief - 1/11 @ 11am

• Ngarchelong LUP - 1/11 @ 6pm

• Ngatpang LUP - 1/12 @ 6pm

• The GEF6 Project is very excited about an upcoming Zoning Exchange to Hilo, Hawaii. Representatives from State Planning Commissions (who have completed Master Plans and Land Use Plans) will shadow the County of Hawai'i Planning Department and Windward Planning Commission and learn how land use permits, variances, zones, Special Management Areas, etc. are processed, approved, amended, and implemented. Additional financial support is from the Bureau of Fisheries.

Who's Doing What? 

• The Palau Biodiversity Project helped the Foreign Investment Board (FIB) prepare its first-ever Strategic Plan. The new plan includes environmental considerations and mainstream elements out of Palau's biodiversity policies.
  
  

• Ngchesar finished its Land Use Plan.

• Melekeok finished its Master Plan, with CIP Priority list, and prepared for community meetings.

• The outer islands of Kayangel, Angaur, Sonsorol, and Hatohobei continued working on Master Plans during a 2nd Planning Workshop, finishing draft Visions and starting on Economic goals and objectives.

Happy Holidays!

#MainstreamingMondays will be on break until January 9, 2023.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is currently happening in Canada. Palau spoke on behalf of 20 Asia-Pacific Island developing nations last week to advocate for our collective biodiversity priorities. These include adequate resourcing for National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (see Palau's NBSAP 2015-2025), addressing invasive alien species and habitat degradation, and increased emphasis on ocean issues. Palau also called for biodiversity and climate change work to be "mutually reinforcing." Finally, Palau called for increased recognition of Small Island Developing States within the Convention on Biological Diversity.

What's coming up?

• Find MAFE at the 2022 Annual Children's Christmas Program on Thursday, December 15 at Ngerulmud.

• Ngchesar Land Use Planning 12/14 @ 6pm

• Outer Islands States Master Planning Workshop #2 (Goals) 12/20

• Airai Master Planning 01/04/23

• A partner has asked us to remind everyone to take care of your own health too during the holiday season. The Palau Communicable Disease Unit is offering a free screening on Tuesday 12/13 @ 5-8pm. Stay healthy and well!

Who's Doing What? 

• The 2nd Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase was an amazing opportunity to meet over 35 local artists, producers, and craftspeople. Download Palau Biodiversity Project pictures here. Or check out the Office of the President's amazing pictures on FB: 1) This one includes a wonderful article and quote on the event and lots of pictures. 2) This post includes information on the musicians and a bit more on the event and its purpose. 3) This one features more pictures of producers.

• Did you attend the Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase? BNM & Chamber would love your feedback, especially on what day to hold the event next year! Please fill out this survey.

• PICRC started construction of its Invasive Marine Species display.

• The Babeldaob Joint Coordination Body had a packed agenda for its quarterly meeting, approving Nearshore Marine Spatial Planning "Zoning" definitions, hearing about ongoing PICRC-JICA research on mangroves and sedimentation, and providing feedback on a National Master Planning process, among other topics. As the Babeldaob JCB considers sustainability for the eventual end of the Palau Biodiversity Project (in June 2024), they agreed to invite other rural states to their next meeting to strategize together for long-term planning.

• Ngarchelong finished the main part of its Master Plan, including a CIP priority list, and scheduled a community meeting.

• Ngiwal finished its Land Use Plan and Nearshore Marine Spatial Plan!

• Ngchesar continued with the restoration of its Hondoro Eco-Tour site. Ngchesar also started Land Use Planning.

• Aimeliik has been on a roll! They completed their Aimeliik Land Use Plan and continued making progress with Street Naming.

• Ngaraard continued with improvements to the Obakelderau Eco-Tour Site with a community work event.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: See you at the 2nd Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase on Sunday, December 4th at Ngarachamayong Cultural Center! Public sales start at 2pm. A Buyer Preview and Showcase Opening (by invitation only, no sales) is from 12-2pm. Meet Palau's talented and sustainable producers and buy unique local products for the holidays! Belau National Museum (BNM) and Palau Chamber of Commerce (CoC) are partnering with SBDC, BCHP, PVA, and MAFE GEF6 on this year's exciting event. Website: bit.ly/BiodiversityShowcase.

Products meet Biodiversity-Friendly Criteria (see Biodiversity-Friendly Criteria Slideshow):

1. They avoid use or harm to any of Palau's protected or endangered species (including globally-endangered species)

2. They avoid harm to habitats and ecosystems

3. They celebrate Palau's endemic and unique species, habitats, and ecosystems

4. They celebrate cultural traditions and sustainable environmental practices

 Get a sneak peak of the list of confirmed producers below... the deadline to register is today in order to receive a profile. Walk-ins welcome, though.

What's coming up?

• Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase - Sunday December 4. Public sales start at 2pm.

• Ngarchelong Master Planning - 11/29 @ 6pm at BOF to finish the main part of their master plan

• Ngiwal Master Planning - 11/30 @ 6pm at GEF6

• Babeldaob JCB Meeting - 12/1 @ 10am in Ngiwal. Bring your own spoon and fork.

• Sanctuary Kaustory Series - 12/7 and 12/8 @ 6:30pm at PICRC

Who's Doing What? 

• MAFE partnered with the Small Business Development Center to offer an Eco-Friendly Business Workshop, in preparation for the Showcase. Find the link to the Biodiversity-Friendly Criteria Slideshow above.

• We began working with the four outer island states of Kayangel, Angaur, Sonsorol, and Hatohobei to develop Draft Master Plans and Land Use Plans. The project is using all the tools, templates, and lessons learned from the past two years to run monthly workshops for the four states to draft their plans.

• Airai finished their last section - environmental goals and objectives. This means that all 10 states on Babeldaob plus Peleliu have completed all of their goals and objectives! This has been a massive undertaking and special thanks go to PCS, PALARIS, State Governments, and all the volunteer state planning teams and state commissions!

• A small group - from MAFE/GEF6 and PCC-CRE - are representing Palau's Food Systems interests in Samoa at a FAO Meeting. They have already secured innovative financing for Palau!

• Ngatpang started land use planning.

• The Ngchesar Planning Commission and the Ngchesar Public Lands Authority decided to work together closely on land use planning and zoning.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The 2nd Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase will be on Sunday, December 4th at Ngarachamayong Cultural Center. The Showcase highlights Palau's processed/souvenir food producers, artists, craftspeople, artisans, musicians, and creative-preneurs who use sustainably- and locally-sourced materials to make unique products. PUBLIC: Save your payday money and #BuyLocalByLocal this year! Open to the public from 2pm-6pm. BUYERS: Special Buyer Preview (by invitation only) from 12pm-2pm. No purchasing until 2pm, please. PRODUCERS: Register by Nov 29. Products must meet biodiversity criteria and should try to avoid plastic packaging. Belau National Museum (BNM) and Palau Chamber of Commerce (CoC) are partnering with SBDC, BCHP, PVA, and MAFE GEF6 on this year's exciting event. Info, biodiversity criteria, and registration: bit.ly/BiodiversityShowcase.

Biodiversity-Friendly Criteria:

• Excluded products: No product that uses a protected species (turtles, dugong, red coral, etc.) is allowed.

• No use of protected species. See list. No use of threatened plants: See list.

• Nothing that promotes growth of invasive species.

• Products should try to avoid using plastic.

• Products that celebrate or educate about local biodiversity and/or traditional cultural uses of biodiversity are highly encouraged!

What's coming up?

• PRODUCERS, get help preparing for the Showcase at a FREE Eco-Friendly Business Workshop on Wednesday, November 23 @ 10 am. It will be held at the GEF6 2nd Floor Conference Room. Led by the Small Business Development Center Palau (SBDC).

• Introduction to Master Planning Workshop for Kayangel, Angaur, Sonsorol, and Hatohobei. 11/22 @ 10-3 pm at GEF6 2nd Floor.

• Ngatpang Master Planning 11/21 @ 6pm

• Ngaraard Zoning 11/22 @ 6pm

• Airai Master Planning 11/28 @ 6pm

Who's Doing What? 

• Congratulations to our hard-working team at the UNFCCC Climate Change Negotiations in Egypt! Together with other Small Island and developing nations, they have pushed for recognition of "Loss and Damage" due to Climate Change. At this year's Conference of the Parties (COP27), developed nations finally agreed to create a fund to compensate developing nations for climate harm.

• At the #KeledANgercheled Youth Forum (in partnership with PCC), MHHS Minister Uherbelau challenged youth to think about individual change; Iris and Ivory Polycarp shared their fascinating stories about starting Miso Hungry and The Chop Shop; and Kiruu Kanai sought feedback on the draft Youth Strategy. PCC Students then discussed ways to improve Palau's food security on land and at sea, via consumption and nutrition, and in economic, social, and cultural sectors. See pictures here. The kickoff program was live streamed on Facebook. See attached for more on partners, an overview of Food Security issues, to think about "big issue" discussion questions.

• The Agri-Fair featured a presentation by youth from the #KeledANgercheled Youth Forum. See pictures from the Agri-Fair here. The Business Feedback Board offered a great chance to let MAFE & BOA know what businesses need, and we'll be acting on that information (Thanks to the SBDC and Chamber of Commerce for your partnership).

• Ngaraard, Ngchesar, and Aimeliik started land use planning.

• The project participated in a community meeting organized by PALARIS (about Street Naming) to introduce the master planning process to Kayangel. Check out this amazing eye-to-eye picture of a young Kedam that popped down to pay a visit.

• The Ngiwal Community reviewed the draft Master Plan and Land Use Plan, and gave the Commission and planning teams their approval! There was a lot of feedback on proposed Street Names, which will need more work. See pictures.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Aimeliik LUP - 11/8; Ngchesar LUP - 11/9; Kayangel Street Naming and Master Planning Community Meeting - 11/16-17; #KeledANgercheled Youth Forum - 11/15; Ngaraard LUP - 11/14; Ngiwal Community Meeting - 11/9; 2022 Agri-Fair - 11/18

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity and Food Systems Mainstreaming: MAFE is hosting an Agri-Fair to highlight the role of local producers and foods in Palau's Food Security. Palau's agriculture systems are naturally in harmony with biodiversity. Different plants and animals provide a variety of ecosystem services: everything from pollination and seed dispersal to soil enrichment and soil stabilization. Palau has a growing number of organic farmers, who purposefully implement biodiversity preservation and avoid use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, thus minimizing impact off-site and downstream. Similarly, biodiverse marine habitats support healthier fish and invertebrate populations, with more sustainable fisheries. Connect with Palau's biodiversity-friendly growers, fishers, and food producers at the Agri-Fair on Friday, November 18 at BOA in Ngchesar! Please call BOA @ 622-5804 to participate.

What's coming up?

Palau is celebrating World Food Day and #KeledANgercheled next week!

• Start with a Diabetes Walk on Monday, November 14 @ 4:30pm on World Diabetes Day (led by MHHS)

• Learn and share more at the #KeledANgercheled Youth Forum on Tuesday, November 15 @ 8am-12pm (in partnership with PCC and technical partners)

• Buy and eat healthy, local foods, connect with Producers, and learn about food systems in Palau at the MAFE Agri-Food Fair on Friday, November 18 in Ngchesar @ 9am-4pm

Master Planning work continues, with many states nearing completion!

