2nd Inter-Island Biosecurity Workshop| February 18-21, 2025

The Inter-island Biosecurity Workshop held from February 18–21, 2025, in Koror, Palau, was to build capacity and awareness among local stakeholders on invasive species management across terrestrial and marine environments. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants touched base with biosecurity concepts, risk assessment tools, surveillance methods (including iNaturalist and GPS), and response strategies. The workshop also aimed to strengthen collaboration across communities and institutions in implementing Palau’s Inter-Island Biosecurity (IIB) framework, with discussions on integrating efforts into existing frameworks like the Protected Areas Network (PAN).
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Marine Invasive Species: Surveillance, Identification and Reporting in Kayangel | May 21 - 23, 2025

​This outreach and survey event in Kayangel, conducted in partnership with the Palau Conservation Society, Coral Reef Research Foundation, and Kayangel State Government, focused on building local capacity to recognize, survey, and report marine invasive species. Participants learned about native and invasive marine plants and animals, explored common introduction pathways, and practiced proper reporting procedures. Hands-on activities, including snorkeling surveys, sample processing, and school visits, supported knowledge transfer and encouraged proactive monitoring using tools like surveillance templates and report forms. 
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IIB Cohort Quarterly Meeting @ Ulong, Koror | May 16, 2025

The INSPIRE Palau IIB Cohort held its quarterly meeting at Ulong Island to review progress and strengthen collaboration on inter-island biosecurity efforts. Partners shared updates on invasive species surveillance, capacity-building plans, and recent experiences from the regional learning exchange in Samoa, with sessions focused on iNaturalist data, priority species lists, and biosecurity roles across agencies.
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3rd Inter-Island Biosecurity Workshop | August 5 - 8 2025

​The 3rd Inter-Island Biosecurity Workshop took place on August 5–8, 2025 at Bai Ra Maiberel, Koror, with the Kayangel and Koror biosecurity cohort. Across four days, participants reviewed progress reports, invasive species surveillance results, and marine training updates from Kayangel. Hands-on sessions strengthened GPS and field mapping skills, and explored national systems for prevention, quarantine, and rapid response. Key discussions highlighted climate change impacts, the role of Nature-based Solutions in agriculture and forestry, and the importance of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in conservation. The workshop concluded with strategies to improve community awareness and communications, reinforcing the cohort’s commitment to safeguarding Palau’s islands from invasive species.
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INSPIRE Project Women's community exchange on invasive species and impacts | September 11-13, 2025

From September 11 to 13, 2025, the Palau Conservation Society through the INSPIRE Project hosted a IAS Women’s Learning Exchange in Kayangel. The event brought together Ipang Seineng Era Oreor (Koror womens group) and the women of Kayangel to share knowledge and experiences about invasive species and their impact on native plants, crops, and local livelihoods. The three-day exchange included a mesei (taro patch) tour, a field trip to Ngeriungs with state rangers, and group discussions on invasive species, while community dinners and meetings gave participants a chance to build stronger connections and share ideas. Around sixteen women from Ipang Seineng Era Oreor took part, with housing and logistics arranged in Kayangel, and the exchange highlighted PCS’s commitment to working with communities to protect Palau’s environment and support resilient livelihoods
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The INSPIRE web pages are hosted by Pacific Biosecurity on behalf of the Palau Conservation Society.
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