Dr. Yimnang Golbuu Named The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation Director in Micronesia & Polynesia

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced the selection of Dr. Yimnang Golbuu as its new Micronesia & Polynesia Conservation Director. In this role, Dr. Golbuu will lead TNC’s efforts to safeguard the region’s extraordinary natural areas and develop solutions for island resilience. 

As Conservation Director in Micronesia & Polynesia, Dr. Golbuu will continue to work with local communities and governments to advance four major priorities: accelerating and scaling coral reef restoration; strengthening critical Marine Protected Areas; supporting “ridge to reef” management through the implementation of policies and strategies to prevent harm to watersheds and nearshore ecosystems; and championing resilient communities across the Pacific Islands.  

Prior to his role as Conservation Director, Dr. Golbuu served as Micronesia & Polynesia’s Coral Resilience Director for over two years, significantly expanding TNC’s coral resilience work and funding in the region. During this time, his team launched the Micronesia Coral Reef Program under the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, as well as multiple coral reef restoration projects across the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Palau. 

A leader in conservation for over two decades, Dr. Golbuu served as the CEO of the Palau International Coral Reef Center for 12 years. In 2012, he was recognized by the Palau National Congress for his contributions to the sustainability of the country’s natural resources and in 2013, was awarded a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. Dr. Golbuu earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Davis, his master’s degree at the University of Guam and a Doctorate in Philosophy, Environmental Science and Management from Southern Cross University. 

Dr. Golbuu is both Palauan and Yapese and has spent his entire career in Micronesia, bringing Micronesian experience, perspective and culture to TNC’s work in the region, and reflecting TNC’s commitment to community-led conservation work. 

In welcoming Dr. Golbuu, TNC Micronesia & Polynesia’s leadership reaffirm their commitment to continuity and strong momentum across the region. 

Dr. Golbuu steps into this role at a time when life in Micronesia and Polynesia is rapidly shifting. Climate change, an increase in demand for critical resources, expanding development and destructive harvesting techniques have resulted in significant habitat and species loss across the region. TNC has been working alongside local partners in the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, U.S. Territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, French Polynesia and American Samoa to support nature-based conservation efforts, generate sustainable livelihoods and help communities become more resilient in the face of climate change. 

“I am honored to have been chosen as Micronesia & Polynesia’s Conservation Director at this pivotal time for our region,” said Dr. Golbuu. “Micronesia and Polynesia are home to some of the most beautiful and bountiful natural areas in the world, and we must work collaboratively to ensure that these areas can continue to thrive. I am looking forward to bringing science, culture and community together to continue working towards a more resilient future.”  

TNC's collaborative and thorough selection process for this role ensures the chosen leader reflects the experience, vision and values essential for guiding its critical work in Micronesia & Polynesia.