• Aimeliik Land Use Planning 11/8 @ 6pm at PALARIS

• Ngchesar Land Use Planning 11/9 @ 6pm at PALARIS

• Ngiwal Community Meeting to review the draft Master Plan and Land Use Plan 11/9 @ 6pm at Labek

• Ngeremlengui Master & Land Use Planning - Final Touches 11/10 @ 10am in Ngeremlengui

• Ngaraard Land Use Planning 11/14 @ 6pm in Ngaraard

• Kayangel Street Naming and Intro to Master Planning 11/16-17

• Melekeok Master Planning 11/17 @ 6pm at GEF6

• Ngatpang Master Planning 11/21 @ 6pm

• PLAN AHEAD: Rural States Introduction to Master Planning for Kayangel, Angaur, Sonsorol, and Hatohobei 11/22

Who's Doing What? 

• It's official! The 2nd Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase will be on Sunday, December 4 at Ngarchamayong Cultural Center. Belau National Museum (BNM) and Palau Chamber of Commerce (CoC) are partnering with MAFE, SBDC, BCHP, and PVA on this year's exciting event. Info, biodiversity criteria, and registration: bit.ly/BiodiversityShowcase. SinceshorelyYours (jewelry), G&G Flower Farm (woven items); and Carol's Special (preserves) have already registered!

•  Power outages won't stop the work! The joint Ngiwal planning team, with members from the Commission, NSPLA, and working group worked diligently through a power outage to finish their Draft Master Plan. They are presenting the governing plan (Vision, Goals, Objectives, Actions, and Policies) as well as the Zoning Code and Land Use Plan to the Ngiwal community this week.

• UNDP requests youth input into a survey on digital technologies. Access it through Facebook Messenger: http://m.me/UNDPtech

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: PNMS Local Stakeholder Science and Monitoring Plan Consultation - 10/26; Ngiwal Street Naming and Objectives - 10/26; Aimeliik Land Use Planning - 10/27; Ngarchelong Finish Master Plan Part 1 - 11/1; BOE Invasive Species Workshop with UoGuam - 11/2; Ngiwal Finish Master Plan & Power Outage - 11/2; Ngeremlengui Master Plan Implementation, Variance, and Street Naming - 10/28; Aimeliik Leadership Review of Master Plan - 11/1; Airai Master Planning Cultural Objectives - 11/7

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity and Food Systems Mainstreaming: The landfill fire in Airai posed a threat to human health and biodiversity, directly from the fire and indirectly from polluted air and water runoff, and is very connected to our food systems. Decaying organic matter produces flammable gasses as well as heat, which can lead to subsurface fires. The majority of waste in Palau's landfills is organic (see page 8), coming from food waste, green waste (e.g. grass, leaves), and paper.  Food waste made up 41-44% of Palau's waste in 2014-2015. Composting food waste - thus diverting organic matter from the landfill and returning nutrients to soils - is a much better alternative than throwing it in the trash. (Avoiding food waste is even better.) Koror State offers a composting service, Biogas is another available alternative (info), and composting is a ripe area for private business development.

What's coming up?

• Conservation Consortium 10/26 @ 9am at PICRC (Agenda: PNMS Science Plan + other updates)

• Ngiwal Master Planning (MP) 10/26 @ 6pm

• Aimeliik MP 10/27 @ 6pm

• Ngeremlengui MP 10/28 @ 10 am at PALARIS

• Cheuais removal at Lake Ngardok, Melekeok 10/29 @ 8am-12pm

• #KeledANgercheled Youth Forum on November 15. Info

• #KeledANgercheled Local Food Fair on Friday, November 18! Register.

Who's Doing What? 

• The Palau Biodiversity Project was pleased to partner with the Foreign Investment Board (FIB) to mainstream biodiversity into their Strategic Plan. The FIB is an important avenue for States to promote their development priorities, and the project will work with State partners to submit copies of their Master Plans (highlighting sustainable development investment opportunities) to FIB.

• Ngchesar completed the main body of its Master Plan, including CIP Priority List, and will move to land use planning.

• Peleliu field validated its proposed land use plan, and the many changes were updated on GIS by PALARIS. Peleliu is almost done with its master plan, and now awaits legislative authorization and approval in order to finish the last few items.

• Melekeok, Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the US National Park Service (NPS) invited stakeholders to learn about a partnership for Sustainable Visitor Use and Tourism Planning and review a draft plan for Ngardok Nature Reserve. The MOF-NPS partnership also includes work in Ngaremeduu Bay.

• Last week saw a Training Needs Assessment for Nature-based Solutions, through a partnership with IUCN, SPC, and SPREP. This is part of a regional push to better equip Pacific islands countries and territories to adapt to Climate Change. Info. 

• Thank you to partners who made comments on the draft Biosecurity Regulations! Your comments and those from a Stakeholder meeting last week are being incorporated into the regulations through our partnership with MOJ.

• Ngaraard's expanded State Planning Team met to familiarize itself with land use planning and zoning.

• Congratulations to Koror State on the successful launch of the Ngermalk Trail during the 21st Constitution Day celebration! Development of the trail was led by Koror State and involved the partnership of MAFE, PVA/BOT, PCS, PALARIS, and BNM, with funding from GEF through UNDP. Signs highlight best practices and cultural and natural heritage in the rock island forest, and there is a sign about unique creatures in the island's marine lake (in partnership with CRRF). Koror also celebrated its biodiversity by giving its Constitutional Framers endemic Chebouch trees! Given the fragile rock island forest, be sure that your shoes are clean before you start!! Don't bring weed seeds and fungus into the forest.

• MAFE's bureaus were present at the Koror Constitution Day and OBF. Find us at events and take home plants and plenty of best practices for #KeledANgercheled!

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngaraard MP - 10/19; Ngarchelong MP - 10/11; Ngermalk Trail & Koror Constitution Day - 10/21; PALARIS - LUP Work; Biosecurity Regs Review - 10/19; NbS Training Needs Assessment - 10/18; MOF-NPS-Melekeok - 10/18; Peleliu LUP Validation - 10/17; FIB Strategic Planning 10/12-13; Mapping farms and subdivisions - 10/11

Happy 39th Koror State Constitution Day and Happy United Nations Day! Celebrate some of the biodiversity mainstreaming work of #gef6palau partners this weekend!

Be sure to check out the new Ngermalk Trail at Long Island Conservation Area, which offers an urban oasis of native plants and unique marine lakes. Led by Koror State, this project benefited from the expertise of BOT/PVA, PALARIS, BNM, MAFE, and others! Congratulations Koror! #TeamNGERMALK

While you are at Long Island Park, visit the “Oidel a Chas” Indigenous Medicinal Garden, created in partnership with Koror State and Ngara Maiberel, with additional assistance from BOT/PVA. Learn more about Palau's native plant biodiversity and its cultural connections!

At the Koror State Constitution Day Markets - both Day and Night Market - be sure to support #KeledANgercheled, especially those producers specializing in local, sustainably produced healthy foods that minimize plastic and celebrate culture! Visit the MAFE booth to learn more about Palau's biodiversity as well! #RespectProducers

At Monday's Olechotel Belau Fair in Ngardmau, check out the Eco-Huts, built by the Ngardmau community using best practices! Also be sure to appreciate the extensive work that Ngardmau, Ebiil Society, and their partners have put into replanting the bare hills around Ngmall, all using best practices and community participation. Congratulations Ongedechuul! (P.S. Be sure to support our #KeledANgercheled Food Producers at OBF too!) 

What's being mainstreamed?

Sustainable Food Systems Mainstreaming: To achieve food security, Palau must increase production and consumption of healthy, local foods. Because our lands are so tightly linked to our coastal mesei and fisheries and gleaning habitats, any increase in production on land must be done with care to keep sediment, fertilizers, and pesticides from degrading these key areas. Crops and agroforests with high biodiversity are more resilient, with fewer vulnerabilities to storms, diseases, and other climate and human threats. Food safety is also key to food security. Per MHHS, a member of the #KeledANgercheled Task Force, gastrointestinal illnesses are one of the leading causes for visits to the ER in Palau (see attached), connected to unsanitary handling of foods or consumption of foods that have been outside for too long. Food producers must attend training and have a Food Handlers Permit.   

What's coming up?

• Ngarchelong Master Planning 10/11 @ 6pm

• Ngchesar Master & Land use planning 10/12 @ 6pm

• PCS Gala 10/13 @ 6pm

• Peleliu Land use planning 10/14

• Workshop on Training Needs Assessment for Nature-Based Solutions 10/18. Contact.

• Melekeok Master Planning 10/18 @ 6pm

• Biosecurity Regulations Draft Review 10/19 @ 1pm

• Cheuais removal at Lake Ngardok, Melekeok 10/29 @ 8am-12pm

• Plan ahead: #KeledANgercheled and World Food Day will be celebrated on Friday, November 18! Register.

Who's Doing What? 

• Koror and partners mapped the updated trail to Ngermalk (Long Island). The trail features accessible Rock Island biodiversity and a unique marine lake, and will be officially launched on Koror Constitution Day, October 21.

• The Asia-Pacific Symposium on Agrifood Systems Transformation, held last week in Bangkok, offered a sobering look at global food systems. Fuel and food prices are expected to rise again, and will impact rice. While there are many solutions available, all countries, including Palau, need to work harder to increase production and consumption of healthy foods, improve nutrition access in a fair and just manner, and increase food safety and environmental sustainability. Palau was honored to speak as part of a Pacific delegation, and our short message: "Our Food is Our Responsibility" made it into this short recap video. Find more here.

• Participants in the Pacific Ecological Security Conference (PESC) endorsed action plans for priority invasive species, and committed to further regional coordination on the prevention, control, and eradication of invasive species in the Pacific.

• Through a partnership with the Ministry of Justice, a draft of the updated Biosecurity Regulations is nearing completion. Request a copy of the draft.

• The Ngatpang State Planning Commission reviewed objectives and developed their CIP Priority List, and is meeting with their Olbiil this week to review the draft Master Plan. They will begin land use planning next.

• Airai continued master planning, with some frank discussions about the future of agriculture in the state.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Peleliu Milkfish Pond and Mangrove Restoration; Asia-Pacific Symposium on Agrifood Systems Transformation; PESC - Conference; Ngatpang Planning Commission 10/6; Ngermalk (updated) Trail mapping - 10/6; PESC - Ngeanges Site Visit; PESC - Ulong Site Visit; Ngaraard Makit - 10/8; Airai Master Planning 10/10

What's being mainstreamed?

Sustainable Development Mainstreaming: Palau's Blue Prosperity Plan outlines the nation's course to achieve 100% management of Palau’s ocean by balancing protection of marine resources with their sustainable use. Three goals are Protection, Sustainable Economic Development, and improving the Enabling Environment. Key initiatives in the plan include:

1. Marine spatial planning

2. Offshore fisheries development

3. Restorative aquaculture

4. Infrastructure

5. Innovation

6. Regional Scaling

What's coming up?

• Visit the Anti-Human Trafficking Art Exhibit at BNM before it closes on Thurs, Sept 29 @ 10am-4pm.

