BRIDGING THE GAP: THE NEXUS OF TRADITION, TOURISM AND COLLABORATIVE MARINE MANAGEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU

Abstract

News stories of climate change and dwindling marine resources are plastered on media outlets globally. While the United States withdraws from the Paris Climate Agreement, one nation is making headlines for its conservation commitments. In 2015, the Republic of Palau declared 80% of its Exclusive Economic Zone a marine sanctuary in an effort to ensure food security for the local population and conserve the nation's marine resources. In collaboration with local elders, government officials have successfully enacted marine legislation that integrates practices of customary marine stewardship with modern technical strategies. The integration of traditional and contemporary techniques in managing marine spaces represents a new frontier in ocean management that honors indigenous values, belief systems, and Palauan ecological knowledge, while employing modern ideas and technologies in preserving marine environments. This sharing of knowledge systems, and collaborative management framework lends for a productive and sustainable resource management plan that has provided the basis for a number of conservation initiatives, laws, policies, tourism frameworks, and educational measures in the Republic of Palau.