The Protected Areas Network (PAN) was established 2003 through RPPL 6-39 to support state governments to protect their natural resources and to promote sustainable development for the overall protection of Palau?s unique biodiversity. It was also to further Palau?s goals towards the Micronesia Challenge initiative to conserve 30% of near-shore marine areas and 20% of terrestrial areas under effective conservation. The law was amended in 2008 via RPPL 7-42 to establish the PANF to manage all PAN finances.

The network has two main components that implement its goals and objectives; PANF and PANO. PANF is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization whose purpose is to administer, manage, invest, monitor and disburse funds for the operation of PAN. It has also been tasked to seek outside funding sources to help support states? conservation and sustainable development efforts. The PANF office works in conjunction with the PANO that is based in the national government who is responsible for working with the State governments to implement their management plans for their specific PAN sites.

The objective of the proposal is to assess the management effectiveness of states and identify the gaps and needs to be address to improve the effective management of protected areas. Activities include development of assessment forms, community consultations, preparations of reports, and dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders. The achievements of the deliverables for each of the activities contribute to the achievements of the objective and to the overall goal of the project. This project will contribute to the overall management of PAN in ensuring effective conservation of Palau?s biodiversity, but also to assist State governments and communities in their efforts for natural resource conservation and sustainable development.