• Pacific Ecological Security Conference (PESC) and Site Visits 10/3 to 10/6

• Ngchesar Land Use Planning 10/5 @ 6pm

• Ngatpang Master Planning 10/6 @ 6pm

• Airai Master Planning 10/10 @ 6pm

• Ngarchelong Master Planning 10/11 @ 6pm

• Plan ahead: #KeledANgercheled and World Food Day will be celebrated on Friday, November 18!

Who's Doing What? 

• State Master Planning and Land Use Planning are progressing along very well, with most State partners on track to finish in early 2023, long before GEF6 support ends.

  • Both Ngatpang and Melekeok finished the hard work of drafting goals, objectives, actions, and policy needs! Melekeok presented this work to leadership last week.

  • Ngaraard welcomed new team members as it prepares to transition the planning team to a Commission. Ngaraard sought legal advice and has a draft Planning Commission Law ready to be introduced to the legislature.

  • Peleliu is also getting legal assistance to draft a Planning Commission law through their partnership with PCS. Peleliu also continued land use planning and finalized their CIP list.

  • More than 40 people attended the Ngchesar Public Hearing on the draft master plan, agreeing with proposed goals and providing feedback on proposed processes and priorities.

  • Leading the way, Ngeremlengui started Implementation, Variance, and Appeal processes as it wraps up master planning.

• Peleliu is implementing its 2022 Best Practice Project to rehabilitate the Milkfish Pond, and the scope and transformation are amazing. After removing logs, debris, invasive vines, and trash from the mangrove, and fixing holes in the inlet/outlet, they are already seeing improved flow.

• Koror State and CRRF issued a joint press release about declining jellyfish numbers in Ongeim L'Tketau Jellyfish Lake. The August estimate of the population of Golden Mastigias jellyfish is ~34,000.

• The Palau Biodiversity Project is pleased to be able to represent Palau's #KeledANgercheled initiative at an upcoming Asia-Pacific Agrifood Symposium. Read  Palau's #KeledANgercheled Case Study.

• A UH Graduate Student has drafted this Story Map about Coastal Food Security in Palau, and is seeking feedback.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Peleliu Streets-LUP-CIP - 9/26; Melekeok MP - 9/20; Ngaraard MP & New Members - 9/21; Ngeremlengui MP: Variance, Appeal, and CIP - 9/22; Ngatpang MP - 9/22; Ngchesar Public Hearing - 9/19; Airai MP - 9/19

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity and Biosecurity Mainstreaming: Palau is hosting the first Pacific Ecological Security Conference (PESC) from October 3-5 to address regional threats from invasive alien species (IAS). Invasive alien animals, plants, and pathogens threaten food security in addition to our economy, culture, and environment. Attendees will develop plans to prevent and manage the spread of priority IAS, including invasive ants and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRB), and plans for safely using biological controls to target weeds and pests. Find the conference program, concept paper, and draft strategic action plans for invasive ants, CRB, and BioControls online. Participation is by invitation only.

What's coming up? Reminder: Those who have not submitted financial reports, they are past due. Let's hit 80%!!!

• Ngchesar Public Hearing on the draft Master Plan 9/19 @ 6pm

• Airai Master Planning 9/19 @ 6pm

• Melekeok MP 9/20 @ 6pm

• Ngaraard Land use planning (LUP) and zoning 9/21 @ 11am

• Ngeremlengui MP & LUP 9/22 @ 10am

• Ngatpang MP 9/22 @ 6pm

• Peleliu LUP 9/26

• Ngiwal MP 9/26 @ 6pm

• Plan ahead: #KeledANgercheled and World Food Day will be celebrated on Friday, November 18!

Who's Doing What? 

• Find the EQPB Strategic Plan online.

• A draft of a National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) is available for review. This umbrella document captures Palau's top environmental priorities and actions across multiple sectors and will communicate it to SPREP. Send feedback by Sept 23.

• Peleliu started working on its Land Use Plan. They also started Street Naming with PALARIS.

• Aimeliik finished the body of its master plan by reviewing and comparing objectives across sectors and by prioritizing their desired CIP projects!

• Ngarchelong continued with master planning by finishing environmental objectives. 

• A Team from UNDP visited Palau to conduct site visits to Best Practice projects. The team visited Angaur (to see the emergency alert system put in place through a project with NEMO), Peleliu (to view the Forest of Hope Trail, aquaculture farm, IAS removal areas, and the emergency alert system), and multiple sites on Babeldaob. Partners visiting from Pohnpei were in luck, as the Ngaraard community market was in full swing, allowing them to see and taste #KeledANgercheled in action!

Learn about some of Palau's micro-biodiversity at a Snails and Ants talk on Friday at 10:30am at Kedarm Conference Room at PICRC. Co-sponsored by PCS and the Palau Biodiversity Project (GEF6).

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Small creatures such as snails and ants are critical in Palau's ecosystems, as nutrient recyclers and movers of all sorts. Did you know: Palau has ~200 species of snails (Ngetmakl). 95% of them are endemic, with some species found only on single islands. Palau still has most of its snail species; elsewhere in the Pacific, up to 50% of snails have gone extinct. Learn more about Palau's snails on Friday, on the SnailEvolution website, or visit the Peleliu Forest of Hope trail!

What's coming up?

• Ngchesar Land Use Planning 8/23 @ 6pm

• Peleliu Land Use Planning 8/25

• Snails and Ants Talk 8/26 @ 10:30am at Kedarm

• Nature-based Solutions Validation Workshop 9/7 (by NbS Consultants). Email for information. Take the survey by 8/29.

• #KeledANgercheled PLAN AHEAD: MAFE will support local food producers at events on October 1 and OBF (~Oct 24).

Who's Doing What?

•  The materials from the August 11 Babeldaob JCB meeting are online. These include materials introducing the PICRC-JICA Coastal Management Project, an update from the Office of Climate Change, a graph showing the status of State Master Planning, Title 31 Amendments, and Draft Zoning Regulations. Minutes from the May 2022 meeting are also up, with State updates. Also see pictures from cross-site visits to Aimeliik, Ngardmau, Ngaraard, and Ngarchelong.

• MOF is working to educate the public on tax reform starting Jan 1, 2023, which will impact fishers, farmers, and food producers. Access all Tax Reform materials here. Read a subset of information specific to small-scale/informal makit sellers here.

• Palau's #KeledANgercheled Task Force met to identify indicators for food security. MHHS data indicates that consumption of healthy food has increased. Census data from 2015 to 2020 seems to indicate that the number of food producers has declined, although the incomes of those in the sector seem to have increased.

• Thank you to Technical Partners who stopped by to provide input to nearshore marine spatial maps. In particular, partners from BOF, WASAP, and CRRF spent hours identifying potential sites for aquaculture around Babeldaob and Peleliu. PCS, CRRF, and BNM/TEI also updated biodiversity information. Missed it? Email to schedule time with PALARIS - BCHP is 8/23.

• Ngchesar State continued its 2022 Best Practice project to improve a former Japanese School and Hospital site along the "Hondoro trail" for eco-tourism. Work included a drone survey, which made this cool 3D mapping possible.

• Materials from the latest GEF6 Project Board meetings are now online, with updates from all partners. 

• A subcommittee of the Peleliu Legislature tasked with creating a State Planning Commission met with the Palau Biodiversity Project to review requirements and best practices. Find templates here.

• The Ngaraard Legislature met with the Palau Biodiversity Project for final clarification before completing its Planning and Zoning Commission legislation. See the presentation about GEF6 and Ngaraard.

• Aimeliik concluded the first part of master planning by finishing its objectives!

• The Ngeremlengui Planning Commission presented its proposed land use plan and zoning codes to Rubak. With some tough feedback, it offered a critical lesson for project partners on best practices for communicating about this relatively new concept of land use planning and zoning.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Governance Clinic -8/9; Ngchesar Hondoro Survey - 8/9; Airai MP - 8/8; Ngarchelong MP (from June); JCB Site Visit to Aimeliik, Ngardmau, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong 8/11; 13th JCB Meeting - 8/11; Peleliu Legislature Subcommittee on Planning Commission - 8/12; #KeledANgercheled Farmers Market - 8/11; Nearshore MSP Technical Input Day at PALARIS - 8/16; Melekeok MP - 8/16; Aimeliik MP - 8/15; Palau Pledge-GEF6 Recycling and Biodiversity Signs; Ngeremlengui Rubak to Review Draft LUP - 8/18; Ngaraard Legislature about Planning Commission - 8/18

Join MAFE and MOF for a special #KeledANgercheled Farmer's Market on Thursday morning at Ernguul Park, followed by a Tax Reform workshop for farmers, fishers, and food producers. Help improve Palau's food security and learn about the rights, responsibilities, and benefits of the new tax law that starts January 1, 2023.

What's being mainstreamed?

Resilience Mainstreaming: Climate resilience is being mainstreamed into state land use plans, with maps indicating areas of risk from sea level rise, storm surge, landslides, and fire. It's a rapidly evolving area, with new data and scientific information being added regularly. A Special Management Zone (SMZ) has been added to the draft zoning regulations under consideration by States as a way to signify that some areas need special conditions before being developed. Related (and fascinating): 'Sand battery' could solve green energy's big problem. Does it hold promise for Palau?

What's coming up? Financial reports are due. The project is on a roll - let's keep it that way!

• 2nd Round of the State Governance Clinic (hosted by MOS) starts today at West Plaza Lebuu Street (Tuesday-Friday)

• Ngchesar field visit to Hondoro 8/9 @ 1pm

• MAFE-MOJ Partnership to create Biosecurity Regulations 8/10 @ 10am

• Babeldaob JCB 8/11 in Ngarchelong

• #KELEDANGERCHELED Task Force Meeting 8/15 @ 9am at MAFE

• Zoom call about measuring carbon 8/15 @ 1pm

• Aimeliik MP 8/15 @ 6pm

• Marine Spatial Map - Technical Partner Drop in Day 8/16 @ 9-1 at PALARIS

• Apply by 8/12 to be the Palau SGP National Coordinator

• It's time to develop Annual Work Plans (AWP) for next year. Schedule your meeting.

Who's Doing What?

•  PALARIS is finalizing their new strategic plan. There are exciting developments on the horizon, including a public website to access GIS data!

• Ngaraard started the second phase of its 2022 Best Practice Project by clearing the stone paths and features at Ngebuked-Ngaruau.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngaraard Ngebuked-Ngaruau 8/3 (with BCHP); Ngaraard Master Planning 8/3; PALARIS Strategic Planning 8/4; Ngarchelong Master Planning 8/2; Ngchesar Hondoro Drone Survey 8/2

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #BuyLocalByLocal #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Palau's Fish & Wildlife Protection (FWP) agency, under MOJ, launched a new citation system to help deter illegal activity and better safeguard Palau's protected species. Last week they issued a first citation to a person apprehended at a dock with undersized marine species. They could cite (ticket) the person immediately, rather than elevating the issue to a court case requiring a conviction. Find a list of all protected marine and terrestrial species here. Keep in mind these nationwide legal limits (states may have their own restrictions as well):

• It is closed season for Melob (Green Sea Turtle) and Chesiuch (Blacklip Pearl Oyster).

