Skip to content

Our People

Keobel Sakuma

Conservation Policy Director for The Nature Conservancy’s Micronesia & Polynesia program

Micronesia & Polynesia

Keobel Sakuma on a boat.

Keobel Sakuma Keobel Sakuma is the Conservation Policy Director for The Nature Conservancy’s Micronesia & Polynesia Program. © Keobel Sakuma

Area of Expertise

Conservation policy, marine protected areas, marine spatial planning and sustainable fisheries

Media Contact

Email:

Biography

Keobel Sakuma is the Conservation Policy Director for The Nature Conservancy’s Micronesia & Polynesia program. Mr. Sakuma manages, coordinates and supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation policy strategies at the national and regional level in Micronesia (the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands, Territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and Polynesia (American Samoa and French Polynesia).  Keobel also serves as a trusted advisor and team member for the Micronesia & Polynesia high profile conservation strategies including but not limited to Marine Spatial Planning, Sustainable Fisheries and Transboundary Marine Protected Areas. 

Prior to his position with TNC, Keobel worked with President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. as Press Secretary and then as Special Assistant to the President to pilot projects such as the acquisition of a Fiber Optic Cable for Palau as well as the initiative to create the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Keobel also served as Executive Director of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary from 2015 to 2018. Keobel currently serves on the chairman on the boards of the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation and the Palau International Coral Reef Center.

