Micronesia: community-based fisheries management at the heart of the Roots to Reefs and beyond event

The Kiwa MiCOAST project took part in the “Micronesia Fisheries Event” in Koror, Palau, held from 17 to 21 November 2025, bringing together civil society organisations, national institutions and regional partners around community-based fisheries management (CBFM).

The initial discussions highlighted that CBFM is not a new approach in Micronesia. It builds on long-standing traditional practices rooted in island communities. In Palau, the customary “Bul” system exemplifies this historical model of community governance, based on local knowledge, fishers’ direct observations and strong cultural values that support sustainable management of marine resources.

Speakers underlined that there is no one-size-fits-all model for CBFM, with each territory developing an approachadapted to its own context. One principle remains central: communities must lead the process, and their objectives must remain the priority to ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal fisheries.

This event also marks the beginning of a collective effort to map CBFM initiatives across Micronesia, with the aim of better understanding the diversity of practices and strengthening the sharing of experiences between territories.