• Semum (Trochus) is currently closed.

• It is always illegal to harvest, sell, or buy an egg-bearing female lobster, mangrove crab, or coconut crab.  The minimum size carapace for:

  • Rock Lobsters = 3.5 inches

  • Mangrove Crabs = 6 inches (unless hatchery certified)

  • Coconut Crab = 4 inches

• Belochel (Pigeons) and most birds are fully protected. They cannot be hunted or captured.

• Maml, Kemedukl, Mesekiu, Chedeng, Ngasech (Napoleon Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish, Dugong, Sharks, Hawksbill Sea Turtles), Rays, Whales, and Dolphins are fully protected.

What's coming up?

• Ngarchelong Master Planning 8/2 @ 6pm

• Ngaraard Field Visit and Master Planning 8/3 @ 9&11am in Ngaraard

• Airai Master Planning 8/8

• Babeldaob JCB 8/11 in Ngarchelong

• The vacancy announcement for the Palau SGP National Coordinator has been re-posted. Apply by 8/12.

Who's Doing What?

• Congratulations to Ngarchelong! They held a community meeting, debated ideas, and worked together to identify street names, making them the first state to name their streets according to the PALARIS guidelines.

• The Palau Biodiversity Project helds its annual Partnership Meeting in mid-July. Read updates from each partner here.

• Ngaraard launched its new Best-Practice-Featuring Summer House with a multi-community Makit on Saturday, with at least 10 women vendors and 4 Fishermen participating.

• Ngaraard kicked off its 2022 Best Practice Project to create a multi-site cultural tour that includes safe visitation to the unique petroglyph, Blotk el Llecheklel a chad el ngar er a Bad, Olebakelderau. The Bureau of Cultural and Historic Preservation and Micronesian Heritage Consulting (Dr. Jolie Liston) provided cultural expertise.  

• The Ngeremlengui Planning Commission verified its proposed zones by driving around the state, connecting maps to the real world. The Commission found that it needed to adjust many of the proposed zone edges.

• Ngchesar became the latest state to complete the main body of its master plan - with all goals and objectives complete on a realistic timeline. They will move on to zoning. They join Ngiwal, Ngeremlengui, Ngardmau, Ngaraard, and Peleliu in nearing the end of master planning.

• Last week were several partner workshops, including one with the Office of Climate Change, Palau Conservation Consortium, and SPREP on Scaling Up Pacific Adaptation (SUPA) and one with the PAN Fund on the "Micronesia Challenge 2030" Sustainable Finance Plan.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngarchelong Street Naming 7/22; Ngchesar Master Planning 7/27; Melekeok Master Planning and Street Naming 7/27; Ngeremlengui Proposed Zones Field Verification 7/28; MAFE Team Building 7/29; Ngaraard Makit at Sansaro 7/30; Ngaraard 2022 Best Practice Project Inaugural Work Day 8/1

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #BuyLocalByLocal #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

Thank you, congratulations, and good luck to Gwen Sisior, as she leaves the GEF projects for her next life adventure!

What's being mainstreamed?

Gender and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming: Palau's policy: "To create all necessary conditions to ensure that our public policies and services benefit women and men and to take additional measures to remove barriers to gender equality and safeguard human rights." The Policy can be mainstreamed into plans and activities via four key objectives: 1) enabling participation in decision making by all genders; 2) offering equitable opportunities to men and women to earn income and meet needs; 3) protections at home, school, work, and elsewhere; and 4) making the resources needed to be healthy and resilient available to all women, men, girls, and boys. Find all materials from this year's Annual Gender and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming Workshop, hosted by MAFE and MOS, online.

Biosecurity Mainstreaming: With traveling becoming a regular part of life again, please take extra steps to protect Palau from invasive alien species (IAS). Declare all plant, fruit, animal, and food products to customs; do not bring in any prohibited seeds; and clean your shoes and gear after visiting natural places, especially by removing any soil. Inside Palau, check your boats, vehicles, and cargo for any unwanted hitchhikers such as rats, cats, mice, bamboo orchids or other priority species; and remember it is illegal to transport monkeys off Angaur (because they pose a huge threat to food security and biodiversity). MAFE and the Ministry of Justice signed a MOU and Addendum today to collaborate on biosecurity regulations and enforcement of environmental laws.

What's coming up?

• 13th GEF6 Board Meeting 7/26 @ 10am at BOF downstairs

• Melekeok Master Planning and Street Naming 7/26 @ 6pm at GEF6

• Ngchesar Land Use Planning 7/27 @ 6pm at PALARIS

• SPREP SUPA Climate Adaptation Workshop (Wed&Thurs) 7/27 to 7/28 @ 10am-12pm

• Micronesia Challenge Sustainable Finance Plan Workshop 7/28 @ 10am-1pm

• Ngeremlengui Zoning Verification Field Day 7/28 @ 9am

• The GEF6 office will be closed on Friday 7/29

• Ngchesar Mapping 8/1

Who's Doing What?

• Congratulations to our partners in Ngchesar and at the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development, Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation for completing the site rehabilitation and conservation of two historic sites: Boes er a Mekemad er a Roischesar and Ked er a Ngchelbakl, Kaliol. See pictures and read more on FB or Insta. Ngchesar will continue working to develop these sites and others as sustainable tourism sites, and they continued their Best Practice Project planning last week. 

• MAFE and the Ministry of State co-hosted the annual Gender and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming Workshop. See pictures.

• After a tough verification day in the field, Ngiwal had to reconsider some of its proposed zones in order to keep its future residential areas safe and affordable. They also reviewed a draft of the master plan - which is almost done!

• At the GEF6 Annual Partnership, MAFE officially welcomed new partners BNM and PICRC to the project! They have signed MOUs to incorporate outreach and awareness of biodiversity and invasive species into their collections.

• DFWP announced that it finished its citations, and they are now in use! This is a major win for environmental law enforcement: previously all protected species infractions were elevated to a court case, which meant many were not pursued. A citation system creates a deterrence to lawbreakers.

• Peleliu is almost finished with its master plan, including a CIP Priority List!

• The GEF6 Team finally made it to the Ngeremlengui Wonder Pools. Please note the conservation area is closed to the public and permission to enter is needed from the State.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: MAFE-MOJ MOA; Ngeremlengui Wonder Pool; Peleliu Master and Land Use Planning; AImeliik Master Planning; Ngchesar Best Practice Site Planning; Ngardmau Master Planning; Ngarchelong Master Planning; MOS-MAFE Gender Workshop; GEF6 2022 Partnership Meeting; Keyan Farewell; Ngiwal Master and Land Use Planning; Ngiwal Water source and zoning verification field day; Airport Biosecurity Awareness Planning Visit; KeledANgercheled in Melekeok with the German Minister; PPUC Water Division Technical Assistance.

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #BuyLocalByLocal #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity and ecosystem mainstreaming: The Koror Southern Lagoon Coastal Fisheries Management Plan incorporates fisheries management measures to ensure long-term sustainability of key species fished in the Southern Lagoon. These include spatial measures (such as permanent and temporary closures), size limits, and seasonal closures, and best practices. The plan was developed by KSG DCLE, PCS, and volunteer Fishers/Gleaners; with PICRC, PALARIS, BOF, TNC, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. (Currently voluntary) size limits ensure that the populations that remain after removal by fishing are able to reproduce and replace themselves, reducing overfishing:

• 18" (inches) - Kedesau, Melangmud

• 14" - Berkism, Beyadel/Ngesngis, Chum, Otord

• 12" - Besachel Otengel, Melechotech a Chau, Mesekelat Mellemau, Ngyaoch, Udoudungelel,

• 10" - Keremlal, Mesekuuk

• 8" - Cherangel, Biib el Mellemau, Mellemau #ONECOMMUNITY

What's coming up?

• Annual GEF6 Partnership Meeting - Thursday, July 14. At least one representative from each Partner should attend. The meeting is open to all "informal" partners and friends as well! 9 am @ Palasia. 

• Annual Gender Mainstreaming Workshop - Tuesday, July 19 @ 9 am at Palasia, in partnership with MOS. See the attached report for validation: "Country Gender Assessment of Agriculture and the Rural Sector in Palau"

• Ngarchelong Master Planning 7/12 @ 6 pm

• Ngchesar Land use planning 7/13 @ 6 pm

• Ngardmau Master Planning 7/14 @ 6 pm

• Ngiwal Field Day to confirm zones 7/15 @ 9 am

• NEMS - Governance Section 7/18 @ 10 am by Zoom

• Aimeliik Master Plan 7/18 @ 6 pm (Hybrid)

Who's Doing What?

• Koror partners are already training and building their capacity to implement the new Fisheries Management Measures while the plan is under review by the legislature.

• PPUC's Water Operations Office provided technical assistance to help identify possible locations for a new water source in Ngiwal, and provided an assessment of other States' water planning needs

• The #KeledANgercheled Constitution Day Farmers Market, Fair, and "Tabesul Belsoil" (balanced meal) were a hit in celebrating the nation's producers and connecting them to consumer who want to #BuyLocalByLocal. PVA, MAFE, MHRCTD, and the Office of the President sponsored the event.

• Ngaraard's planning team completed objectives and a timeline for its master plan.

• Ngeremlengui is almost finished with land use planning and a Zoning code!

• Airai continued Master Planning.

• PCS, Bank of Hawaii, and Peleliu State planted 350 trees in Peleliu as part of a restoration project.

• The German Foreign Minister and her delegation met with technical experts in Palau to learn about the impacts of climate change on key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and homes. The Melekeok women demonstrated #KeledANgercheled.

• Did you see today's Tia Belau? Ngarchelong is the first GEF6 partner (after Koror) to hire a full time State Planner to work directly with its new, legislated State Planning Commission! See the article.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: #KeledANgercheled Constitution Day Market and Meal 7/7; TNC Aquaculture Stakeholder Meeting 6/29; Koror Fisheries & Management Plan Training 7/5; Ngaraard Master Planning 7/6; German Foreign Minister Visit 7/9; KeledANgercheled in Melekeok 7/9; PPUC Water Division Technical Assistance - 7/6; Airai Master Planning - 7/7; Ngeremlengui Land Use Planning and Zoning

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #BuyLocalByLocal #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

Happy Constitution Day! See you on Thursday at the Farmer's Market!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity and ecosystem mainstreaming: The Palau Organic Growers Association (POGA) in partnership with SBDC, with technical assistance offered by BOA and PCC-CRE, held an "Introduction to Organics" workshop on the "Organic Pasifika" certification program based on the Pacific Organic Standard. The very first standard mainstreams biodiversity: "Operators shall take measures to identify, maintain, protect and enhance biodiversity, which includes maintaining a significant portion of their farms to protect landscape and biodiversity values." Taro patches in Palau (Ngaraard) and products grown from those fields may become the first in Palau to be certified organic!

What's coming up?

• #KeledANgercheled at the Farmers Market in honor of Constitution Day: Thursday, July 7 @ 8 am at Ernguul Park. Bring cash to support your farmers, fishers, and producers!

