0 Republic of

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r P tuFublic of Palau

Stote Of the Environment Report 1994 USP [,i brary Cotalog;uing-irr-Publicarion data:

Otobe{ Demei O. and Maiara, losefa A. Republic of Palau r $tate {rf tlte environm:ent. repol.t; Western Sdnroa: SPREP" f99al. -IApia, n'iii;89p.;99em

"Prod,uced rsith firrancial assistaqc€ ['rom the United Ft$ations Developmerrt Progranme (UNDP) "

r$BN 982-0+0097-X

l. Ewlronmental policy-Palart 2. Enr4rtrmuelrtal prorection-Pslatr 3, Perlart-Ettvirorrmental condition,s t. Otob-ed, Demei O. II. Maiara, IosefaA. III. Srrtrth Pacific Regional Environnrent Prog,r'arrune M Title

HCru.n5P2R46 3$3. 7r 5099{i6

Prepared fcr prb,licatiorl by the South Pacific Regio nd Erlvilonnrenl Prtrgrarrrrne, Apa, Western Samoa O Sourh Pacilic Rggional Environment Pro.gryaqme, 1994 The Sottth Pbcifie Regicrnal Entironrneut Prograli:lre authorises the reprodustion of textllal niaterial, whole,or part, in any fonn," provided apprOpriate ackno$ledgeflrcnt h girr€n. eoordinating editrry ,Strztn'ne'Crrano l-ditor Barbara Heuson Desigrr and production Peter Erarrs Artwork for qvmbols Crrtherine Appleton Drlg

Typert in New Baskerville und Gill Sarrs Prlnted on I l0,gsrn Tudor R. P (1007o rew,cled) by ABC Frindng, Brisbane,,rArulralia; Illustratilr nratefial.canRot be reprocluce

Produced with fuancial agsistance from tte Urritcd Nadqos Development Pr.ogramme'ruI{DF)

Cm,rrfiltotogtartk: Ngn:ewarluu Bat, one aJ'lhr lnrgrt rnaa$al ba\ eeos't,;tpant i'n M'irmnesilt (phttto r'SrtotltnaX (uxrlry af (lral l)mtit:ozunm,lnl il-t hotetlian Bnatil ) Rcpublic of Palau

St ate Of the Environment Re port r994

by Demei O. Oto bed and losefa A. Maiovo

Produced with finonciof ossistonce from the United Notions Development Progrornrne (UNDP)

r"ffi; Ta ^t' 'bqbr--r 6$dr{g lv Foreword

This rlocunrent represents il c()ncise report on thc: culturul and arclrireological resources, trnd socir> Stirte of the Errvir onment firr the Republic of Palirtr. econornic ertvirortntenl, and orttlines envirotr- It llas prepared as a cornponent of'tlre Nationill rnental challerrges facing P:rlau. Tlre Sterte of the Enlir

Map of Republic of Palau iv Foreword v Acronyms xi Glossory xii Executive summary xv I lntrcduction I l.l General I 1.2 Scope of report I 1.3 Major issues 2 1.4 Sources arrd metltodologv

Part I Noturul environment 5 2 Physical choracteristics 5 2.1 Cliurate 6 # 2.2 Geolngy and landmarks 5 3 lerrestrial environment I 3.1 General I M 3.? Soils I 3.2.1 Classification and distribution 3.2.2 Suitability for agriculture I 3.3 E:trth and rnineral resorrces l0 3.3.1 General l0 3.3.2 Implications lbr resource use TO 3.4 Fresh-water resortrc€s I0 3.4.1 Sreams 1l 3.+.2 Lakes aud ponds I I 3.4.3 Seepage springs I I 3.4.4 Fresh-lsater Ienses I1 3.+.5 Other fi esh-lvater resorlrces II

vl 6on rB

3.5 Habitat/vegetation 12 3"5,1 Overview 12 3.5.? Indigenous forest 12 3.5.S Seqondary vegetation 12 3.5.4 Agrotbrcst 12 3.5.5 Nonfkrrest lanels 14 3,6 Terrestrial fauna tr4 3.6.1 Insects 14 3.6.2 Reptiles and amphibians 14 3.6.3 Avifamra 14 3.6.4 Terresrial rnammals 16 c. t. Terrestrial reriorlrces: signifi cant issues 15: 3.1.1 Overyiew 16 3.V.2 Large*cale developrnent 18 3-7.3 Detnand fcrr water l-esources 18 3.7,+ Pollution 19 3,7-b l-fse of vegetadon 19 3.7.0 Introclrrced species 1g 3.7.7 Value of enclemic species 2A 3,7,8 Value of terr'estrial habitat 20 3.7.9 Ecological significance 2l Marlne enyJronment 23 4.1 Geueral 2J 4,2 Marine habitat 23 4.2.1 Rarrge and distribution 2J 4,2.2 Frructicrns of mangrol'es 24 4.3 Marine habitat: significanr issues 25 4.3.I General 25 4,3.9 Development arrd population pressures 25 4.3.3 Need for environmental planning 2V 4.d lnsh

Yil 6ontents

Port 2 Human environment 33 5 Populotion 34 s.a 5.1 Ove n'ierv )4 ir.? Ctrrrerrt isstres 34 5.2.1 Rece nt trel'lds 34 5.2.2 Pnttterns of charrge jl 5.2.3 Implicarions of filttrre grorvth Sl Educotion and informotion 35 6. I Erwirortnrenurl rclucirtion 36 6.2 Inforrnation on natural systerns Jb

C ulturol, hi sto ri cal a nd a rch a e o I ogi co I reso urc es 37 7.1 Cultural rcsorlrces 37 7.1.1 Kinship J7 7.1.2 Strbsistence lifbswle J7 7.1 .3 Tradition;rl conserration practices 37 7.1 .4 Conrlnunic:rtion: legend.s, songs, chants, and clances J8 7 ,1.5 Crrlttrral resolrrces: signilicant issrres 39 7.2 Historical nncl archrreological resorlrces 40 7.2.1 "Tirne of the Gods" 10 7.2.2 Pre-contact pedocl 40 7.2.3 (irntact period 1I 7.2.1 Mode rn period 1I 7.2.5 Present value of sites 42 7.2.6 Threats to sites 42

Part 3 Economic and built environrnent 43 8 Economic framework 44 8.I Economic silnctrlre ancl rlevelopment potential 44 8.1.l Gener:tl 44 8.1.2 Llnitecl States fiurding 44 8.I.3 Local revenues 14 tl.l.4 Interuational and rcgionirl support 41 8.1 .5 Present challenges 15 ti.2 Econonric developnrent fiamervork 45 8.2.1 Palarr National Master Developrnent Plaur 45 8.2.2 Integration of econornic ancl environrnental goirls '15 9 lnfrostructure ond industry development 47 9.1 Geueral '17 9.2 Torrristn '17 9.2.I Strong grort"tlr 47 9.?.2 Potential impacts 47 9.2.3 Need for balance 48 9.2.4 Commitrnent to planning 48

vill 6ontenF

9.3 Fisheries 4'8 9.3.1 Irrshore fisheries 49 9.3.2 Offshore frsheries 49 9.3.3 Other fisheries developrn:ent 50 9.4 Agriculture 5A 9.4.1 General 50 9,4.2 Ctrrrent problerns 5A Water and sariitation 5I 9.6.1 Present concerns 5l 9.5.2 f,'uture Reeds 5l 9.5.$ Developing appropriate $ystems 5l I0 Pollfiian 52 l0.l General 52 10.2 Solid u*aste 52

Part 4 Manogement ofthe enyinontnent 55 I I Legislotlon ond poficies 56 I1.1 General 56 11.2 Enforcement issues 56 11.3 Resource issues 56 11.4 Pennit process 56 11,5 Need forlaud weplanning 57 I [.6 Procedural issues 57

| 2 Gov ernment odminl'slrution 58 I2.l General 58 12.2 National government: overview 58 12.3 State governrnents 5E 12,.3.1 Stnrctrre 58 12.3.2 Resource,/environmentrole 59 12.4 Traditional leadership 5'9 12.4.I Overall de*ription 59 12,4.2 Present challenges 60 I 2.5 Governtuent mtlistries, bureaus, divi$ions, departrnen ts and statutory bodies 60 12.5.1 l{ey agencies 60 12.5.2 Trends in government spending 6I 12.6 Specific govemment agencies 62 I2.7 Nongovernrnenr organizations 72

x 6ontenb

Psn 5 Prlortty programs 73 I3 Pdority, issues ond prcgrams 74 l3.t Enforcement of e;isdng lalvs and regulations 74 l3.l.l General 74 6 19.I.2 Resource conserlation laws 74 13.1.3 Environmental proteetion lai,rs V4 13.2 Control over large-scale development 75 13.2.1 General 75 13.2.2 Establishment of ,a planning framework 75 13.e3 EQPB regulaticrn of large-*cale develropment 75 13.2.4 Foreign investment permitting procedures 76 13.3 Nanrral and historical or archaeological resources 76 13,3.1 General 76 13,3.2 Regulatiqn ol'small-scaledeveloprnenr 76 13.3.3 Gontrolling fire 76 13"3.4 Reserves system designation 77 13,4 Environmental awareness and edlrcarion 77 13.5 Knowledge of narural rysrems 77 13.6 National ancl state coordination 78 13.7 Managing populati,on growrh ancl its irnpacts ( Smte) 78 13.8 Follution 79 13.9 The rleed for econornic development in Palau Tg Refurences and other sounce moteriols 80

