Palau?s resources, biodiversity and ecosystem functions are under increasing threats due to rapid development and growth, unsustainable harvesting practices and limited capacity for natural resource management, all of which are exacerbated by climate change effects. At the policy level, some ways in addressing most of these threats are through the implementation of national strategic initiatives such as the Palau Protected Areas Network (PAN) and the implementation of a National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP). Additionally, Palau has a Sustainable Land Management Policy, a Palau Climate Change Policy Framework and a Responsible Tourism Policy Framework whose implementations are designed to achieve sustainable resource management and sustainable development outcomes some of which include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The success of these frameworks in delivering their intended environmental and social results is dependent on the capacity of conservation practitioners in both the government and non government organizations to manage and implement actions called for in these frameworks.

However, there is a significant lack of capacity within Palau?s natural resource management and conservation organizations to support, facilitate, and mobilize results-based management (RBM) to achieve the objectives of Palau?s environmental frameworks. To resolve this issue a two pronged approach must be taken. First conservation practitioners in government and non government organizations must arrive at a common understanding of the environmental context in which they are working, be grounded in both national and global strategies to which Palau has committed and have a clear understanding of the mandates, roles and focal areas of the government agencies and civil society organizations actively engaged in Palau?s environment management and conservation efforts. Full awareness of Palau?s environment sector context will enable CSOs to add value to national environment efforts. A national dialogue is a necessary step towards enabling the effective use of CSO efforts to address priority environment issues. A desired outcome from this national dialogue is improved collaborations and coordination between CSO projects and government initiatives and programs. This improved collaboration will enhance CSO driven project and program implementation and amplify their intended conservation impacts.
Secondly conservation practitioners in Palau whether they are based in government or civil society organizations must have a firm understanding of the value and necessity of a results based management framework in project and program implementation to ensure that environment projects and programs yield the desired outcomes and impacts. Impactful conservation benefits Palau?s environment and society by enabling it to meet a number of SDGs.