• Koror Southern Lagoon Coastal Fisheries Management Plan Orientation and Training Workshop (with PCS, KSG, and other partners) 7/5-6

• Melekeok Master Planning 7/5 @ 6 pm at BOF

• Ngaraard MP, LUP, and Action Planning 7/6 @ 11 am at Ngaraard

• Ngeremlengui MP, LUP 7/7 @ 10 am at PCC Hatchery

• Airai MP 7/7 @ 6pm at Airai

• Constitution Day Fishing Derby - Sunday, July 10. #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers

• GEF6 Board meeting 7/11

• Annual GEF6 Partnership Meeting is Thursday, July 14.

Who's Doing What?

• Checks are in - so let's get going on those 2022 Best Practice projects!

• Congratulations to Koror on the 10th Anniversary of the Inscription of the Rock Island Southern Lagoon (RISL) on the World Heritage List!

• Ngiwal's Planning Commission made some hard decisions, but has drawn land use designations for almost their entire state! They will refine these further into zones.

• Ngeremlengui also started drawing lines on their maps for land use designations. Land use planning, which is a thought process, comes before zoning, with is a state regulatory process.

• Ngchesar's Planning and Development Commission met with state leadership to seek approval of their proposed master plan vision, goals, and objectives. After incorporating feedback, they will continue with land use planning.

• Palau's Aquaculture Stakeholders met last week to review the Aquaculture Siting Tool produced by The Nature Conservancy, and to learn more about aquaculture planning and technical services. Stay tuned for the next draft of the Siting Tool document, which will be coming out for review soon. Check out this Aquaculture Toolkit to learn more about sustainable farming.

• The GEF6 project bid good bye and good luck to Keyan Solomon!

• The latest GEF6 Board Meeting materials are online.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngeremlengui LUP - 6/14; PCS AGM - 6/15; POGA Organic Certification Workshop - 6/16; IOM Climate Migration Workshop - 6/14; Ngchesar Planning and Development Commission with Leadership - 6/21; Koror RISL World Heritage Anniversary - 6/29

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #BuyLocalByLocal #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

#KeledANgercheled opportunity on Thursday! Space is limited, please register.

What's being mainstreamed?

Many of the state partners are nearing completion of the body of their master plans - vision, goals, objectives, actions, and policies - and are moving to Land Use Planning and Zoning. This requires a fundamental shift in philosophy to go from ideas to physical space, writing to drawing, and sectors to zoning for an entire state. We commend our state partners for *volunteering* for this difficult task! With each state's environmental goals and objectives serving as governance, Land use planning is where the Palau Biodiversity Project truly mainstreams biodiversity. Base maps have identified the locations of endangered species and High Conservation Value areas, reserved regulated areas such as stream buffers and public water sources, and spatial analyses have given extra weight to biodiverse forests, erosion-prone slopes, and agro-biodiverse lands. Thus, states have detailed information on biodiversity-suitable locations for high-impact and low-impact development. These decisions were made by the Babeldaob JCB, a prototype of a Regional Planning Commission, as required by Title 31.

What's coming up? PCS is a critical partner to the Palau Biodiversity Project and its State Partners. Learn more about PCS's GEF6 activities at its Annual General Membership Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday.

•  UNDP Annual Program Review 6/14 @ 9am at West Lebuu

• Ngeremlengui Master Planning (MP) 6/14 @ 10am

• Ngarchelong MP 6/14 @ 6pm 

• IOM Migration Consultation 6/15 @ 8am at Palasia

• PCS AGM 6/15 @ 11:30am

• Ngiwal MP 6/15 @ 6pm

• SBDC Organics Training 6/16 @ 9am at Penthouse. Please register.

Who's Doing What?

• Amended Title 31 passed the House of Delegates and was transmitted to the Senate! A copy of the House bill is attached.

• More than 20 partners from the private sector, NGOs, and semi/government participated in a consultation to identify gaps and priorities in the nearshore marine environment. Several gaps in Palau's existing and publicly available policies were identified during the quick 1-hour meeting, including mangrove management, aquaculture, data management and analysis, traditional knowledge and knowledge management, and economic development.

• The Coral Reef Research Foundation is hiring a Marine Lakes Research Assistant. Qualifications include a 2-year PCC degree and comfort working in the field. Apply by June 24.

• PICRC launched its Integrated Coastal Ecosystem Management Project, in partnership with JICA. Several aspects of the Coastal Project will build on GEF6 efforts (JCB, State Teams, Spatial data and processes). Pic from the event.

• MAFE PAN and the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) held a consultation to develop activities for a GCF-funded Adaptation Project. GEF6 partners advocated for priorities from State Master Plans.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: GEF6 Partners at PICRC-JICA Coastal Project Kickoff - 6/7; Airai Master Planning - 6/6; Ngaraard Master Planning - 6/7; Ngarchelong Hamlet delegation and street naming with PALARIS - 6/8, MAFE World Ocean Day Open House - 6/8; Ngchesar Master Planning - 6/8; plus many more photos from the Peleliu Trail Ceremony on 6/3 and Planning and Site Visit on 6/2.

Happy World Ocean's Day! #KeledANgercheled MAFE Open House this Wed, June 10 from 2-5 pm at the Bureau of Fisheries Hatchery in Malakal. Follow #KeledANgercheled on Facebook to take part in a fun photo contest and win prizes!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: World Ocean Day is June 8! Because it's June, we are deep into the closed season for Melob (Green Sea Turtles) and Tiau, Katuu'tiau, Mokas, Ksau'temekai, and Meteungerel'temeka (Groupers). Turtles are closed through August and Groupers are closed through October. Other ocean creatures that are always protected are Mesekiu, Whales and all Marine Mammals, Hawksbill Sea Turtles and all Sea Turtle Eggs, Kemedukl, Maml, and Sharks. Other species have size, timing, gear, and location restrictions. See a full list of all protected species here.

What's coming up?

• World Ocean Day is June 8th! See you at the Hatchery Open House from 2 to 5 pm!

• Airai Master Planning (MP) 6/6/ @ 6 pm

• Coastal Ecosystem Management Project Kickoff 6/7 at PICRC

• Ngaraard MP and AWP 6/7 @ 11 am at GEF6

• MAFE-Climate Change-MCT Inception Workshop 6/8 @ 8:30 am at Palasia

• World Ocean Day Open House 6/8 @ 2 pm

• Ngchesar MP 6/8 @ 6 pm

• NISC Meeting 6/9 @ 2 pm on Zoom

• Ngatpang MP 6/9 @ 6 pm at BOFI

• NEMS - Nearshore Marine @ 8:30 am on Zoom

Who's Doing What?

• The huge news of last week was that Peleliu and its partners held a Trailside Ceremony to officially open the trail and celebrate biodiversity and cultural achievements on Jungle Trails at the MVP Forest of Hope!! Please see the MAFE Acknowledgements attached. Photos are just starting to trickle in - some are here and more will be added. Go to Peleliu and check it out!!! Find videos and photos online: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau).

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Peleliu Trail Ceremony 6/3; Peleliu Master Planning and Site Visit 6/2; Ngardmau Master Planning w/Climate Adaptation 5/31; Ngchesar Commission and PLA Joint Planning 5/30

Happy President's Day!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: In honor of the upcoming World Ocean Day, we'll highlight some of Palau's marine mammals! Over half of the world's known species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) are known to occur in Micronesia, as well as our beloved - and very isolated - mesekiu (dugong). Survey work from 2010-2013 documented 12 species of cetaceans, but that number is now known to be much higher - at least 22. Hotspots in 2010-2013 were reef edges, the 1000-m depth contour, and undersea ridge areas. Trips outside the reef often reward explorers with an "escort" of the playful Spinner Dolphins, with an estimated resident population of nearly 2000 dolphins.

What's coming up?

• World Ocean Day is June 8th! Stay tuned for an exciting #KeledANgercheled event!

• Ngardmau Master Planning, with climate change and zoning 5/31 @ 6pm at BOF

• Peleliu MP 6/2

• Peleliu Trail Ceremony 6/3 @ 11am

• Airai Master Planning (MP) 6/6 @ 6pm

• NEMS - Nearshore Marine - June 10 @ 8:30

Who's Doing What?

• Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, and Ngiwal continued land use planning. This includes reviewing maps and reviewing and setting zoning codes. Ngiwal identified most of its smaller area zones.

• The Ngardmau Planning Commission has nearly finished its update to their master plan! They produced a draft that fills in almost every section of the template, including identifying CIP needs. They still need to go through the process of prioritizing CIP needs. There is light at the end of this planning tunnel!!!

• The OEK House of Delegates passed the second reading for amendments to Title 31, requiring master plans and land use plans. Read the Island Times article about it.

• The Palau Biodiversity Project and PVA/BOT planned out jointly-agreed activities for the rest of the year. Stay tuned for biodiversity-friendly product development, native plant landscaping, and more!

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Street Naming with Ngaraard; Ngeremlengui MP + LUP 5/24; Ngiwal LUP 5/25

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: With increasing ships and cargo coming into Palau, we should know what to look for: the highly invasive and damaging Brown Treesnake (BTS). This snake invaded Guam after WWII, where it continues to cause millions of dollars of damage to electrical, agriculture, and economic systems. #KeledANgercheled. It also decimated most of Guam's bird populations. BTS looks different from Palau's native snakes. Native snakes are a critical part of our biodiversity and ecosystems. Please learn to tell them apart. See more pictures of BTS on FB or Insta, and print and post the attached flyer.

• Learn more about Invasive Species on the new MAFE social media series called #MondaysMostWanted.

What's coming up?

• Ngeremlengui MP 5/24 @ 10 am

• Ngiwal MP 5/25 @ 6pm

• Airai MP 5/26 @ 6pm

• Ngeremlengui Public Hearing on draft Master Plan @ 6pm

Who's Doing What?

• The Ngeremlengui Planning Commission presented its draft Master Plan to the Rubekul a Ngeremlengui, and received formal approval! It had already gotten approval from elected leaders. They also reviewed maps of the State, including mapping that show that Ngeremlengui has large swaths of prime agricultural land that are critical to national food security and meeting goals of #KeledANgercheled. The legislated Commission will now move on to land use planning and zoning.

• Ngarchelong continued with Master Planning. As a legislated Commission, they are also working on a logo to convey their responsibilities and duties. Ngarchelong has hired a State Planner who is an integral part of developing the master plan, and will be perfectly poised to implement it when complete.

• Ngaraard used feedback and ideas from the Babeldaob JCB meeting to take a critical look at its Master Plan. They started to prioritize their objectives and also received a briefing on Street Naming from partners at PALARIS.

• The last of the Peleliu signs were finished and sent to Peleliu! The Trail Ceremony is June 3rd.

• Consultations are underway for the National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS). Last week, MAFE partnered with the Office of Climate Change to conduct a first consultation on the climate change chapter of the NEMS.

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngarchelong Master Planning 5/17; Ngaraard Master Planning & Street naming presentation with PALARIS 5/17; Ngeremlengui Rubekul briefing 5/18

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: In addition to being a critical partner for mapping, zoning, and land use planning, PALARIS plays a key role in storing and accessing Palau's spatial data. One of their activities, in partnership with the Palau Biodiversity Project, is to catalog and organize data, fill critical gaps (such as biodiversity layers), and create a streamlined system of access to ensure accurate analyses. See their data chart and find examples of spatial data here. Important biodiversity sites, such as locations of endangered and endemic plants and Important Forest Areas, have been added to PALARIS's database and continue to be updated.