Flgures 3.1 Educational poster: Bircls of Palau 15 12.l Educational poster: Ngenrker,r'id Islands Wild[fe Preserve 69

Tobles 3.1 Area of Republic of, Palau by island group, land class, and type 13 3.2 Narive resident or endemic bircl species of Pzrlau 17 4.1 Estimated area of fishing habitats b;- state 24 5.1 Republic of Palau: 1990 censrrs data 35 LI Republic of Palarr: reverure and expendittre, 1990 44

Notes All cu:rrency amouirts in th,is reporr are in Llnited Sutes dollars ($us). A financial year spans the period October I to September 30. Acronyms

BMDC Belau Marictilrure Demonstration Center BNRD Bureau of Nanual Resorurces and Develtrpment CCS Conrprehensive Cor,rservation Strategv CEDAM Conservation Education Diving fucheological Mureurn DCE Division of Consenation and Entomology DMR Division of Marine Resonrces DOI Department of the Interior (US) ET.,Z, Exclusile Econonric Zone EIA Errvirunmental Impac'tAssessment EQPB Environrnental Qualiry Protection Board FAD Fish Aggregation Der"ice MOC Micronesian Occupational Center, or Palau Conrmunity College (PCC) NEMS Nadonal Environmerrml Munagement Stiategy NGO nou€overnrn€nt organizirtiortr NP-o Nationarl Plannrn$ Office OEK Olbiil Era Kelrrlau (national congress) PATA Pacific Asia Travel Association PCAA Palau ComrmrnityAction.{Sency PFA Palarr Fishing Authority Pm Patatr lnternational Traclers, lnc. PMA Palarr Maritirne Arrthority PMGI Palau Moclekngei Ccroperative, Inc. FNC Palau National eode FNh4DP Palau Nationa,l Master Developuuu Plan PRI Palau Resource Instittrte PVA Pirlau Visitors Authority SFC South Pacific Ctrmnrission SPREP Sorr.th Pacific Regional Environilrent Pro,gra.mnle TNC The Natnre Conserv.arrcy UNDP Uuited Nations Developrnent Programme

xl Glossary

Palauon words bat Traditio,nal rnen's house. chutembuai Public domain lands. chetemel a kebliil Clan larids. kerreornel Persons assigned to gathering lood for custom feasts. klolak Traditional male chiefs. ktobalr-l'dil Traditional fbmale chiefs. subed Announcements by chiefs concerning seasonal or species hrrndng closures.

Generol agroforesFy The combination of agriculture arrd forestry into a sustainable sysrem. alluvirm A deposit of san4 mtrd etc, fornled try flowing n'ater. aquaculture The farming of rnarine or fi:eshwater plants and animals. Compact Conrpact of Free Association between the Government of the Reptrblic of Palau ancl the Llnited States of funerica. conservation Managin,g the rvay people trse natural resorlrc-e$ so that they gve the greatest sustainable benefit toclay, while keeping rheir frrll potential to meet the needs and aspirations crf ftrture gene.rations. cost'b€nefit Celnparison between benefits derived frorn a project and its corgt. and1nis degradation The result of poor resource use which pollutes; damages or recllrces the qruliry of resorlrces available to ftiture generations. ecolory Branch of biologywhich deals with the relation of plants and animals to their envrron|llent. economic gror*h The increase in the v:rlrre of goods and services produced in a country usually rneasrrred over a yezu'. ecoEmtem A community of plants and animals and the environment thely inhabit, effluent A liquid flow. endangered species Species that are in danger of disappearing. endemic An animal or plant n-hich is found only in one region or cojntry and is not present nanrrally in any other part of the world. xii Glossary

envirorunent All the living aud non-livirru tlrings in a particular place or ()n the ear-tlr generally. ancl the lvav they inter:rct or work togcther'. erosion The rvearins arvay of'the eirnh's surface (frlr exaurple, soil) lly the action

xill Glossqr)'

subsi$tence Froducfurg rnostly for own consumption, for exaurple, fanning which directly support$ households without producing a significernt surph$ for trade or sale. $uctainable Using a resource in such a way that its supply and quality are maintained indelinitely into the future. tenestrial Relating to the earth. toxic Poisonous. vnscularpliuit A plantwith conductingtissue. vegetation A comnronly occuring grouping of planrs and trees. community vertebrate Animal with a backbone or spinal column, including marmnals, birds, tishes and amphibians. wtrter catchment The area frornwhich a river or lake collee$ water. wetland Swamp or other damp area of land.

xiv Executive summory

Background The tcn-estrial resources ol'Pirlatr iu'c als() cle- scribccl. Thev arc linritecl b1' the size arrrl isol:rtion 'fhis State o{'the Environrncnt (SOEt Re port is part of' the islanrl archipelago, altlrorrgh the isliurd of the process of assessing llre cnvironrnerrtirl issrres gr()rrp clrres snpport a high cliversin' of terrestriirl con{nlnting Palau, ancl rvill contdbute tcr I g!)3 trsing tht'se isl;rncls. Pilliltr has a rviclc rirnge ol'soil t1pcs, inlorrnution drurvn lrnrn a lalrge of'prrblications \vatcr" res()urces. an(l miner:rls altlrotrgh. again, rnaclt: availablc in Paliur, partictrlarl1, the C)ornprc- resr)urce qrr:rntities al't: lirnitect bl' tl're size <>['thc Irensive (lorrserr,ation Strare;p' ((lOS) for Palau arclripelago. ((iasscll. Otobecl &'Arlt.lb;ri 1992). This reporr is cssenLi;rllv an aclaptartion of'the (l(;S docturrcnr. Te rrestri a I e nv i r o n m e nt Ir' Noturol environment posecl large-scale cleleloprucnts catcring t() t()rlrists aurcl the expected irtcrr:ase in Palarr's poprrl:rtirlu This scctiou providt's a rlcscriprion

XV Stste Ofthe Environment Re|ort

Thc ecologic:ll and econornic value of [er'!'es- too nruch stress on the nattrral resorlrce base, this trial resor-rrces inclrrcling plants (r'egeurtion), bircls. secti()n sterrts \vith a cliscrrssion of'the population insects. ancl irnirn:lls is rlescribecl iu sorrre cletail. as issues. lt conclucles that Pirliur's population density are the threilts Io their existence. is relativelt' lorv, but notes lvith concerll tlre poptr- lation fbrecasts rvhich predict an increase to 28,0-lir by the year 2005 xn inslsase of alrnost 85 per Marine environment - cent fioln the 1990 figrrre. Pillau is enrlorved rvith il high level of diversity and IMorc sisnificarrtJy, the population in Koror alrundlnce omic clevelr)pment lbr Palau. plies, the servet:rge system. and the cnergy gencr- 'Ihe richness of'nrarine habitats in Palatr has ation systenr of'the state. This is ol'concer.r since serve prclerr ti nc firrth er envir)n lnen tal clegradatio n i n r,'iclr shellered, ntrtrient-rich estuarine h:rbiurt fr"rr Palar,r. It points out tlrirt htrrnirn ilctions, nrostly jrrvenile ilnd othr:r rrrarine res()urces. Also sttr- carriecl out in ignorance or rvithout l firll applecia- rrrtrnding the nrirjority of the islarrds of the Palarr tion of the intplications, are the prirtcipirl cause of arrhipelago is an extensive barder reef svstetn thart alnrost all the environmental problerns cliscrrsserl irr provitlcs prrlcluctive lishing grourr ds. the report. It also notes An overall lack ofirwareness Tlrc report notes the present clestmction of. ol'ecological processes ancl of the issues of-snstain- :lnd potential tlrreat to, the country's rnarine habi- able developrrrent in Palau, :rnd sees the need to tats. This is of concern considering that the l)la- addrc'ss this throrrgh enrironrnentill educatitrn at .jority of the perceived opportunities lbr increasitrg cornntrrnity', school, and govemnrerrt levels. econonlic self:sufficiertcv in Palarr fbctts ou utiliz:r- A r-elated issue is lhat of infbnrration orr the tion of' res()rrrces rvhiclr are clirectll, or indirectly countr v-'s nirtural svsteuls. Althoueh Palatt's uatrtrirl clcpenclr:rrt upon c()irstal urariue habitat. enr.ironureut has becrr rr'ell strrcliecl ancl clocrr- Ar a relatively srnall islancl nati()n, Palau has a nrented comparecl to rnany other Pacific Island l'erv linritecl arnour.rt o[such hirbitat. It is thercfbre countdes, there rer:rain significant gaps in kuorv- irnport:rnt that impacts to coastal lnirrine habitat be Iedge and in{bmration. quantified ancl monitored, and that sonre level of' long-rirnge planning be irnplerrrented to elrsttre Culturol, historical tlrirt ir

