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We partner with environmental organizations all over the world to help islanders achieve their vision of thriving, biodiverse islands and oceans. Our partnership with the Ebiil Society is especially fruitful–we’ve worked together to restore key sites in Palau, where new generations are now learning about the power of indigenous science and mindful stewardship.
Ann Singeo, the Ebiil Society’s Executive Director, founded the organization in 2005. Her championship of environmental education has been essential to the flourishing of these Palauan projects, and she continues to provide guidance and support to Island Conservation as we seek new sustainable futures for islands around the world. Read our interview with Ann to learn more about the Ebiil Society and the incredible work they’ve been able to accomplish!
What inspired you to found the Ebiil Society?
Seeing the need to provide meaningful Belauan ways for our children to reconnect with their land and oceans–their home. The Ebiil Society was founded to inspire their sense of gratitude and compassion towards their home and plant seeds of knowledge that returns responsibility towards what they care for.
The Ebiil Society manages Ngerkeklau, where we worked together to remove invasive species. What is special about this place? What changes have you noticed in the environment?
Ngerkeklau is an ancient village full of magical stories and ancient artifacts–not to mention the biodiversity of old trees and birds, nesting turtles, megapodes, and dugongs feeding around the islands’ seagrass. It’s our best outdoor classroom. After the eradication, there’s definitely more plants, more crab, more megapode, etc.
Palau is a world leader in conservation and marine protection. What do you love most about these islands? Why are they important to you and to the planet?
The Palauan islands provide important spaces for families and communities to enjoy, along with places for us to teach our children about our reciprocal relationship with nature. Palau is a place where we can learn from nature.
Indigenous science and traditional knowledge are essential to developing positive, sustainable relationships with the natural world. How does the Ebiil Society help nurture these relationships?
Belauan conservation is full of noble solutions embedded in how we use nature to support our lives. So, by teaching children how to fish or farm or collect medicine, they learn conservation at a higher level of consciousness that comes with respect for nature and its powerful ability to nurture us and teach us hard lessons when we choose not to care for it.
What is your vision for the future of islands imperiled by climate change and extreme weather? How can we work together to protect them?
It’s a losing game to focus on short-term adaptation that doesn’t address the main cause of the problem. We have to unite as Pacifica to voice our concerns, protect our homes, and preserve our way of life. If we don’t change, the planet might just go on without us humans.
Partnering with Ann Singeo and the Ebiil Society has enriched and empowered our work in Palau–and our relationship is a model for authentic community engagement on our projects around the world. Join our newsletter to get updates from our team and make a donation today to support holistic island restoration!
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