Partnership Mainstreaming: Find presentations from the Palau Climate Change Hybrid Inception Workshop online. The planning process about to start by the Office of Climate Change will build on the existing capacity, partnerships, and momentum of GEF6-led master planning to ensure better sustainability for both efforts. Find information on climate projections here.

What's coming up?

• Ngardmau MP 5/16 @ 5:30pm

• Ngaraard MP 5/17 @ 11am

• Ngarchelong MP 5/17 @ 6pm

• Ngeremlengui Master Plan Leadership Review 5/18

• NEMS - Climate Change 5/20 @ 8:30am

• Koror-GEF6 Partnership working meeting 5/23 @ 10am

Who's Doing What?

The Project's Flickr account is a testament to the diversity of work undertaken by the partnership, and many new albums have been uploaded (see list in red below): https://www.flickr.com/photos/189071815@N08/albums

• The Ngaraard Team began planning for their 2022 Best Practice projects, which will include restoration of cultural sites and development of those sites for sustainable tourism.

• Ngardmau's Eco-Huts, their 2021 Best Practice Project, are done!

• The Babeldaob JCB met to continue nearshore marine spatial planning, by identifying locations of fishing and gleaning grounds, merab and taoch, aquaculture farms (existing and proposed), cultural and historical sites, tourism sites, dumps (as point source pollution sites), and carbon sequestration sites. The JCB also provided input into undefined zones, reviewed commonalities among State Master Plans, and agreed to have existing teams work in partnership with upcoming climate change planning.

• The Peleliu team conducted field work to plan out the specifics of their Milkfish Farm restoration, their 2022 Best Practice Project. The small signs for the MVP Forest of Hope were also delivered from the printer!

• After seeking leadership input, the Melekeok Planning Team continued its revisions to their existing master plan.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngatpang MP 4/25; Peleliu Governor and Legislature Briefing and Forest Visit 4/27; Airai Governor briefing 5/3; Ngchesar Land Use Planning 5/4; Ngaraard Summer House Ribbon-cutting 5/5; Peleliu Milkfish Pond site visit 5/11; Babeldaob JCB 5/12; Ngardmau Eco-Huts; Ngaraard Action Site Visit 5/14; Ngarchelong Master Planning and Commission Logo 4/26; Climate Change Inception Workshop 5/2-3; Koror Floating Dock ideas; PALARIS Street Naming with Ngarchelong 5/10; Melekeok Master Planning 5/12

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The Best Practice project in Peleliu to develop safety features and interpretive signs for jungle trails in the MVP Forest of Hope is nearly done! The project wonderfully illustrates the intersections among biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security. Many of the plants along the trail are used as medicines or food by humans, are habitat and food for animals, or play an ecosystem role. The signs feature original artwork by @Tiuladokow and rich content from local experts and the new Ethnobotany books. Here is a sneak peak of what you will see when you next visit Peleliu: "The Dekar (called Chebiei on Babeldaob; Marianas or Seeded Breadfruit Tree; Artocarpus mariannensis) here is the largest on the trail. Its nutritious seed is eaten as a starch by humans and is a favorite of Olik (Fruit Bats). It grows on steep ridges or shallow limestone soils where it is a soil stabilizer. Its wood is light and easy to carve, and is used for making canoes." #BiodiversityBenefits #KeledANgercheled

What's coming up?

• Peleliu Aquaculture and Master Planning 5/11

• Ngiwal MP 5/11 @ 5:30 at GEF6

• Babeldaob JCB 5/12 @ 10 am at PALARIS

• Melekeok MP 5/12 @ 6 pm at GEF6 

• NEMS: Land, Biodiversity, Freshwater 5/13 @ 1:30 by Zoom. Open to anyone who wants to review suggested national prorities in these sectors.

• PacIOOS Liaison Officer applications due 5/13

• Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge Scholarship Fund applications due 5/15

Who's Doing What?

• The Palau Biodiversity Project briefed Airai's new Governor on Master and Land Use Planning, and will begin working with the state's Planning Commission on an update of their master plan.

• The Palau Biodiversity Project briefed Peleliu's new Governor and several members of the Legislature on master planning and the Best Practice projects. During a quick visit to the field, the Peleliu State Planning Team pointed out new safety features. As is MAFE's GEF6 policy, the meal was in line with #KeledANgercheled.

• Ngaraard completed its 2021 Best Practice project, with the ribbon-cutting for the Summer House held on Senior Citizen's Day.

• Ngiwal has begun its 2022 Best Practice project to protect and restore its coastline, using traditional methods. The project is designed to protect taro patches that are repeatedly inundated by saltwater, and reduces the growth of invasive species in disturbed areas. Ngiwal also continued its food security efforts by holding Taro Food Processing Trainings. #KeledANgercheled

• Ngarchelong State welcomed a State/City Planner to its roster. The position is responsible for overseeing implementation of the master plan and adherence to zoning laws.

• The Ngchesar Planning Commission is putting its expertise to work with zoning, and providing lessons for all of the other states doing land use planning.

• Palau's Biosecurity Officers took their oath of office to uphold Palau's laws (such as the 2014 Biosecurity Act) and protect our borders. Thank you!!

• PAN Fund held a PAN/MIcronesia Challenge Sustainable Financing Workshop to update its sustainable financing plan to meet the updated MC 2030 Goals.

• The Office of Climate Change held a joint inception workshop for the 3rd National Communication and an update to the Palau Climate Change Policy. The Palau Biodiversity Project gave short presentations on how the initiatives and projects can be aligned. More info next week.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngaraard MP 4-19-22

MAFE is on Facebook! @mafepalau #KeledANgercheled

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: If you missed the Earth Day Fair then you missed the chance to stare at preserved specimens of invasive alien (introduced/non-native) snakes, turtles, lizards and more! The National Invasive Species Program has been institutionalized in MAFE's organizational chart under the Bureau of Environment, and is spreading the news about Palau's top species to keep out (Biosecurity = Prevention):

• Brown Tree Snake

• Red Eared Slider (Turtle)

• Little Fire Ant

• Coqui Tree Frog

• Red Imported Fire Ant

• Tilapia

• Any other introduced Frogs

• Mongoose

• Ivy Gourd

• Seeds that could harm agriculture (e.g. beans, cabbage, kale, tapioca, etc.)

• Macaques (Keep them from spreading any further)

As the prevalence of online ordering and Amazon deliveries has increased, so has the import of dangerous seeds. Please take care when ordering seeds. BOA can help. #KeledANgercheled #WeedsOnWednesday.

What's coming up? Partners: Financial and Narrative Reports are due on Friday, April 29.

• There is a Micronesian Challenge (MC) Sustainable Finance Plan workshop tomorrow, 4/26 from 9-3. The Palau MC and PAN Fund are seeking diverse perspectives and welcome your participation. Attend in person at the PICRC Kedarm conference room or virtually. Please RSVP. Tentative agenda attached.
  
  

• Ngatpang MP 4/25 @ 6 pm at BOFI

• Ngarchelong MP 4/26 @ 6 pm

• Peleliu courtesy visit and field work day 4/27

• Climate Change Inception Workshop (CC Policy, 3rd NatCom, and GEF6 Connections/Sustainability) has been moved to May 2&3

• Babeldaob JCB 5/12 @ 10 am at PALARIS

Who's Doing What?

• States are progressing with Master Planning, with many moving on to reviewing zoning codes and working on maps for land use planning. Ngaraard modified zoning codes to meet today's needs and has started land use planning. 

• April 19 saw the official handover of a Pole-and-Line Fishing Vessel from Japan to Palau. The boat, which represents the largest grant ever made through Japan's Grassroots Grant Project (GGP), will aid in the development of a sustainable pelagic fishery by providing affordable skipjack and other fish. The vessel will be managed through a partnership of MAFE Bureau of FIsheries and BOFI. The handover ceremony was live-streamed, plus find pictures and video here. 

• #KeledANgercheled: MAFE showcased its efforts to create sustainable food systems through agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, and invasive species management at the Earth Day Green Fair. Many other partners celebrated their environmental programs and policies!

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Aimeliik Eco-Tour with Sasakawa Peace Foundation; UN RC Site Visit to Aimeliik and Ngchesar; Pole-and-Line Boat Handover from Japan to Palau - 4/19/22 (pictures); Pole-and-Line Boat (video); Earth Day Green Fair - 4/22/22; Ngaraard MP 04-19-22

Earth Day Green Fair on Friday, April 22

Long Island Park @ 9-3 pm

Invest in YOUR Community * Invest in OUR Planet

- Plant contest

- Seedling giveaways

- Local vendors

- Prizes and raffle drawing

- Partner interactive displays

- And much more fun! (Open to all!)

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: After the heavy content of the OOC, we'll go light this week. Love them or not, these creatures are native species (NOT Invasive Alien Species) and deserve our respect and understanding: 1) Ius (Saltwater crocodiles). They are protected by the international CITES treaty. 2) Uek (Australasian Swamphen). Often found investigating mesei, these birds are not protected by Palauan law and are becoming rare. 3) Tengadidik (Collared Kingfisher). This bird is also not protected, despite its important role eating bugs. 4) Chelub (Monitor Lizard). Not only is it a native species, it might even be endemic. 5-7) Rrusch (Crown-of-Thorns), Kebeas, and Besbus are all native species, but can become invasive in some human-induced conditions (like clearing and pollution).

What's coming up?

• Ngaraard MP 4/19 @ 11 am at BOF

• GEF6 Board meeting 4/19 @ 11 am on Zoom

• Aimeliik MP 4/20 @ 11 am

• Earth Day Activities and PVA Green Fair will be on Friday, April 22 @ Long Island Park

• Ngatpang MP 4/25 @ 6 pm at BOFI

Who's Doing What?

• You can read tidbits from the OOC, especially from Palau's speakers, on the GEF6 Facebook and Instagram accounts. Find pictures on Flickr

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Pictures from the Our Ocean Conference

What's being mainstreamed?

Ocean Mainstreaming: Delegates are here and work has begun. Watch as Palau and its local and global partners make ambitious commitments to support, conserve, and sustainably use ocean resources. See new short videos:

1. 1. Sustainable Blue Economy, exploring ways to sustainably use the ocean to generate diverse, stable incomes and livelihoods and contribute to nation's economies.

   2. Maritime Security, will focus on monitoring, control, and surveillance through the use of emerging and smart technologies, to ensure that our borders stay secure and our sustainable use laws are followed.

   3. Also see this partner video by Rare on the Fish Forever Program.

   4. Palau's own Noah Idechong will participate in a Conversation on Indigenous-led Conservation.

   5. Random ocean fun fact: At least 12 species of whales or dolphins are known from Palau. Read more about Palau's biodiversity and cultural connections.

What's coming up? Earth Day Activities and PVA Green Fair will be on Friday, April 22 @ Long Island Park (tentative)

• 1. The public is invited to watch a livestream of the 2022 Our Ocean Conference from the PCC Cafeteria. The agenda is up.