xvi Executive summory

sul)p()rt of' crlrrst'r'r'ati lLr this rcgarcl, the govetltlletlt's ('()rllr)litltlcul nl('n[. to pr'(:l)are a Nntiotral Euvi rontnct rtal i\l:ruagctrtcr It Signilicarrt ltistorical anrl irrt'hacoklgical r-r'- Stnrtegy anrl the e rnphasis rrivett to strstaitr:rl>lt' de- i{)ttrccs rrlso exist in Palirtr, atrcl lrplrrt fr-our thcir vclopurent irncl crrvironnlental plannirtg in tlte' qr'('at cultrrr;rl r':tltre, tlter, repr-r'scnt iurporltrnt ItNN{l)P's scope ol' rr,rlrk represent rlt'r itrvirlttirblt: op;rorttruitics filt' the totrrisl. inrltrstrl' a.ncl thc ()pp()r'trrnin' lo pr.rt irt place instiltttional nrrirttgc- cc()n()nlv. tlrcnls Ior tltc etl'ective itt tegt-atitttr of' t'rtvirrltt- (lcveloptrtt'trl rrrental l)r'()t(-cti()lr with tlter ec()rl()tllic Pr()gr:llll. Economic and built enyironment I nfrastructure and industry development Economic fromework This st'r'tion of'the rrlp()t-t looks ltt the likelv cle- The'Paliurarl ec()n()nl\/ is clcscrilx'cl as a rtrixtrtrc o1' veloprnerrt sect()l's iur(l c()rlrttl('tlts ()It prlssiblc strbsisterrcc :rrrtl cl.rslt tvpcs. Tlrt. rel)()l't notcs that envinlnrrrental issucs tltat rturl' ltitve to lte cr)tt- l)itlatr Itas thc 1>ott:trtiirl to strstain :r cirsh ec()ll()nt\r siclerctl in tltc platrning atrrl intplernentittion ol rr,itltrnrt too nrrrclr sul)p()rt ltrrlnt intc-nt:rlionrrl litl, assr.lciatcrl projcctsz/pr()srllrlls. Ths kcv sectots clis- altlrorrulr thcr-e is nrr.rch to be dorrc bc{ilrr this crrsscrl iuclrrcle tottristtt, Iisht'ties, irgticttlttrre, arttl cotrlcl bc lcillizcrrlici<'s as 'l'lrc k.') issttc rvith reg;rrnrent Pl:rn (l'NNIDP) iclcnti{r tht' tht' cxistt'rrct' o1- rltirnr, liut's lor tlrc pt'ott:t'tiott atttl (() n('('(l llr()rl)(,((' ccoltorrric dcvclopruent in :ul cr.rrrst'n'lr Iiott rlt' t lt r cttt'irot r tttetr l. I h t're is t'ottcct'r t r.'rtvilrnn'tcrttallv srrstairlahlc rnunncr, tlterc is irt thlrt tIrcir errlirrct'rrtcnt is rveirk. Exatttplt's itt'e givt'tr ('s('l'lt l)t littlc conrrlinati()n l)cllt,cn t'<'lnrorrric rle- ol. tlrt' nlirnv l)11)t('r'tiort luu's rvltich itrt' bcittu vt'lo1:urt'rrt alt(l envit'()nrrrental I)t'()tecti()ll aclit Irrrlkcrr irt l'lre c:tttscs of'[hc prolrlettt st't'ltt -I'his l)r(:sclrl. it-ics. is rrnrlt'rxtlrnclirblt git'etr tlrt. \cltt('t'r.(l to lel:rlc lo tltt^ rrccr :rn cllt'ctilc tuttional t'tt- nirIrrr-c o[ tlrc t',nl'ironmt'lttul protccti()ll Pr()enlllI lirrt'cnrcnt l)r'()uranl. ancl llte rteccl lilr stn)rtg c()()t: inlrcrited l-lr, Pal:rrr, ancl tlrt' high Icr,t'l of urr<.cr. rlitr ation anr()nlJst lltc resr.rut't:c lt'rirt)llqtluc'ttt ;rttcl tairt lt rcgitr-rlinu urlrnda t es unrl cli recti ou :rssr lci;rtcrl clcvt'lr lpntcrr t agcr.t cics. rr.itlr corrlt'r11p{rrtl\ changcs irr tlrr (()ulltrt ri politi- l-lrc

xvil Stote Ofthe Environment Report

trse plan for the cotrntrv'. There currentl,l' is no plarr ever. firr n()ll€'()vernnrent bclclies to be part o{'over- lirr Pitlau rvhich cletails srritable levcls ancl locations all r"nr,"ir esta.blish a plannin.q In each sectiol"l of thc report, the enr,irtnlnt'rrtll t}arnework that u"ill fzrcilitate envirorrmentirl prr> issues are discussecl in t.he c()nlexl ol.possible ac- tection iurcl srrsl.ainablc developnrent ol' the lions [hirt cirn l)e takrn to adclress thern. Though C( )tln tr)r's l3s()ttl-Ces. the list nrirv irplxrar krng. the NEMS will provicle the process u'hich rt'ill assess au lnallagcnrr:nt ancl cleveloprnent er'r titjes or agencies gt:ulrs ttential, lrow t The neccl lbr r:cononric clevelopnrcnt in Palarr

xvill Chopter I

Introduction

t . t Generol rnents and the monitorirtg and enforcement of poll rrt ion rcgnrlirtions. The Reptrblic of'Palarr, an llchipelago ol'over 300 Jrrclging by the scope of work lbr the Palart high ancl low islancls. is the most westelt:r o{'the National Master f)el'el,^rprnetrt Plirn which is ex- Caroline lslancls group ol'the sorrthwest Pacific. It pected t() be conrpleted by the end of 1994, it is is situated at a latittrdc of 7" 20'N ancl a longitrrcle appill'ent drat the govenilnent has comrnittecl ifself of 134" 28'E. Tlte total landarea is lS8sqrrare rniles to an econornic developmetrt model that is econ- (Canfielcl l9Bl ). A well developcd barrier reef'sys- omically;urd ecologically srsurinable. This State of tem, approximatelv 70 miles in length ancl up to 20 the Enr.ironment (SOE) Report is part of tlre pr<> miles wide, surrounds the nrajority of the islands, cess oI'assessing the environnten tal issrres confiout- forrnine :r productive lagoon. The lagf cre- "conditions ilting and maintililing turder- which ,.2 Scope of report htrmankind atrcl nature can coexist in pl'oductil'e harmonl', arrcl firlfill the scx'ial, economic and other Lr order to keep this report concise, t'eadable and reqtrireruents of the prcsent :rrrd firtrue geltcr?- practical. it n'ill not exharntivelv clescribe every tions of the Republic". social, ecorronric and euvironmental issue in Palatt As well. there are specific referenccs in the brrt is rather intelrcled to assist and pr

unphirsis on hislIIiuhting t'oru-scs of'actiorr n'hich cotrlrl pr>tcutialll lrt'arkrlltctl in a national stratt'el'. Reatlt'ls art' clirectecl to otlrcr r'('f('rt'nces (rvh<.r-c' tlresc t'xist) firr u nrolc rk'ttilt,rl cliscrrssion of'thc sc('t()r' o{' i u tert'st. Tlrt' ltruposc ol' tlris irlrpr-olclr is to f

1.3 Major issues

It is irn;lortarrt tlrnt n rlist rrssiorr ot the'envir'onln('ut is rrol t'st'lrrsirr'lv lcg'irti\'(' arrrl tlrat tlrc enliron- rtrr'rtt:rl issrrcs r,'ontirrnling P;rlirrr ar'<' I)rrt int() l)('t: slx'( tivc. lrr gctrclal, thc crrvirrnrnrt'trt:tl prolrlt'trrs rr,ltich Palatr rrrrrsl clt'al lr'ith in thc shrlrt tcr-r'n cirrr bc soh'c'cl. In fnct. tltt' r'rtr-irorutr(.utirl cotr(liti()n ()l all tht' Prrlitttltrt islurt svs l ('l Il s, -flrt' Jrolicies irnrl r-r:glrlations rrhiclr. althorrah r.:rlirl rnujor cor-lccl'ns lor Palirtr relale to t"lrc tttrclcr cxistirtg lirrvs, have not bcen er:actr.rl. TIrt'r'e [)rcssur'(' llcintI 1;rrt orr natrrr-irl l-cs()urcr-s altcl th(. trtttt'ltlso lrt' a ncccl t() strength('rr tht: ltolicv ll:rnrc- inli':rstrrrctrrrc lry population gr()lvth. nulinlv rlork rr'iih rcgitrcls to poprrlation issrrcs, pollrr- :tt'ottnrl Koror', atrcl l-lr. nt'n' irrll'astr-trt'ttrr:rl ancl in- tiorr/u'itstc nlalna!{en)clrt, :ul([ crlrrc:ation,/ilr\':lr('- ('ssru'c clttst riirl rlt'r'e krprtre n t.-fhis pl is the plinciltal ness. It is expectcrl that tlrcse rr,ill be ircldrcssccl c:attsc ol' ck'plt-tion ol'sornc lt:rtulal st()ckri, tlitrrr:rttr' t h louglr tlr t' Nation lrl Enr.i rorr n rcntal Nlalt af{entc ll t (purtictrllrrlr' ()ncrs). to rratrrritl hallitirt..s thc nrirr-ine Str:rtcsr' (NFIN'lS) and the Pi'rlarr Nationtrl l\Iasto' clcclirre clttrlilr, arr ; l)r( (l ) tlre trecrl lor coorclination l)ctwccn the lerns. P:rlirrr H'ill rrcec[ ir rangc ol'rrell clirecterl gllrvsi- resl>onsiblc ag('r)cies; ar)(l cal arrcl instittrtional resources. plus thc rr,ill irnrl -l-lrc (2) tlrc ttct'cl lo strcrrgtlrcrr crrIirn:<'rrrcnt c:ll)acit\.. crlrtrrrritrncnt t() use thenr. r)r()iil inrp()r'tant 'fhis factor is sccn irs llre rcgrrl;rtory lirnctions o1'qovcrrr- is borrrc orrt clearlv irr thc prioritics of' nrcr)t, ul botlr rurtional lurrl statc lclcls. the' golelnnr('nt s('(:tors spelt ()ut in Part -1 of'this In ucncral. an er.r;rbling lcgal flar-nc'rtork al- rrl)()rt. rcad\, cxists Iol Palllrr, as rvell irs ir r,r'icle r:urgc ol' The othcr ilnpot'tant Iactor is knorvleclge. polit'ies an(l uctions tlrirt tl:e g()\'crnrrnel'rt ('()uld Enrirorrrnental cdrrc..rti()lt, n()t.jrrst in schools brrt acLrllt f irr protcc t.ion oI' tlr c cnvi r< lr rnen t. I{on'cvcr. thrr>rrqhottt tht' entilc sr)cict\', is :r firrrdanrcrrtlrl thcre is probablr a nee(l Iill qrcirtcr cl:rrification ol' rt-c1uircrrrcrrt. If'pcoplc ciul lcal'll :llrout tht' inrpact the tnanclatcs o{ rcsolrrcc- rn:rt]agc'lncnt agenr'ics in ol' thcir ir('ti()ns :tnd arc qivcn thc opportrrtritr' c)l'clcr t() lacilit;rtc policv urirking an([ ])roflrart.r irt.r- ancl srrpport t() cllange tllc wal tlrcv do thinqs. ;llcnren tatir>n. nritnv ittrprlrtiltrI cllvil'ortrnclrtitl ('()ncclns can bc ()rr tltc otlrer h:rnd. thett arc inrl)()r'tant atlclresst:cl.

