Editorial & Journalism
Turning complex fisheries science in Palau into a compelling human story
Rare’s managed access and reserve (MA+R) approach helps coastal communities manage fisheries in ways that support local livelihoods and marine ecosystem health. While the technical approach is quite easy to explain to marine scientists, the policies and management systems behind the work can be challenging to communicate to a general audience.
Finding the human story
As interest in Rare’s work in Palau grew, I wanted to bring the progress of its fisheries management efforts to life for donors and supporters. Working with Rare’s Program team in Palau, I identified Omar as a compelling entry point as his story offered a personal perspective on how ancestral knowledge and modern fisheries science can work together to support Melekeok’s community wellbeing.
I developed interview questions and worked with Rare’s Program Manager in Palau, who already had an established relationship with Omar, to shape the story. I also coordinated with a local photographer to capture Omar, the surrounding coral reefs, and the progress taking place in the MA+R area. Using the visual storytelling platform Shorthand, I paired the written feature with photography and b-roll to create an immersive reading experience that captured Palau’s vibrant culture and rich coral reefs.
The Result
The resulting story gave Rare’s Development team a tangible way to showcase its work in the Pacific during donor meetings and conferences, connecting program milestones to the people and communities behind them.