  2. Anyone interested in island and global Invasive Alien Species (IAS) management is invited to a special side event hosted by Island Conservation (IC), Palau, and Panama to launch the 2030 40x30 Island-Ocean Connection Challenge! Thursday, April 14 @ 8 pm at Ming's Hall, Palasia.

  3. MAFE's National Invasive Species Coordination Office will be launching an awareness campaign about Palau's top 20 IAS at the Earth Day event.

  4. Q1 Reports are due.

Who's Doing What?

• 1. MAFE's new webpage and 2021-2024 Strategic Plan are up. Learn how MAFE will achieve the vision of "A Palau where sustainable food production and wise stewardship of our marine and terrestrial resources enhances the wellbeing and economic livelihoods of all."

  2. Ngardmau has finished its Eco-Huts (2021 Best Practice Projects) and is half-way through community meetings to validate and approve updates to their Master Plan.

  3. Ngaraard's Summer House (2021 Best Practice Project) is almost done and is a model of cross-State cooperation and community-based sustainable tourism development.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngaraard Summer Houes - Feb-Mar 202

What's being mainstreamed?

Ocean Mainstreaming: The Our Ocean Conference is on April 13 and 14 (Wed and Thurs next week). Delegates at the Our Ocean Conference, convening from across the globe, will focus on six Areas of Action to identify solutions to manage marine resources, increase the ocean’s resilience to climate change, and safeguard its health for generations to come. Watch these short videos, each featuring an organizer in Palau and local resource users:

1. Sustainable Fisheries, highlighting the role and policy needs of small-scale fishers and their importance in global food security. Palau's own Ann Singeo will join other global leaders on the panel. The UN has declared 2022 the Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture.

2. Marine Protected Areas, supporting the creation of large-scale MPAs and regional networks of MPAs that are properly managed, which engage indigenous voices, and which benefit local peoples. This is part of a global effort to protect 30% of the world's oceans. The conference allows Palau an opportunity to highlight its role as an incubator for ocean solutions. Minister Steven Victor joins the panel.

3. Marine Pollution, tackling solutions to stop pollution at its sources on land. Dr. Robert Richmond is the moderator.

4. Climate Change, discussing ways to track the consequences of climate change and ways to translate climate commitments and opportunities into real benefits for local communities. Dr. Jane Lubchenco, one of the world's most famous and inspirational marine scientists, is on the panel. 

5. There are also panels on Sustainable Blue Economy and Maritime Security. 

6. Also watch these videos on the importance of the ocean to Palauans and Youth who are #BuildingGenerationOcean and saying no to plastic waste.

What's coming up? Best Wishes and Thank You to all of the organizers of the Our Ocean Conference!

• A full OOC Dry Run (with road detours) is scheduled for Thursday 4/7 am and pm

• Thermal Conversion of Organic Materials (TCOM) System demonstration (technology that converts waste into energy) - 4/12 @ 10am at Palau Central Hotel

• Earth Day Fair 4/22 @ 9am-3pm at Ernguul Park

• Comments are welcomed on a draft Climate Change National Circumstances and Institutional Arrangements report, in advance of a Climate Change project inception workshop on 5/3-4 (attached)

• Melbourne Climate Action Scholarship 7/1

Who's Doing What?

• MAFE and the #KeledANgercheled Task Force launched the Keled A Ngercheled Initiative.

• We learned about Biogas, a technology to turn organic waste into cooking gas and fertilizer. Contact.

• Ngarchelong State continued with Master Planning and adopted a new development vision and began working on Goals.

• Ngatpang and Aimeliik both continued Master Planning Planning by drafting objectives.

• Ngiwal, Ngeremlengui, and Ngaraard continued with Land Use Planning by looking at recommended locations for housing and agriculture and defining zones.

• Aimeliik continued working on its plans for Ngerchebal.

• The SAFE Committee and Partners held a Traveling Fair and Night Market to share efforts towards "Ensuring our Security and Safety" and the new Seatbelt/Car Seat Law (get in the habit now!!!)

• Take this Fishers Survey.

• Congratulations to Melekeok State and the Ngardok Nature Reserve on your 25th Anniversary!

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: PVA Ocean Festival 4-2; Ngardok 25th Anniversary Festival 4-2; Ngiwal MP and Land Use Planning (LUP) 3-30; Ngeremlengui MP and LUP 3-29; Ngarchelong MP 3-29; Ngatpang Master Planning 3-28; SAFE Traveling Fair & Night Market 3-26; Keled A Ngercheled Launch 3-24; Ngaraard MP 3-22; Aimeliik MP 3-22; Biogas Demo with Tova 3-21

Launch of Keled A Ngercheled!!

Join the #KeledANgercheled Task Force and its Champion, Minister Steven Victor, for a Keled A Ngercheled Launch on Thursday at 8 am at Long Island Park.

• Display and Plant Sales by MOE High School Students

• Display by Taiwan Technical Mission and BOA

• Small biodiversity-friendly prizes for the first 20 guests to sign in (seating is at 7:45am, event starts promptly at 8 am)

• Bring cash to support students and the Farmer's Market

Special Night Market/Traveling Fair on Saturday! #BuckleUpPalau

• Learn more about Keled A Ngercheled at the Night Market Traveling Fair

Fishers Forum on Wednesday and Thursday this week (6-8:30 pm)

Tentative Program Day 1:

• RARE - Fisher Registration; TNC - Fisheries data; BOFI - Domestic Offshore Fishery; Ebiil/ COS - Abalobi Survey; PCS – Koror Fisheries (TBD)

• Breakouts: 1) Markets, 2) Development Programs 3) Policy (BOF/RARE - Marine Protection Act amendments)

Tentative Program Day 2:

• Ebiil - Sea Cucumber Restoration; BOF - Post-Harvest Value Adding; Palau Biodiversity Project/MAFE – Keled A Ngercheled; TNC - Fishers Forum held at Eungel a Did; TNC – Northern Reefs & Ngaremeduu Bay

• Breakouts: 1) Sustainable Practices (Women Fisheries & Community Cooperatives); 2) Intergenerational Knowledge; 3) Food sharing/Systems

Other News and Events:

• Ngatpang (11 am) and Ngiwal (6 pm) Master Planning - Monday, March 28

• Ngeremlengui MP - Tuesday, March 29 (10 am)

• There are many new photos on Flickr - Ngeremdiu Trail Mapping with KSG & PALARIS, MOE Students & Keled A Ngercheled; Long Island Trail Mapping KSG & PALARI; Aimeliik Ngerchebal Survey

Launch of Keled A Ngercheled on Thursday, March 24!

Celebrate together! Join the #KeledANgercheled Task Force and its Champion, Minister Steven Victor, for an official launching of the Keled A Ngercheled Initiative next Thursday, March 24 at 8 am, tentatively set for Long Island Park. There will be prizes and MOE student plant displays and sales! Bring cash to support the Farmer's Market, which is moving from Ernguul Park to Long Island Park. Plus, meet the talented artist behind the winning #KeledANgercheled logo! The year of 2022 has been official declared "The Year of Keled A Ngercheled" to align with Presidential Proclamation 22-317: "Ensuring Our Security and Safety."

What's coming up? Financial reports due March 16. There will be a special PVA Night Market in partnership with the SAFE committee on 3/26 - learn about the seatbelt law and what it means to you :)

• Koror and PALARIS are mapping trails on 3/16 and 3/18

• Ngaraard Master Planning 3/21 @ 11am

• Aimeliik MP and Action Planning 3/22 @ 6pm

• Fishers Forum 3/23&3/24 @ 6pm

• Keled A Ngercheled Launch 3/24@8am

Who's Doing What?

• The Peleliu team and partners reviewed drafts of Interpretive Signs for the MVP Forest of Hope, comparing sign content with plants and animals in the field. The signs include information on biodiversity and its links to cultural practices.

• The Aimeliik Governor, Aimeliik Planning Team, and GEF6 partners, with assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries, surveyed Ngerchebal MPA for locations for a community aquaculture farm, floating dock, mooring locations, and snorkeling sites. Please note Ngerchebal is closed to the public while they prepare it for mixed sustainable uses.

What's coming up?

Public hearings by the OEK House of Delegates, Ways and Means Committee on the PNMS are being held tomorrow, March 9. Information on times of the hearings are attached in the invitation letter, as well as a copy of the proposed bill.

What's being mainstreamed?

Food Security Mainstreaming: Minister Steven Victor officially declared 2022 "The Year of Keled A Ngercheled" to align with Presidential Proclamation 22-317: "Ensuring Our Security and Safety." In Ministerial Directive 2247, the Minister charges us "to implement #KeledANgercheled and #RespectProducers and #BuyLocal initiatives with a cooperative and coordinated society-wide approach to ensure Sustainable Food Systems and lasting Food Security." A public event is scheduled for March 23. Find the Proclamation, Directive, an earlier Directive committing to #KeledANgercheled and #RespectProducers, Remarks to the UN Deputy-Secretary General on "Accelerating Transformation to Sustainable Food Systems", and tools to help your organization mainstream online.

What's coming up? Partners: You should be finalizing your expenses and preparing financial reports which are due March 16.

• Ngeremlengui Master Planning 3/8 @ 10 am at Ngeremlengui

• Ngarchelong Master Planning  3/8 @ 6 pm at Koror

• Aimeliik 2022 Ngerchebal Best Practice Project Field Visit 3/9

• Peleliu Forest of Hope Signs Field Visit 3/14

• Koror Trail Mapping 3/16&18

• Keled A Ngercheled Launch 3/23 @ 4:30 pm

• Fisher's Forum 3/23&24 @ 6pm

Who's Doing What?

• MAFE and the Bureau of Environment (BOE) institutionalized the National Invasive Species Program and personnel into its organizational chart. An awareness program for Palau's top 20 Invasive Alien Species for Prevention and Control will be implemented this summer.

• Peleliu and Aimeliik had a cross-site visit, with the Peleliu Planning Team learning from the Aimeliik Team about the Nature-based solutions and Best Practices they used on their trail at Ngerderar. Peleliu is working on the Forest of Hope Trail, adding safety features and interpretive signs about biodiversity and cultural heritage.

• Watch the video: Sustainable tourism: Empowering women and men in Palau. Congratulations to the many partners in this beautiful FAO video about Palau as a carbon-neutral destination with "Slow Foods."

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Peleliu-to-Aimeliik Cross-Site Trail Visit 3/2/22; Ngchesar Land Use Planning 3/7/22

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: The 2021-2030 Forest Action Plan (aka "SWARS") prioritizes reforestation of sites in Koror, Airai's Ngerikiil watershed, the Capitol area of Melekeok, Ngarchelong, plus new housing developments for climate adaptation (e.g. cooling), and to reduce fire risk, improve water quality, and provide habitat. Check out the Palau Biodiversity Project website for a long list of newly available plans and policies, which are being collected as part of an overarching National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS).

What's coming up? Partners: Q4 narrative reports are past due. Financial reports for Q4 are due March 16.

• BCHP Public Lecture: Archaeology and Babeldaob's Terraces - TONIGHT @ 6 pm at Civic Center. Livestream on Facebook or YouTube.