2 lntroduction

1.4 Sources and methodology Stlatt'gn' Iirt tltc llr'1rrrbl ic' ol l'ltllttt ( ( hsst'll. ()tobec[ &, \rk'lllai I !)!)2 ) . J\ rlr'('r ter 1;ru't o[' t lt t' i tr li rrrttatiort Tltis rcport llas crlrnruissiorrt'rl llv tlrc Sorrtlr I)acific irr tlris l'('l)()ft ltas cotr)r'lrrlrrt tlrirt

Rt"gionirl [lrrvirorrrncr r t l'r.o.gla rn r nt' Iirr t lrt: ( ior t.r'rr- plt'trt'tttccl llv tlrt' Iirttlirrgs ol'rvork rkrrrt' ltlit't tltc lu('nt ()l tlrr' Rclltrblic ol ltirlarr. lt rr,irs ltlt'lnrerl itr (iorrrprclrcrrsivt' (lortst'tlntiott Stllrtt:11 \\'its ( ()rtt- ()ctolrt'r' l{)1}il fl'orrr itr{irrnlrlion (lra\r,rr li'orl ir plctt'rl. a rrr l lrv rlirt'ct olrst'rlltt iotts :u1cl irl tcr'\'i('\\'s ritrtqc ol prrlrlicatiorrs rrlrrlc ullillrltlt' in ['ulirrr. rrrost rritlr tt'chrriclrl lreoplt' irt P:rlutt. pru'li('rrlirrlv tlrt' (,orrrltrt'lrcrrsivr' (krtrst'r'r'lrtiorr

PART I Naturol environrnent Chapter 2

Physicol ch a racteristics

2.1 Climate 2.2 Geology and landmorks

\{tith its location sonre 500 nriles r.rorth ol'the eqr.ta- Tlr t' i sl anrls ol' Pirlarr a re cliverst' in {eoklgi cirl o ri gi rr trlr'. lhe r'linrate of Pirlau is describecl :rs ruaritinre and firnnation. Broirclll' classificcl, forrr types of trnpical rainr,. There is little st'ilsortal l':rriation in islands exist in this ar:chipeluqo: r,olcarric; rcef'and tenlp('r';ltru'e, ancl Lhe rnt':rn dailv tcrnpcraturc li)r atoll; low phtf

.-+;:*:#l;-. -- I -, -r *=iF+- ==''-

A rypicol isle in the Rock lslonds group. (phon: Demei Otobed) Phy sical chorocteristics

of Babeldaob include Ngirrdok Lake, a fresh-water crrt at sea lerel, with overhangs of 6-20 feet (Birke- lake with an area of 12.1-r acres, and Ngererncduu lancl & Manner 1989). Parts of',,{ngaur, and Bay, one of the largesr coastal estuades found in Kolor irt'e also classifiecl as high limestone islands. Micronesia. Tlre origin of the volcanic islancls of the archi- Seven reef islands of Palau are located uorl.lt pelago is quite clistinct ft om that of the other i.sland and northeast of Peleliu. These islands are the classes in Palau. It is estintated that the volcanic three Ngemelis islancls, ancl Ngerker:itrl, Ngetrr- islands lbrmed cluring the Miocetre and Pleisto clnrbtang, Ngareklim and Ngerechong i.slatrds. cene. These islands are the result of tectonic acti!'ity Trvo atolls, lhyangel and Ngarrrangcl, exist just along the Pirl:ru Ridge and the acctunrtlation of llorth of the northernuxrst point of Pal:rtr's barrier rolcanic materials along this crest. reef. The Southwest lslands, 300 miles to dre south The rcef and atoll islands, platlbnn islands, and of the nrain island group, are a conrbirratioil of low lrigh limestone islatrds wett formed during more platlbrm islands and irtolls. Peleliu and Angatrr are, recelrt times in the shallor.tr waters sttrrounditrg for the most part, classifiect as low platfortrr islatrtls, Palau's volcanic isliltrcls. The remains of calcium- although they also contairr high limestone ridges secreting anilnals a:rd plants form the basis of these and beach deposits fi'om the reef (US Departrnetrt islands. Uplift of drc reef sttuctures or subsidence of DeJ'ense 1956).

Te rrestriol e nvi ro n ment

3. t Generol resorrrce qtrantities are limitecl by the size of the arclripelago. The terrestrial rcsotrrces of the Reptrblic clf Pirl:rtr are linrited by, the size ;rncl isolatiorr of the islancl archipelago. The entirc land area coverecl by the 3.2 Soils Reptrblic is ouly 188 square miles. Palau is also:rrr ?rl'er?ge of 50() rniles from the nearest neighboring 3.2.1 Classificotion and distribution islands of Gnanr, the Philippines, and Paprra New There are l8 different ty'pes of soil in Palau, zrnd Chtinea, allor.ring onlv limited migration of'ter- fol thel'vary widely in the ir textrlres, nzrtlrral drainage, restrial species to Palarr (Canfielcl l98l). depth, f'ertiliry: and ot-her characteristics (Smith On the ot-her hand. Palau does srrpport a high l9tl3). A deurilecl descriptiou of the characterisrics cliversi$' of terrestdal resollrces in comparison to of'e:rch of tlre l8 sclil $'pes is beyoncl the scope o1' many other Pacific Islancl nations. Its proxirnitv to this report. Insteacl, the soils u'ill be cli.scussecl in thc Asia ancl the prcscnce of both volcanic irncl limc- c()ntcKt o1' the follou.irrg six broilder categories: stone eer>logical fsols, bog/half-bog,/swamp, alluvial, tain clifflererrt terrestrial habiurts. ure the main resosols, ancl trndassifiecl. The stucly hy the US Soil factors rvhich hirve contr-ibrrtccl to the

Cosova gorden Even on soils conventionolly I regorded os infertile, troditionol cropping systems of rototing potches offoresq gross ond cultivoted crops ,lH enoble sustoinoble use of these oreos for sweet pototoe,casswo and other crops. (photo: Demei Otobed)

The nrajorin'of lhcse lancls irre nrarlgrove lvetlalxls nrelcial ptu'poscs is ptesentlr'trot ils cxtetrsivt- as itt (14.60 s(lllare nrilcs), lvhich elre poor"lv drlined tlic past. Tlrt' terract'cl hillsicles on Birlrt'ldaob trtld arcils of'silts and clirvs with a high nn-rount of'deciu. Koror ptuballlv indicatr- tlraI Iorvet'qualit1' hillsicle ing orqanic nlatter alrd cl(:nse Inilngrove lbrests. lar-rcl rvas ()nc(' l)al't ol'a nrtrclr tnore itrtensive agri- crrltrrral svstem (Sn1'clel 19.95). [t is also ktrollr that Alluvial soils three pincirp;rle catrneries were in opct'ation ort Alltn'irll soils exist on {.35 squ:rrc rniles of lurrl, irnd plantntions in Babelclaob cttrring tJreJirpattese acl- are cortfinecl rnairtlt, to flrlocl Plain arca-s irt Balrt'l- ministratiou (rvhiclr begart in lgl{ atrf the rnaior irreits r.vlrcre the cocottttt palnr is native bcclclecl clar', ancl nre rclatively' irrrl>erlious and ln cl r.r'here pl atrftrti()t l $tat lcls occ t ll'. highl,v acidic. Thcl'oct:trr mainly oll thc rrplancls of Finally, soils ol' the Tabecheding Associatiott Babelclaob (LlS Deparnrrent of Defiense 1956). are also srritable lot some typcs of agriclrlture. [-itltosols, iu gcneml, are inf-eltilc ancl ttnsrtitable 3.2.2 Suitobility for agriculture Ibr argricrrltrrre, srrpporting ntainlv sct-ttb vegetation Agricrrltrrral prochrdion f

