APIC is working with the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) in support of environmental conservation in the Pacific Islands. As a part of this cooperation, “Environmental Protection　Symposium in the Pacific Islands” was held co-hosted by Sophia University in July at Sophia University. The second symposium, as a series of this project, took place in Palau. It was the first time that the symposium was held overseas. Mr. Araki, Director and Secretary-General of APIC , was the moderator and also gave an opening speech to all attendees.

Ms. Anne McDonald, Professor at Sophia University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, and Ms. Trina Leberer, the Micronesia program director of the international NGO, The Nature Conservancy, were invited as lecturers. Each gave a lecture on the ways and lessons of how to balance the conservation of the environment and inevitable development of land. There was a Q&A session at the end, where the participants were very active and asked many questions, creating a lively atmosphere and a successful symposium.

In total, there were 35 attendees. The President of Palau is very passionate about environmental conservation. The symposium was held at an opportune time as the country had just set to discuss the finalization of the prohibited fishing area and the citizens’ interests in environmental matters were at a peak. According to a short poll taken by the embassy, over 90% of the attendees said it was a worthwhile symposium and they would be interested in attending another similar event such as this one.