By Suparna Vashisht | Strategy and Marketing
In 2020 Poch (Clifford) led the Ngarchelong team that successfully conducted their reefs' imaging – the first time this has been done without the OneReef collaborating scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This transformative imaging allows us and scientists to monitor more reefs without spending money traveling to remote places. It puts cutting-edge technology in the hands of local islanders with the traditional knowledge of their marine ecosystem.
Poch was born and raised in the Republic of Palau, spending much of his time in Ngarchelong State, the northern-most community at the tip of Babeldaob Island. He is well-known in his community to be an avid fisherman who is guaranteed to return from the sea with a prized catch. From the elders in his community, he has gained in-depth knowledge of the vast expanse of ocean and reef systems that make up the Northern Reef. The elders have also passed on generational knowledge regarding valuable marine resources, traditional navigation, and fishing practices. All of this makes Poch an invaluable member of the Ngarchelong State Division of Conservation & Law Enforcement (NSDCLE) in the Republic of Palau. Slightly more seasoned of the seven (7) rangers on their team, Poch frequently serves as the leading skipper for monitoring, patrolling, and rescue activities. He also often services boat engines, repairs equipment, or creatively resolves electrical or mechanical issues on their patrol boats, in a very resourceful McGyver like way!
It’s no exaggeration to say that Poch is indispensable to OneReef efforts in Ngarchelong, and his resourcefulness and dedication enhances our capabilities in Palau and the rest of Micronesia. Aside from his professional obligations to the Ngarchelong State Ranger team, Poch continues to safeguard the environment that his community has relied upon for centuries through his strong sense of responsibility to serve his community and preserve his cultural heritage.
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