9 Stote Of ttre Environment Report.

Stockpile of dredged coral moteriols for rood copping ot Urung Dock, Ngoroord Slote. A comprehensive sudy to ossess the overoll impoa of the current lercl of dredging in Palou would be valuoble. (photo:Demei Otobed)

3.3 Eorth ond minero, resources rccosrrized, horveverr. thut rnininq and rlredginu Itartt' a slcat inrpact orl rcsourct's rvhich (:otrstitut.e 3.3., Generol thc r;crv firrrrrdation fil' ec'onclnric clcveloprncnt in Pal;rtr. It ur:rkcs no scnsc to ck-r'clop infrastrtrctrrre Nlinclal res()urccs have also becn exltloitecl frorrr frrr ecortorrric rlevelol>rucnt il'tlrc basis lbr ccon- thc soils o[ P;rlau. NIost irrrportantJr', litltosols ir.t ornic clcvcleil)nrent is rles1ro1,g6l in thc pt1)ccss. Itl Angaru'aucl Pt'lelitr rvere tirrrncl tr> contain srrbstlru- llris scnsc. it is inrpt'r:rtivc that h-rels of'clreclging (ial rescrlr:s ol'pho.sphate, wlrich r'vt:r-e tnirred rltrr. attrl tninirrq be balancecl with a recogt)itiotr and ing thc (it'r'nran arrcl .fapancse irclnrinistratitlns ()f'the (lfl99-19-lir). One .s()ur-cc has indicirtcd that ltarlx- Protccti()n reqrrilcmt'rtts Of nrirrinc :rrrcl ter- itc rniulrt still occttr irr ctlnrnrcrcial rleposit.s orr rcslrial ()r{lilnisms rvlrich are s() r,ilal to thc srrstirin- I}tbcltlaob. ( lonrrrrcrciirl dcposits oI'clar.' also prol> able ccorronric clcvelolllncnt (){ Palarr. ahll' erist on Babclclaob (US Dcpartnrcnt ol' ,Ls prcsstrrt:s for cconc)nric rlevelcll)rncltt c()n- [)c"l'ense lllir{i). Otlrer lesources srrch as eolcl, t'o1> liutrc to grolr,in Palau, it is logical to ?tssunr(- that pcr. ilor.r. antiuron\,, zinc srrlficle, aucl ligrrite havc tht'r'c rt'ill bc ir neerl tirr incr-eascd lcvcls o['nrining uever llcen lirrrncl in lartr5e cnorrgh rlrrantitics to aucl clreclgitrs lor brrilding rnirtclials, irnd tlr:rt the nrt'ri t exploitatiorr. inrl>:rcts of' tlrt:sc rrctivitics r,r-ill increase as wcll. A Prt'scntlr'. rlnlv qrllel, soils. sanrl irn tto cotrtllt'cltensivt' strrclv h;rs lrt:en donc to ?lsscss jt'cts rvhich ntnv requir(: consirlclable anrorrnts of tlrt' or'<'nrll impirt'ts ol the cur.r-ent levt'l ol clrcdg- c' llrrrjt-cts post'cl for Palarr (EQPR 1994). relicrr'crl ()n il ()ne-tc>{)n('basis throtrgh the F.rrvirotrrncrrtnl (]turlitl Pnrtr<:tiorr Btlurrl (EQPB) pt'r'rrrittirr g l)11)c('ri:i. 3.4 Fresh-water resources

3.3.2 Implicotions for resource use The Reprrblic ol' Palarr l'urs liuritcrl ti'esh-rvatct' -l'hese l'es()lrr'('es art ubtrnrl:rrrl. ancl it is ol>r'iorrs lrs()lllccs. :rs is tnre ol- rnost snrall P:rcifir' Islan

soils in Pillatr have, horvcver, allowerl fbr thc clevel- strpplv ancl c;ttality fiotn srtch sotlrce'f, often varies oprnent o{'seveml clistinct sorlrces of rvater. with rhe arnellr-rt of precipitatiotr. On upPer slnpcs, where dense attcl irnpen'ious beclrock exists close 3.4.1 Streoms to the srrtfacc, rvclls are genemllv only sttccessful at tlre irrep3rlarly nlt, srrstainerl stlearnflow irt Pitlatr is frrttnd otr (US Deparunent ol'Defense l9ir6). thc large volcanic islirncl o[ Babelclaob. Peretrnial sl.re:lrns ar c lt'cl by slow seepage frorn tlte ntautle to 3.4.4 Fresh-woter lenses vallevs, rvhich is, in lrun, I'ecl bv the lveathet'ecl isneotrs rrrcks in the rrpper soil layer which have The permeable naturc of soils on low coml islancls son)e c?rpacitl' to ltolcl watcr. \{tith arr a\reragt an- and lrtolls

Sovenn o with'rt typicol vegetotron. Gros slan d I savann a occounts for I 6 per cent oFthe total lond in Polou. (photo:Dema Otobed) ll Stote Oflthe Environment Report

cxtretrrelv perureable natrlre of soils in thest: islirrtds comprise the third lalgest land class of Palarr, at perrrrit^s rapid percr:lation of rainw?rter to se:r level. I l,(;34 acre$ ()l' I I per cent of the tr:tal lancl area. Therefcrre, w'hile there rnay be a surall lens of fi'cslr f'here are limitecl mreas of planmtion fbrest orr wilter rrndel' s()mc of the larqer islands, it is \,er) B:rbeldaob and the other high islands covering likely to bc brackish drre to itrtrlsion ol'sealvater; sonre 6"1 :rcres, ()t' [i per ceut of'total land area. :rnrl too rleep firr exploitirtion (LlS Deparlrnenl of Lirnestone ancl Rock lslancl forest, coveriug 5,1103 l)ef'ense 1956). acres, genel'ally occur on ar-eas of extremely pool' soil conditions conrprised nrainll'of rouglr eroded mised crlral rock. Snrall aleas oI'atoll and casrurrina 3.5 Hobitatlyegetotion fbrests exist also on thc low coral islancls and the Rock Islands. The re are 383 acr-es of atoll f orest etnd 3.5. t Overview l.l Ll'r ircres of'casrralina [orr:st, representin.g [J.4 pcr ccnt and Ll Pel'cent of- the total land itre:r (species Approxirrurtely l,?58 tilxa auriotrsly, cliversity of plant spccies is not. thc exist on the r.olcanic islancls o['B:rbelclaob, Kor-oq otrlr' thctor rvhiclr tlctcrmines tcrrestrial habitat Malakal, arrcl Meirrns, although secondary vcgeta- Npe or statll$. Soil. rvater, and fatrna are inlportant tiotr also occrlrs or) sonle limestclne and Rock conlponcnts often'estrial habitat. ancl use of these Islands. Many of these areas are lower slope regiolrs fes()ul'ces cau also harie an inrpact ()tr the status o[ which hale been cleared and trsed to cultivate habitirt. as is rliscrrsserl in other sections of this coconr.rt, tnre taro, cilssava! ancl pineapplc. When reporl. However, irr tl'rat cla-ssification and stattrs of' such traditional gardens are abancloned, ecologi- lerr-cstrial habitat is rnainll.cletennined by the ex- cal successicln :rllows the vegetation to progress istcncc uucl heillth ol'dorninant vegetirtion com- fronr grassland t

Table ll.l , lj'onr the sur-r'ev bv Clole et al. ( 1987) . specics cotn ntoril1' Ibupcl in secotrclirri' \regetatioll rletails the liurd ar-ea o[specific vesetation q?es or of P:rlatt i n c| trde:,4 QiltiI on i a c u,nili n tyt.sis, M u,ctutm gn, habitat in Pal:ur. This clate $'as ger)emtecl throrrgh crnnl,inen.sis, Rh.us l,aitensjs. (innrtptsott/a barlrarnis,. aerial photograpltic interpretation. Frrrrcling for Ixotn rasei, Hihi"srus lilia.ceu.s, and \finrernia peltatu. grorrrrtl verification ol' this $urrrev has not been arailable, althotrgh this represents an in-lpoltant 3.5.4 Agroforest zrrea fbr lnttrre strrdv in Palau. Aglolirrest rr lras tlacli ti onal lt' been pl';rcticed i tl the Reprrblic of P:llau. In these systems, crops such as 3.5.2 Indigenous forest pirr ca ppl es ( An.a.nas co truts r ts ), l>anan as ( illusa srlti ert- As cirn be seerr frorn the table, 7l-r per cctrt oI'thc. tiu.nt), taro (Colocasfu esrulcntrt), cassA\a (hlanihot lancls of tlrc Reprrblic of'Palatr lre covered with csrulen.lo) arrd papaya (Carica ltapqa) are gr-own native lbrest. Of this 5-1,095 acres, or 5.3 per cent of arrrong coconlrt trees (Ooco.r nrrciferul , breadfnrit the total area nl'lancl, is rrpliud lorest, which i.r (Arlourtltus spp.), nrango (Mangi/mr inrlica,), betel- founcl rnosdy (that is, 911 per cent) on Babeldaob. rlrrt (,,{?ru catechli, and lesurnillorls trees. Agro Siviunp fbrr:sts are clispersecl thloughout Palau, fbrestrl, rfpt'esellt.s a srtstailrable svstem rlf food rvith the l:rrgest :rreas (3,996 acres or'96 per cent of production arrd a wlse rrse ol'linited lancl resorlrces the ovcl'irll total area cornprised by these forests) in Palatr. Crrrently, 2,741 ircres (2.5 per cent of the existing on llabeldaob. Mangrove f orests ctrrrentlv total lancl area) is used for agroforestry. Although

t2 Ierrestriol e nv i ro n m ent

Toble 3. I Area of Republic of Palau by island group,land class, and type (ocres)

