Palau National Marine Sanctuary

475,077 square kilometers of improved management and sustainable finance planning

Lead Partner: Office of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, housed at the Palau International Coral Reef Center

Leading efforts towards global ocean conservation with a fully protected MPA covering 80% of Palau’s EEZ, among the most ambitious levels of protection of any nation on earth.

For centuries, traditional leaders on Palau’s western Pacific Ocean islands have protected local waters through the protection of key species and habitats that are critical to the community’s food security. And, when Palau became an independent nation in 1994, its constitution specifically cited the need for “conservation of a beautiful, healthful, and resourceful natural environment.”

Commonly referred to as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world, Palau boasts ecosystems of remarkable biodiversity with its nutrient-rich waters teeming with sharks, turtles, manta rays, dugongs, and tropical fish. 

 In 2015, Palau voted to establish the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), one of the world’s largest marine protected areas with a planned five-year phase-in. On January 1, 2020, Palau fully protected 80% of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), prohibiting all forms of extractive activities including mining and all types of fishing. Locally managed fisheries are still allowed to operate within the remaining 20% of the EEZ.  

The Blue Nature Alliance is collaborating with the Office of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, housed at the Palau International Coral Reef Center and other key government agencies as they engage with key stakeholders and work to maximize the benefits of the sanctuary for nature and Palau’s people by ensuring effective implementation and management and developing sustainable financing mechanisms.