Wayne Andrew, previously manager of the Helen Reef Management Program in Palau and the LMMA Regional Coordinator for Micronesia was elected in November to the Palau House of Delegates. Receiving the most votes of 3 candidates, he is representing his home state of Hatohobei, in the southwest islands of Palau. In January, the House of Delegates formally organized and held elections to select Committee chairs for standing committees. Delegate Andrew has been named Chair for the Committee on Tourism and Protected Areas in Palau.

With the LMMA Network for a number of years, Wayne has experience with training and implementing LMMA approaches with local communities. He worked with Asap Bukurou, the LMMA Palau Coordinator with the Palau Conservation Society, and Eugene Joseph of LMMA Pohnpei and Conservation Society of Pohnpei to lead development of a regional strategic plan for the LMMA in Micronesia. Wayne is also a member of TNC’s Micronesians in Island Conservation (MIC) program and an advisor to the NOAA-sponsored Pacific Islands Marine Protected Area Community (PIMPAC).

Congratulations Wayne - best wishes for your new position! We look forward to continuing efforts in partnership for community marine management in Palau and Micronesia!