Stanford at Our Ocean
The Republic of Palau models a culture of conservation. For generations, the archipelago’s people have been at the forefront of maintaining traditional practices and implementing policies that balance development with conservation of cultural and environmental resources. The most recent example is the establishment of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary in January 2020. Unlike other marine protected areas, it encompasses the nation’s entire population at its heart.
On April 13 and 14, Palau shared its visionary leadership on a global stage when it became the first large ocean state to host the Our Ocean Conference. Launched by the U.S. State Department in 2016, Our Ocean convenes government, civil society and industry representatives to identify solutions for ocean protection and commit to concrete actions. Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions Co-directors Fiorenza Micheli and Jim Leape played key roles in several areas of action this year, helping to facilitate a session on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and a side event to strengthen blue food commitments. Explore conference highlights and ongoing research collaborations among Stanford scientists and Palauan partners below.
Blue food traditions & culture in the Pacific
Q&A with Blue Food Assessment researcher Caroline Ferguson and Our Ocean panelist Ann Singeo.
Blue Food Virtual Exhibition Booth
An on-site and virtual exhibition booth highlighted scientific research from the Blue Food Assessment, global collaboration through the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition and regional action through the Pacific Community (SPC).
Learn more about Stanford partnerships in Palau
Heat resistant coral: Protecting and restoring reefs in the future
Join the Palau International Coral Reef Center to hear from Steve Palumbi of Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station as he presents his work on heat resistant corals in Palau.