Land class and type Babeldaob Other high Conl Rock Total islands islands lslands

Forest

Upland 53,598 497 0 0 54,095 Swamp 3,996 37 ll6 2.5 4, t5 t.5 Mangrove 9,946 507 t,075 r06 I t,634 Plantation 59 5 0 0 64 Rock lsland 257 519 0 t,982 2,758 Limestone 0 0 29M l4l 3.Of5 Casuarina 0 0 t, il5 0 r,l r5 Atoll 0 0 240 t43 383 Palm 0 <2.5 0 0 2.5

Total 67,856 t,567.5 5.450 2.374.5 77,248

Secondary vegetation 1,273 t95 324 |,797

Agrcforest

Agroforest 20 0 5 t5 40 Agroforest (w/coconut) 428 l5 247 0 690 Coconut plant t.836 0 0 t75 2,011

Total 2,2U t5 252 t90 2,74t

Nonforest

Marsh, fresh 1,107 <2.5 67 0 | ,176.5 Marsh, cultiv. 2U 5 62 0 331 Marsh, saline 0 0 62 <2.5 64.5 Grassland 16,625 l3l 2.5 2.5 t6,761 Strand 0 0 25 2.5 27.5 Cropland 346 146 t0 0 502 CroplandlSecondary vegetation 0 69 0 0 69 Urban 348 s49 82 2.5 98 t.5 Urban/Cropland 262 173 0 o 435 Urban/Agroforest 0 0 r5l 0 t5r Urban/Secondary vegetation 0 7 0 0 7 Barren 368 t2 64 0 +44 Water 37 ?2 42 t7 il8

Total 19,357 r,il6.5 567.5 27 2 t,068

Total area 90,770 2,894 6,593.5 2,596.5 t02.854

Source: After Cole et al. 1987

t3 Stote Of the Environment Report

thi.s traditionirl practice has sonrewhat lraned in founcl in Falatr although, once again, greater r.rsr:. eff

Palarr in Nlicronesia. Papilionidae are ouly fotrnd rrfi.s, artd tlre estuarine crocodile. Crorodylv5 p1v171511.1, in Pirlirrr :rnd Yap. Non-insect terlestr-ii.rl inverte- are also native to Parlau (Owen lg77). brates incltrding terrestrial irlthr()pods, molltuks, and annelicls ale also lbtrnd. 3.6.3 Avifouno Palau also hosts the fichest avifauna ol'Micronesizr. 3.6.2 Reptiles o'nd omphibions Sorne l4l bircl spt"cies of'41 families have been Linrited spc'cics of reptilcs and amphibians are recorded in Pirlarr. Fifiy of tlrcse species are actually t4 Ierrestriol environm ent

Figure 3.1 Educotionof poster.'Birds of Polau

BIRDS OF PALAU; IMPORTANT NATIONAL RESOURCES, LET,S PROTECT THEM. CHARM ER BELAUI MEKLOU A EELKUL EREMEL BELAUI DEKAINGESEU LOMEKERREU' j

?\

Some I 4l bind species of 4 I fomilies hove been rercordd in Polau, representing the richst ovifouna of Mioonesia (anwork \ Tokesi Suzuki, rqroducd courtesy of Division of Consenotion ond Entomology)

t5 Stote Ofthe Enimnment Repart

residents of Palau. The remaining 9l avian species cattle, goats, pigs, and rabbits, and one species of ale migratory or \agmnt spec-ies fiom the nearbt, monkey have all been introduced and have some islands of the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, or presence in Palau. The house mouse (Mrc rmu- Indonesia. It is speculated that many birds reach culus), roof rat, (Ilattus), Norwegian rat (Raltus Palau on theil migration to Indonesia and Aus- noratgit'us), Himalayarr rat (Rattus nititlus), and the tralia. Of the 50 resiclentspecies, eight are endemic Asiatic mruk shrew (Srnnrs muin,us) are forrnd to ancl fir,e were inuoduced. The two introclrrced some degree throughout Palatr, and are con- species which have caused so[)c concern are the sicleled geneml or agricrrltrrral pests. The cral> greater srrlph ru--crested cockat oo, Cn c tt|tta giled ta, earing rnacaqlre (Maarca fascic'ulafis), introdrrced arrd the eclectru parrot, Ecledus rmrtttu. These to Angaur in the early 1900s, has been confined tcr species are t-hought to feed on the heart nf two Angaur wherc it causes some agricultural damage. species of endenric palm trees ancl thus may lrt: Altlrotrgh feral pigs and goats are lbund on Babel- responsible for the destnrction of large stancts of claob, clanrage to vegetation callsed by these ani- these trees (Engbring l9B8). mals is minirnal in comparison to the situation on The 45 native resident or endemic bird species islands strch as Hawaii. of Palatr are'listecl in Table 3.2. This list was adapted Pies and goats are the domestic livestock mnst front lii,eld Gtdde to thc Birfu of Paln'u (Er-rgbring cornmonly forrnd in Palau. There is little cattle 1988). For frrther information on migratory mchins, apart fiom that occurring at lhe Nekken species recorcled in Palarr, the reader is referrecl to ForestrT Demorrstratiorr Center on Babeldaob. this book.

3.6.4 Terrestriol mammals 3.7 Tbrrestriolresources.' The native terrestrial mammals of Palatr are linrited significant issues to two species of bat and oue species of rat. The bat species, Embal,lnnura palatunses, a snrall insec- 3.7.1 Oyerview tivototr^s bat, and Ptewpw pel.enLrnsls, the Palatr fmit In general, direct exploitation of resour"ces is not b;rt, ar-e enclernic to Palau (Owen 1977). The Poly. the rnajor issrre. In fact, rhe most critical threats to tresian rat, Ratttts exulans, is also native to Palau. ten'estrial resorlrces are occtrrring because of di- Terrestriirl mamrn:rlian species which hal'e rect ancl indirect destmction of terrestrial habitars been introduced to Palau are more vaded. Species for development or other pr-rrposes. Cnrrently, of rodent, domestic animals such as dogs, cals, habitat conversion or destruction for reasons of

Road to and Ngchesor Stas. Rood buildlng ond buming not only destroy uplond forest ond odrer hobitaa,but can cause the degrudotion of soils through erosion. (photo: Demei OtoM) l6 Ienestriol envi ronm e nt

Toble 3.2 Notive resident or endemic bird species of Polou

Species Common name/Palau:rn name Status

Puffnus lherminieri Audubon shearwater, Ochaieu Resident Phaethon lepturus White-tailed tropicbird, Dudek Resident Sula leucogoster Brown booby, Kuel Resident 5ulo Red-footed booby, Kuel Resident

Pholocro coro x m el a n ole ucos Little pied cormorant, Deroech Resident Fregota minor Great frigatebird, Kedam Resident Fregato oriel Lesser frigatebird, Kedam Resident Ixobrychus sinensis Yel low bittern, Cheloteachel Resident Egretto sacra Pacific reef heron, Sechou Resident Nyctkorox caledonicus Rufous night-heron, Melabaob Resident Anos suDercifioso Gray duck, Debar Resident Megopodius loperouse Micronesian megapode, Bekai Resident Ro/lus philippensrs Banded rail,Terriid Resident Rollino eurizonoides Slaty-legged crake, Ulerratel Resident Poliolimnos clnereus Wh ite-browed rai l, Sngorech Resident Porphyrio porphyrio Purple swamphen, Uek Resident Gallinula chloropus Common moorhen. Uek Resident Sternc bergii Great crested tern, Roall Resident Sterno sumotrono Black-naped tern, Kerkirs Resident Sterno onoethetus Bridled tern, Bedebedechakl Resident Sterno fuscoto Sooty tern Resident Anous stolidus Brown noddy, Mechadelbedaoch Resident Anous rninutus Black noddy, Bedaoch Resident Gygis olbo White tern, Sechosech Resident Caloenos nicoborico Nicobar pigeon, Laib Resident Colli col u mb o conifro ns Palau ground-dove, Omekrengukl Endemic Ptilinopus pelewensis Palau fruit-dove, Biib Endemic Duculo oceonico Micronesian pigeon, Belochel Resident \rrogloux podorgino Palau owl, Chesuch Endemic Caprimulgus indicus Jungle nightiar: Chebacheb Resident Ae rod ro mu s yonikorensis Vani ko ro swift let, Chesisekiaid Residenc Holcyon cinnomomina Micronesian kingfisher. Cherosech Resident Hokyon chloris Col lared ki ngfi sher: Tengadidik Resident Coracino tenuirostris Cicadabird, Kiuidukall Resident

