– received their certification as divers in September. Moreover, they had participated in fish monitoring and survey workshops.
According to Valentino Kloulechad, PCS Marine Community Conservation Coordinator, PCS has, since its creation, put out effort to build the capacities within each of the states in Palau to be able to monitor their marine protected areas.
“Last September PCS sponsored a PADI dive course for state appointed conservation officers,” Kloulechad said. “All of the conservation officers who completed the course are now certified divers and could be utilized in underwater surveys or monitoring of existing state marine protected areas (MPAs).”
Kebekol, Ngiramolau, and Renguul did their first monitoring dive in Ebiil Conservation Area with Kloulechad. They did a fish count of a selected spot in the area.
Kloulechad said that the officers had performed well and had adhered to the safety precautions and practices as they had been trained.
In addition, Kloulechad said that Ngarchelong State Government now has the human resources to continue its monitoring of its MPAs.
“PCS has, in a sense, also expanded its resources,” Kloulechad added. “We will definitely solicit for assistance from Kebekol, Ngiramolau, and Matsuda when we monitor MPAs in other states.”
According to Kloulechad, PCS continues to promote community-based conservation efforts and applauds all the state governments, community organizations, and individuals for their support and effort in the protection and conservation of Palau’s natural resources.