• Ngchesar MP 3/7 @ 11 am

• Ngeremlengui MP 3/8

• Fisher's Forum 3/23&24 @ 6pm

Who's Doing What?

• Ngaraard's new Governor issued an Executive Directive extending the life of the Temporary Ngaraard Planning Commission so that it has authority to continue drafting the State's master plan and land use plan. The Temporary Planning Commission also presented the work done so far - vision, goals, and objectives - to the Governor for feedback before investing in detailed land use planning.

• The Ngchesar Planning Commission briefed their new Governor and leadership on their master planning work so far and will incorporate feedback. The GEF6 team also briefed the new Governor of Ngchesar on the Palau Biodiversity Project, including the State's Best Practice projects (Cheuall and Jungle River-to-Century Tree Trail).

• Partners in Peleliu continued working on the Forest of Hope Trail, and also added sites to their base map based on content in their draft Master Plan.

• Aimeliik continued Master Planning, getting into the details of water needs and supply.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngeremlengui Planning Commission - 01-26-22; Angaur - PALARIS - Street - Jan 14; Ngchesar Governor Briefing 2/24/22; Ngaraard Master Planning - 02/21/22; Aimeliik Master Planning - 02/23/22; Peleliu Base map - 02/25/22

What's being mainstreamed?

Sustainability Mainstreaming: The National Planning Act (Title 31) is an essential framework behind the Palau Biodiversity Project (GEF6), which aims to mainstream biodiversity and environmental policies, laws, and best practices into national and state plans and activities. The 11th OEK continues to work on amendments to the national law. Most of the 11 (Babeldaob+Peleliu) states that are doing Master Planning are ready to create land use plans, which will involve drawing lines on maps and zoning. Zoning will follow Title 31's Use Zones. The mapping work that partners have undertaken in the past year has prepared states to apply Zones based on the suitability of their land and in conformance with their vision, goals, and objectives (like this updated map of Babeldaob's public water system for use with the "Watershed (W)" use zone).

What's coming up?

• Fishers Forum planning meeting 2/22 @ 1pm

• NEMS - Chemicals & Solid Waste 2/22 @ 2:30

• Ngeremlengui MP 2/23 @ 10am

• Aimeliik MP 2/23 @ 6 pm

• Ngaraard Leadership check-in 2/24 @ TBD

• Peleliu Leadership briefing and Planning 2/25

Who's Doing What?

• Under the NEPC, MAFE is facilitating completion of the National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS), an umbrella document that will capture the nation's top environmental priorities in 10 sectors: marine, land, freshwater, biodiversity, waste, chemicals, climate change, urban/built, culture and heritage, and governance. Want to participate?

• Ngarchelong's State Planning Law called for the creation of a State Building, Planning, and Zoning Office staffed by a State/City Planner. They will be advertising for that position soon!

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr)

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

Happy Valentine's Day!

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Palau has several native species that **some** people may consider "pests" but which are a natural part of Palau's biodiversity. Ius (Saltwater crocodiles), Uek (Australasian (Purple) swamphen), Tengadidik (Collared kingfisher), Chelub (Monitor lizard), all five types of native land snakes, and Chesechid/ Koklbetaot (lionfish/ scorpionfish) are native species. This means they occur here naturally and were not introduced by humans. These ones are also not invasive. Ius is protected as an endangered species by CITES, and Uek is actually an endemic subspecies found only in Palau. Both Uek and Tengadidik are excluded from the Protected Land Life Act, which is ready for an update (ironically, it protects the introduced Eurasian Tree Sparrow). Kebeas, Besbus, and Crown-of-Thorns are native species that can become invasive under certain conditions (such as clearing or eutrophication). Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are introduced by humans, and exhibit the ability to be detrimental to Palau's native species.

What's coming up? Funds are in!

• #KeledANgercheled Task Force 2/16 @ 9am

• Ngaraard SPT 2/21 @ 11am

• Ngeremlengui MP 2/23 @ 10am

• Aimeliik MP 2/23 @ 6 pm

Who's Doing What?

• The National Invasive Species Committee Office (NISCO) has been institutionalized into MAFE's Bureau of Environment. NISCO is drafting IAS priorities that will inform the next NISSAP, which needs to consider real budgets. See the draft priorities here.

• NISCO also released findings from a Fruit Fly study showing the locations and most prevalent types of fruit flies on Babeldaob and Koror. Information about fruit fly prevention is also online.

• See a draft Forest Restoration Field Guide commissioned by BOA and produced by Ebiil Society.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau Biodiversity (GEF6) Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Ngchesar Century Tree Trail; Ngchesar Land Use Planning - 2/7/22; Ngaraard - Governor Sakuma - GEF6 briefing

What's being mainstreamed?

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Palau became a Party to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in 2008. For migratory species threatened with extinction, Parties strive towards strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places they live, mitigating obstacles to migration, and controlling other factors that might endanger them (including Invasive Alien Species). Species in Palau include:

• Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle

• Whale Shark; Oceanic Whitetip Shark; Manta Ray; Devil Ray

• Blue Whale; Humpback Whale

• Great Knot; Far Eastern Curlew (Delerrok)

Palau has also signed CMS international/regional agreements to protect Sharks, Dugongs, and Pacific Island Cetaceans. Palau is also a Party to the Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, which covers the long-term conservation and sustainable use of tuna and other fish.

What's coming up? Status of the next funding tranche: UNDP has submitted for approval.

• Ngchesar mapping (fill in gaps based on objectives) - 2/10

• The Nature Conservancy (TNC) invites applicants for a consultancy to help Palau update and revise its Climate Change Policy to include nature-based solutions. Apply by February 20. See attachments.

Who's Doing What?

• The #KeledANgercheled Task Force has started reviewing individual Ministry plans to mainstream food security and sustainable food systems. Download a tool to help with analysis of your own  plans, or contribute your input on food systems targets.

• MAFE is working with the Climate Change Office to align upcoming climate change planning projects with the Palau Biodiversity Project (GEF6), to avoid duplication of effort and build on existing momentum. A climate change inception workshop is set for early March.

What's being mainstreamed?

Biosecurity Mainstreaming: Plant and Animal Quarantines and Regulations are in place to keep invasive alien species (IAS) out of Palau to protect food security and economic security plus biodiversity and health. Mainstream these plant rules into your travel and online ordering:

• NO fresh fruits, vegetables, live plants or live plant parts, bark, grass, bamboo, cane, or palm fronds may be brought into the country via luggage, hand carry, or mail (unless with a permit and phytosanitary certificate).

• Small packets of seeds are allowed, with exceptions. Prohibited seeds: beans, cabbage, cauliflower, crucifers, maize, tomatoes, banana, tapioca, grass, bamboo, cane, palm, and anything the BOA Director deems has the potential to become invasive (including anything on Table 1 of the B&W List).

What's coming up? The GEF6 Project will have its first full Audit in February. Partners, please make sure all your financial and programmatic paperwork is in order.

• Peleliu AWP & MP - 2/1@10 am via Zoom

• USAID Pan American Fund due 2/4. International Climate Initiative Grants due 4/15.

• Ngchesar MP - 1/7@11am

Who's Doing What? Congratulations to Aimeliik on the completion of their 2021 Best Practice Project at Ngerderar Conservation Area! The improvements to the trail showcase biodiversity protection, preservation of Traditional Knowledge, and Nature-Based Solutions combined with climate resilience and long-term financial sustainability. Knowing that they did all this through community work and by hand - so as to minimize environmental impact - makes it all the more amazing! See FB and Insta posts or pictures on Flickr.

#MainstreamingMondays is a product of MAFE. You are receiving this email because you are a Partner to the Palau GEF6 Project or you came to a GEF6-Partnership event.

Links:

Photos (Flickr) NEW: Aimeliik Ngerderar 01-29-2022 and Ngchesar Cheuall Best Practice Project; Updates to Invasive Alien Plants (avoid); Updates to Native and Non-Invasive Plants (okay to plant)

Previous #MainstreamingMondays

#gef6palau on: Facebook (@GEF-6-PALAU), Instagram (@gef6palau), Twitter (@GEF6_Palau), LinkedIn (gef6-mnret-palau) #KeledANgercheled #RespectProducers #WeedsOnWednesday

GEF6 website (sites.google.com/view/gef6palau).

Hope everyone is staying safe! We are here to serve you, and are happy to help you transition to virtual work or meetings.

What's being mainstreamed?

Sustainability and Food Security Mainstreaming: The #KeledANgercheled Task Force, with Members from each Ministry, formally launched last week, as part of a coordinated, Whole-of-Government effort to increase Food Security. Its first task is to choose the #KeledANgercheled logo!

Biodiversity Mainstreaming: Each State that has progressed through the master planning template with MAFE GEF6 has developed environmental goals and mainstreamed biodiversity or environmental protection into their legislation and visions as well as their economic and social goals or objectives. Compare State Master Plan content here. Some examples:

• Ngarchelong State Legislation (passed 08/30/2021): "The Master Plan shall cover the entire State, account for social, economic, environmental, and cultural considerations for better use of land, both public and private, to provide adequate open spaces, to prevent undue concentration of population, to conserve and protect the natural environment and its biodiversity, and to assure adequate provision for community utilities and facilities"

• Ngchesar Economic Goal: "In 10 years, Ngchesar has at least one thriving eco-cultural tour offered as a Signature Product, with enabling mechanisms that support low-impact high-end tourism development that minimizes environmental and social impacts."

• Aimeliik Economic Goal: "In 10 years, tourism revenues increase from land and marine activities operating under capacity caps that maintain environmental values, with development of at least two additional sites."

• Peleliu Social (Governance) Objective: "Within 5 years, State Buildings are at least 50% solar powered."

What's coming up? Aimeliik will be "closing" its 2021 Best Practice project at Ngerderar this Saturday!

• Ngaraard Master Planning - 1/25 @ 11 am via Zoom

• Ngeremlengui MP - 1/26 @ 10 am at GEF6

• Aimeliik MP - 1/27 @ 6 pm via Zoom or at GEF6

• Peleliu - 1/28 (tentative)

• Apply for the GEF SGP Coordinator Position by January 28

• Aimeliik Ngerderar 2021 Close-Out - 1/29 @ 9 am

• USAID Pan American Fund due 2/4. International Climate Initiative Grants due 4/15.

Who's Doing What?

•  Congratulations to Ngchesar on completing their Best Practice project at Cheuall! The site now offers safe access to the river for swimming and kayaking.

• The Ngarchelong Planning Commission met for the first time to organize and begin Master Planning. Congratulations to the new Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer! Stay tuned for a job announcement for a Ngarchelong City Planner.

• The National Invasive Species Committee (NISC) met today by Zoom and heard a summary of the TNC IAS Scoping Report (which concluded that IAS are a major threat to Palau), agreed to use the HPWRA as the basis for Palau's plant risk assessments (plantpono.org), will develop SOPs/a Flowchart for animal and pathogen risk assessments, and will develop an Invasive Species Policy that clearly lays out national and state laws and priorities.

• The Babeldaob JCB met in mid January to approve the base map for marine spatial planning (it uses the NOAA marine habitat layer based on availability at PALARIS) and to learn from and compare and contrast each other's master plans.

Happy New Year 2022!

[Photo link]