Cettia annae Palau bush-warbler, Wuu I Endemic Myiogro erythrops Palau fl ycatcher, Esisebasech Endemic Rhtpiduro lepida Palau fantail, Melimdelebteb Endemic Collu rici ncl o tenebros o Palau morningbird, Tutau Endemic Artornus leucorhyn chu s Wh ite-breasted wood-swallow Resident Aplonis opoco Micronesian starling Kiuid Resident Myzomelo cordinolis Cardinal honeyeater, Chesisebangiau Resident Zoste rops conspicillotus Bridled white-eye, Charmbedel Resident Zosterops cinereus Dusky white-eye, Chetital ial Resident M e gozoste ro ps polouensis Palau greater white-eye, Charmbedel Endemic Erythrura trichrao Blue-faced parrotfinch Resident

Source: Engbring 1988

17 Stote Ofdre Environment Report

res()rt der,eloprnent, road building aud other pur. done cluri n g th e.f apan ese adm i n istration (approxi- poses such as asriculture is increasingly taking rnately l9l4-t 945), llrt no records are available on place or being planned for areas of Koror and thcse activities. Babeldaob. .tthotrgh no assessnlent of the total Howeveq nlany areas in Babeldaob are nnw area of uplancl lbrcst destnrction is av:rilable, tlre cles i gna ted fbr- possible large-scal e de.vel opments. information ol1 cllrl-ent EQPB-pennitted earth- Llnfortruratell,, the oceanfront location of many of rnoving and dreclging projects (EQPB 1994) incli- the rnangrove forests makes thern prinre tat gels fclr cates thilt zrpproxintatc.ly 30 miles of'new roerds have destructicln for the pulpo$es of resort develop been built or are planned for areas of Babeldaob. nrent. With the increasing lbcu in Palau toward As well, zrlthotrglr little is known aboul the cconornic clevelopntent throngh tourism, this is quantiw of'terrestrial lrabiurt or I'egetation rvhiclr likely to beconre a rnole .significant issrre in tlte has treen clestroyed by brrnring, it is rrnclerstood firtnre. In fzrct, a reccnt pr'oposal fbr a large-scale that the origirls ol'sonre areils of savanna nray be resort dcvelopnrent in the village of Ngesaol in traced to btrnring activit'l' mther than natrrrzrl Korol callecl f ing lbr agrictrltural :rnd other prlryoses directly, posal for this prcrject is cun'entll,under reriew by clestrov uplancl forest :lncl other h:rbitals, :rncl c:rtrse the tlS Arrrrl' Corps of Engineers. tlre clesradation of soils throtrglr erosion. In aclcli- tion, sedinrentation resultir-rg liom erosion can 3.7.3 Demond for water resources srnother rnallgro\re lbrest habitat and have irrr ad- It is also clear that proposecl large-scale de,velop verse itnpar:t on the vert' basis of ntarine life in rnents caterirrg to both torrrists and the expectecl Pirlatr, the leef systems. increase in Palau's population may substantially irtcreasc the burden olr water rcsources in Palau in 3.7.2 Lorge-scole development the hrture. This uill be a major isstre frrr Koror State Fortrtnatelv, in the past, darnage to tl"re nrangn)ve in pilrticular althotrglr it is nf some national signifi- forests irnd otlter irnp()ltant lrabitats :rppeirrs t() can ce as well. hr cr eases in clemand fr.rr wate r supply have beerr mininul. According to F-nvironnrcntal tna!'ltave several efl'ects irr Palarr. Qtulirl* Protection Board recorcls (EqPB 199-l), Fint, new sourtes of fiesh water nray have to be the only significant destnrction tlf'nrangroves dtrr- tapped. For irtstauce. the Melekeok \4latershed ins the past ten yeam h:rs hrer:n the loss of lll-r act'es Mauasernent Plan indicilte.s lhat "increasing the irr State drrc to carlsevriry cor)struction. It storage capacity" of Ngardok l-ake by brrilding a is known thirt sorne filling o[ nrangrove fbrests was small d:lnr n:ight be olre way to generate aclditional

Sedimenution in ofthore woters of N ga rchel on g hos srnothered ond detrcyed mongrcvs, (phon rEroduced courtesy of Environmental Quoliry Proteaion Board) l8 Ienestriol e nvi ronment

water supplies lcrr increased development in Mele- ol'mangrove ftrrest. fieepage of oil and metals into ke<>k (US Soil Llonsen'ation Sen'ice l99l). How- rnans'oves fi-onr dris lanclfill site is cattsitrg sonle ever; such ;r clevelopmetrt would nrost likely ltave ittt cper disposzrl of solid wastes. poorl;" tle- tionillh' introdltced fclr httrnarr r septic tanks. E:rch of tltese pollution sotu'ct:s liuru cotrtrollecl situati ftrttrre. It'ms for llati\ie or endemic flora. althotrgh the Pollrrtion from solid waste disposal and clirt'ct intrrrcltrced cocollut beetle (Orvrles rhhnrnas) dicl f wastc also has potcrttial to adversely rrrtrclr rlamagc to cxotic cocorlttt pahn ( O

l9 Stcte Ofttre Enironment Report

$\ Notive polm,Pinanga insignis, in Brest Vegetotion seryes to hold soils ond prevent tl erosion, ollowing for the maintenance of water quality in Polau's logoon. ''v.ii!';r'i (photo:Demei Owbed) I

native iurd endenric pirlnr species grtu'ing en the hnmans. tlpland fore'st vegetation suppor-ts the Rock Islands, have been the catrse oI'thc denrise o{ Micronesian pigcon ancl the Palau fnrit b:rt rvhiclr these palnr spt cies in Rock Islalrd forest vegetation are hirn'ested for strbsistence and c<>rnmercial (Oarrfielcl 1981). purPoses.

3.7.7 Volue of endemic species Soil protection Vegetatiorr also serles to hold soils and prevent P:rl;rrr's enclernic plants represent uniqrre species err-r.sion, allon'ing frrr the rnaintenance rvater not found elsewhele. Etrdernic plant species, har.. of qualif,v in Palau's lagoon. This ing er,olvecl in the clist-irrctive enrironnlenI of Palarr, is indicative of the are obviorrsll'ecoIogically irnportant species for tlre manller in which terrestrial systems suclr as up maintenance

20 Terrestriol ewi ronm ent

matter into the othenrtse oligotrophic watem of srtclr as.fohn Engbing's lieltl Guide to tlre Birds oJ Palau's lagoon (Hamilton & Snedaker 1984). Pahu (l9lJB) is one irtdication of the growing inter- est in suc:h environmentally based actirities. Yalue for tourisrn Fruit bats are the only other purely tertestrial Finally, terestrial vegetation and habitat may have native animal species which is directly exploited by a value for tourism rvhich to date has been largely hrunans in Palau. Hrurting of fnrit trals for subsist- overshaclowed b,v- the spectacular marine enr.irorr- ence historically has not been prevalenl in Palau. ment in Palarr. With the new ernphasis on ecotour- Howevet; a comrnercial export trade of these isnr, torrrism in all habitats has significarrdy species to Grtam has occttrred in rccetrt titnes. expanded. It is very likely that, if desired. hiking Some dornestic livestock husbandry does and other opportunities to view terrestrial habitats occur, mainly in the forrn of pigs aud goats species Balrclclaob ancl elsewhere strccesslirllv in could be raise cl fbr subsistence purposes. Contntercial malketed to dmw totrrisrn. potrltry procluction is increasing, and Iimited cattle rzrnching occurs at the Nekken Fotestrl' Denrolr- Other uses stration Station. Bird species hgrrre significantly among the terres- trial animals which have historically been directly' 3.7.9 Ecologicol significonce trtilizecl by hum:urs in Palatr. Foods from certain birds, strch as tl'le eggs of the Micronesian mega- Asidc frour species which are directly utilizecl by porle, were resened for chiefs and thcir partictilar hrrmans, the great ecological signiFrcance ofcertain clau. Other bird species (such as pigeons and ten'estrial iurirnal species shoulcl also be tnen- cloves) and their eggs have historically been htrnted titrned. For instance, the diverse flora of Palau for strbsistence f

,,i+i.:;

Micronesion rnegopode bird nest. lncreosed use ofRock lslond beoches for tourism ond reoeotion hos resulted in disturbance of m egop ode nesting sites. (photo Demei Otobed)

2l Stote Ofthe Environment Report

especially important because extinction of one nesian pigeon. Aconstitutiona.l provision which de- species may have a great impact on other ecosystem signates shotgrurs as illegal by law has had some components (Gressitt 1954). effect in curbing the harvest of birds. Apparently, The status of terrestrial animal species is however, pigeons arr being shot and can be foturd strongly detennined by the availability'of adequate fairly regularly in markels in Koror. Pigeon is also habitat. In this regard, animal species are, by defini- :rdvcrtised and arailable at many local restaurarrts. tion, affected by anything which aff'ect.s the terres- Horvever, the overall level of haruest of pigeon for trial habitat. It shnuld be noted that the srnall size subsistence and cornnrercial purposes has not been of Palau, which lirnits its ten'estrial habitat fronr the quantiflecl. Dat;l Islands, may actually rl'srrlt in increased habitat for ance of Micronesian megapode nesting sites. Fire's seabirds (Engbring 1988). also destrny lrabitat of'avian species. Loss of avian wetlancl habitat clrre to development or clecliuc in Bot populotion issues traditional wetlilnd taro ctdtivation will also un- A recent survey of frrrit bat poprrlations in Palarr clotrbtedly be a maior issue in the firtrrre, given the indicates that these poprrlations are still at healthy increasing pressrrres for development (Engbring Ievels (Cassell, Otobecl & Aclelbai 1992), although 1988). there is so[re concenl over- tlte increasing export Illegal hrnrting may also be causing the decline of firrit bats to Gnzun. Fnrit bat populations rnay of some avian species in Palau. For instance, there also be affected irs a result of the loss of native is concem over the illegal hunting of the Micrr> upland forest habitat.