- Collapse biography

aggregationmobilefiltertitle

By Topic

[{"title":"Our Priorities","description":"TNC works with communities and government to develop solutions for island resilience that help chart a course to a more sustainable, resilient and biodiverse future.","link":"https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/asia-pacific/micronesia-polynesia/stories-in-micronesia-polynesia/our-priorities/","target":"_self","hideArticleDate":"true","desktopImageCrop":"center-middle","mobileImageCrop":"center-middle","pageImageAlt":"An anemonefish shelters in the tentacles of a closed up reef anemone.","articleDate":"Oct 18, 2023","contentTypeTag":"Program Overview","geoLocationTag":["Federated States of Micronesia","Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific"],"topicTag":["ocean conservation","conservation work","tuna","fish","animals","Species","coral reefs","islands","land conservation","indigenous partners","partners"],"placesWeProtectTag":[],"businesstags":["Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific"],"businesstags_ids":["tnc:business-group/asia-pacific/pacific-islands","tnc:business-group/asia-pacific"],"pageImage":{"small":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/l/clownfishMichaelGallagher.jpg?crop=183%2C0%2C2933%2C2200&wid=300&hei=225&scl=9.777777777777779","default":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/l/clownfishMichaelGallagher.jpg?crop=183%2C0%2C2933%2C2200&wid=300&hei=225&scl=9.777777777777779","medium2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/l/clownfishMichaelGallagher.jpg?crop=183%2C0%2C2933%2C2200&wid=800&hei=600&scl=3.6666666666666665","large":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/l/clownfishMichaelGallagher.jpg?crop=183%2C0%2C2933%2C2200&wid=800&hei=600&scl=3.6666666666666665","small2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/l/clownfishMichaelGallagher.jpg?crop=183%2C0%2C2933%2C2200&wid=600&hei=450&scl=4.888888888888889","medium":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/l/clownfishMichaelGallagher.jpg?crop=183%2C0%2C2933%2C2200&wid=800&hei=600&scl=3.6666666666666665","large2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/l/clownfishMichaelGallagher.jpg?crop=183%2C0%2C2933%2C2200&wid=1600&hei=1200&scl=1.8333333333333333"}},{"title":"Micronesia Challenge: 30, 20, One Micronesia","description":"The Nature Conservancy has worked to advance community-based conservation in Micronesia for 30 years.","link":"https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/asia-pacific/the-pacific-islands/stories-in-the-pacific-islands/micronesia-challenge/","target":"_self","hideArticleDate":"true","desktopImageCrop":"center-bottom","mobileImageCrop":"center-bottom","pageImageAlt":"A downed palm tree lays across a beach.","articleDate":"Sep 04, 2020","contentTypeTag":"Conservation Update","geoLocationTag":["Federated States of Micronesia","Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific"],"topicTag":["local communities","community conservation","conservation work"],"placesWeProtectTag":[],"businesstags":["Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific"],"businesstags_ids":["tnc:business-group/asia-pacific/pacific-islands","tnc:business-group/asia-pacific"],"pageImage":{"small":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/TNC18015_180616_7881.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.853333333333333","default":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/TNC18015_180616_7881.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.853333333333333","medium2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/TNC18015_180616_7881.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","large":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/TNC18015_180616_7881.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","small2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/TNC18015_180616_7881.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=600&hei=450&scl=5.926666666666667","medium":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/TNC18015_180616_7881.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","large2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/TNC18015_180616_7881.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=1600&hei=1200&scl=2.2225"}},{"title":"Interview: Robyn James","description":"The conservation director for TNC in Melanesia finds that what’s good for women is good for the environment.\r\n","link":"https://www.nature.org/en-us/magazine/magazine-articles/interview-robyn-james/","target":"_self","desktopImageCrop":"center-top","mobileImageCrop":"center-top","pageImageAlt":"Robyn James sits in windowframe of stone building","articleDate":"Nov 15, 2018","articleAuthor":["Amy Crawford"],"contentTypeTag":"Magazine Feature","geoLocationTag":["Federated States of Micronesia","Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific","Solomon Islands"],"topicTag":["women in science","science","conservation work","climate adaptation","climate change"],"placesWeProtectTag":[],"businesstags":["Magazine"],"businesstags_ids":["tnc:business-group/magazine"],"pageImage":{"small":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_69807659.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.853333333333333","default":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_69807659.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.853333333333333","medium2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_69807659.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","large":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_69807659.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","small2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_69807659.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=600&hei=450&scl=5.926666666666667","medium":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_69807659.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","large2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_69807659.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=1600&hei=1200&scl=2.2225"}},{"title":"Transparency for Tuna","description":"Global fish stocks are in decline, but a new tuna management scheme by the Federated States of Micronesia offers a blueprint for recovery. By working to manage half of the world’s skipjack tuna stocks sustainably, Pacific islanders are leading the way in ensuring that fish, and people, are protected for generations to come.","link":"https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/transparency-for-tuna/","target":"_self","desktopImageCrop":"center-middle","mobileImageCrop":"left-top","pageImageAlt":"Tuna caught near Seychelles","articleDate":"Oct 29, 2018","contentTypeTag":"Blog","geoLocationTag":["Federated States of Micronesia","Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific"],"topicTag":["overfishing","sustainable fisheries","fisheries","conservation work","data-limited fisheries"],"placesWeProtectTag":[],"businesstags":["Global Insights"],"businesstags_ids":["tnc:business-group/global-insights"],"pageImage":{"small":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_51019031_Full.jpg?crop=0%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.853333333333333","default":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_51019031_Full.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.853333333333333","medium2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_51019031_Full.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","large":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_51019031_Full.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","small2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_51019031_Full.jpg?crop=0%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=600&hei=450&scl=5.926666666666667","medium":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_51019031_Full.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.445","large2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/t/n/tnc_51019031_Full.jpg?crop=222%2C0%2C3556%2C2667&wid=1600&hei=1200&scl=2.2225"}},{"title":"Inclusive Planning In Pacific Island Communities","description":"We are working closely with all members of communities to help them better understand their natural resources and manage them effectively and to ensure that they know the potential costs and benefits from development.","link":"https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/asia-pacific/the-pacific-islands/stories-in-the-pacific-islands/inclusive-planning-in-pacific-island-communities/","target":"_self","desktopImageCrop":"center-middle","mobileImageCrop":"center-middle","pageImageAlt":"(participatory three-dimensional mapping) is a tool and technique that helps communities visualize their land so they can better plan and manage their natural resources.","articleDate":null,"contentTypeTag":"Project Overview","geoLocationTag":["Federated States of Micronesia","Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific","Papua New Guinea"],"topicTag":["community conservation","conservation work"],"placesWeProtectTag":[],"businesstags":["Asia Pacific"],"businesstags_ids":["tnc:business-group/asia-pacific"],"pageImage":{"small":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/3/d/3DMap.jpg?crop=88%2C0%2C1422%2C1067&wid=300&hei=225&scl=4.742222222222222","default":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/3/d/3DMap.jpg?crop=88%2C0%2C1422%2C1067&wid=300&hei=225&scl=4.742222222222222","medium2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/3/d/3DMap.jpg?crop=88%2C0%2C1422%2C1067&wid=800&hei=600&scl=1.7783333333333333","large":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/3/d/3DMap.jpg?crop=88%2C0%2C1422%2C1067&wid=800&hei=600&scl=1.7783333333333333","small2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/3/d/3DMap.jpg?crop=88%2C0%2C1422%2C1067&wid=600&hei=450&scl=2.371111111111111","medium":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/3/d/3DMap.jpg?crop=88%2C0%2C1422%2C1067&wid=800&hei=600&scl=1.7783333333333333","large2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/3/d/3DMap.jpg?crop=88%2C0%2C1422%2C1067&wid=1600&hei=1200&scl=0.8891666666666667"}},{"title":"Oneisomw: How a Community United to Protect Their Small Island Home","description":"Oneisomw is one of nine islands within the Faichuuk region of the Chuuk State—one of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia.","link":"https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/asia-pacific/the-pacific-islands/stories-in-the-pacific-islands/community-unites-for-fisheries-in-oneisomw-chuuk/","target":"_self","desktopImageCrop":"center-middle","mobileImageCrop":"center-middle","pageImageAlt":"A family fishing in their canoe.","articleDate":null,"contentTypeTag":"Conservation Update","geoLocationTag":["Federated States of Micronesia","Pacific Islands","Asia Pacific"],"topicTag":["ocean conservation","conservation work","community conservation","coastal resilience"],"placesWeProtectTag":[],"businesstags":["Asia Pacific"],"businesstags_ids":["tnc:business-group/asia-pacific"],"pageImage":{"small":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/h/ChuukExpedition-UW-9083-2.jpg?crop=234%2C0%2C3530%2C2648&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.768888888888888","default":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/h/ChuukExpedition-UW-9083-2.jpg?crop=234%2C0%2C3530%2C2648&wid=300&hei=225&scl=11.768888888888888","medium2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/h/ChuukExpedition-UW-9083-2.jpg?crop=234%2C0%2C3530%2C2648&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.413333333333333","large":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/h/ChuukExpedition-UW-9083-2.jpg?crop=234%2C0%2C3530%2C2648&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.413333333333333","small2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/h/ChuukExpedition-UW-9083-2.jpg?crop=234%2C0%2C3530%2C2648&wid=600&hei=450&scl=5.884444444444444","medium":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/h/ChuukExpedition-UW-9083-2.jpg?crop=234%2C0%2C3530%2C2648&wid=800&hei=600&scl=4.413333333333333","large2x":"https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/c/h/ChuukExpedition-UW-9083-2.jpg?crop=234%2C0%2C3530%2C2648&wid=1600&hei=1200&scl=2.2066666666666666"}}]
Load more stories

No Results Found