22 Chopter 4

Marine environment

4., Generol thc isolittecl tnitritte lakes in'side tltc Rock Islartcls hirre erolvetl ittto nr:rlitre slstc'rlls ttltiqtrc to Palau' 1'he Rcptrblic o{ Palittr is endowecl ttith a higlr level Krl'angel ancl Ngat'tt:urgel, to the trorth of tltr' bar- oI' cliveniitt' itnrJ abtrndartce ol' rrtirrinc t'esolu'ccs fier reel. itre irtolls rvith thcir owrr lagootr llucl leef rvhich historicall'r' lrirve provided one of thc tnosl svsrcnrs. In adclitiort to tltese reef :rncl lagtxrtl irnportarrt fcxrd sottrccs {krr the popttl:rtiotr. (irnr- res()urces. Palart has claillred a 20Gnrile F-xcltrsile rnercial clevelopttretrt of ttrarine l'es()r.ll-ccs is :rls<,r Er:r But. as uith other resotlrces pleviotrslv clis- the corrntry. Although figru'es Ior all trlltritte crrssccl, tlte sct'ttrirtg abtrrrclnucc: of' the tlrat'ine lcs(rul'ces are n()t availallle, it i.s cstirnaterl that leriourccs of (he cotlt-ltrf is tclnprrc(l llv tlte snlall Pirlatr ltas 1,357 inshorc fish species. B), conrpitri- base siz<: ol-this islancl niltiol). Ecrttlonric rlevelop son. the cAstel'n (larolint' Islancls al'c estirl)atccl to n-r(:r.lt straIcgics litr trtilizaticltr of ltrltrine I'csotlrces have 1,149 spc'cies, and tlre It{lrshall lslancls tt27 rnr.rst tltcrefirrt- fbctts on lll:ltritgelrtettt lbr contt"ol- specit's. Palatr also ha^s livt: ertdetrtic specics of lcrl and srtstairutltlc h:rn'est. rn:u'irte lish (Mt'ers l9Ug). The richness ol'rnarine habitats of Palatr has rrnclotrbtt-rlly selvecl to enltartce tlte clilersin'of its 4.2 Marine habitot nrarine rcsourres. Being a high islaucl, Babt-lclaob has pcrcnniltl strr::rnrs. rivet's, irncl rvcll clcvcloped 4.2.1 Range and distribution nlarlgl'ove Iorcsts rvhich ;rt'astll bitl' ccosrste ttrs in Nlicronesia. cltirnrrcls, rcef Ilirts, ancl rcet'slopcs irlso provicle Sanclr' bcirclt ltabitirt also interlirces the laltd prorl uctivt' fish in.r; grorrr rcls. irncl seit iu Palntt. btrt r,till bt: cxrttsirlct'ecl as ttrirrine Nttntcl'tltL\ Extensil'e reef slsterns are also l)rcseltt at Pele- hrrbitat lilr the putposes o[ this lcPOrt. lirr, furgaur, antl the Sorrtluvt'st Isl:urcls. Althotrgh isolntcd sandl'beacltes exist itr tlte Rock Islarlrls. not of ntrrch valtte for fislrelics rcsources to

23 Stote Of dre Environment Report

Table 4. I Estimoted area of fishing hobitots by stote (sq ,un) State Mangrove Inner reef Outer reef lagoon Total area

Anpur 0.0 2.6 -0- -0- 7.6 Peleliu 4.9 35.5 -0- -0- 40.4 Koror t.6 19.? t00.0 500.0 620.8 7.9 22.7 4.0 30.0 64.6 2.8 8.2 77.0 55.0 93.0 Nppang 6.3 2.7 7.1 t5,0 3 t.l Ngaremlengui 4.0 7.5 t2.3 t5.0 38.8 7.2 t3.8 I t.0 22.s 54.5 3.4 23.2 t7.3 23.8 67.7 t2.l 23.0 8r.3 325.0 431.4 t.3 5.8 -0- t2.l 19.2

Melekeok t.7 8.4 -0- -0- r0. I 1.8 6.9 4.7 23.0 36.4

Kayangel -0- 7.1 -0- 12. I 19.2

45.0 186.6 2U.7 t.033.s t,529.8

Source: Division of Marine Resources 1990 occurs along the northeast side of Babeldaob Island including Ngir.ral, Ng:rraard, Melckcok and I Ngurrchelong States. as well as Kavang(:I, Peleliu .? and Angtur and tl'rc Southrvcst Islancls. The variecl nrarirre environments of Pal:rrr ol> viousll, prol'icle lrabitat fbr n wide range of nrar-ine species. In purticrrlar, the laeoon and rcef flats, clxrmrels and leef slopes support sorne of' the richest arcas of nrirdne fhunil lorurd worldwide. Coral lect'habitat is also now the rnajor drawcilrd frrr :l lroonring tourist inrhrstr.y in Palarr. Sandv bcach are:rs havc rlways prol'ided irnportant nest- ing grotrnds firr seir tur-tles, ancl these:rrcas are also bciug incrciuingly utiIizecl bv totrrists.

4.2.2 Functions of mangroves As with any nrarine area, tlre integriq,of the ovel':rll rnarirre svstcrn ilr Palau is highly dependent on coitstal ecosJ,sterDs strch as lnangrove wetlands ancl shallorv rvater reef ancl lirgoon areas. Mangrore frrrests pelfcrrrn ser,eral finrctions vital to ln:lilrten- iurce of healthv irrshore marine resorures. First, thev prr'e. It is knor,l'n that snappers. nrilk- Iish, and g ouper species at lcast rrtilizc n)ansroves to s()nre degree in larval, jtrvenile, or udult stages (Hamilton & Snedaker l9B4). r\I:urgror,e q'sterns are also extrernely Prochrc- tive, and expoil a ltigh an

24 Morine environment

Mangrove chonnel. Mangrove forests provide spowning ond nursery grounds for mony species oflrnorine fsh, os well as providing o senling ond ftltering ground for woters entering Polou\ logoon. (photojDemei Otobed)

()rqilnic rllilttcr irrt0 tlrc ()ll)('rwisc ()ligotr

\r:l t cl's ol' Pltlatr's lagr xrt t. l)c'corttpt' ovt'r-ctlt l>ha- olllshor-c lislterit's. sizt'rl.'l-lrc rtr:tjori tv r tl- thc pct-t'cilecl op;tot ttttti titts groYe g Nlurr [i r rt'sls :rlso scrl'r' t o ;rrr^ itlt' a sct tl i n lot ittc't'citsill[l t:('()lt()lttic st:ll-strfllc'ierlcf itl Pirlatt t rr g t r u'al t:r t r-i r t hc' t luncl fil cri grrr ncl lirr- o's tt' ru lrtgtxr firt'r rs on rrtili zatiotr of' r csottrccs tr'lr icl t trrr- rlirc<'Ll1' of Palatr. In tlris lvav nr:lllgr'()\'t's I)r'cvrnL thc irttrrr- or inrlircctll rlepcnr[ertt rll.)()l.t c()ast;tl ntttt'ille ltabi- siorr ol'cxccss sc

u'atcr lau( )()rt arr cl rt'cl' itlclt.s prori ck' l r alri tltt nrr cl,z l vl' f'cccling R'nrrrrttls lirl. slrt:cics ol' Iislr ittrc[ irrvt'r'tt' 4.3.2 Development and l)l'irlcs. Irr Palarr. nlan!{r()\'(' firrcsts ilr-e tlx' lrabitat populotion Pressures ol rrrarrgrolt' c'r'abs irncl t larrrs. rthiclr lle irnptlrtlrrt Irt tltr' {itttrre. ttrarilrc ltirbit:rt irt P;llarr is likelv Ltr sttbsistr'ttc't' lrr

25 Stote Oft're Environment Report

D o m aged rnangrove forest in Ngotpong. (photo reprducd cour€sy of Envircnmenbl Quahty Protxtion BurQ

hv drerlgean cr:lb ancl cliun resotrrccs in this nrangrove area. irnd rophyll irr this :rrca, indicating a high potential fbr

26 Morine environment

Ngererneduu Boy, one of the lorgest coastol boy ecosystems in Micronesia. (photo reproduced courtesy of Environmentol Quolity Proteaion Boord) eutrophicatiort in the frrttu'e (lUarirre Bir:technol- larE5t'st esttrarillc area itt P:rlirtt. Erosiotr arrd serti- out'hrstitut(i 1990). rncntation createcl bl' cleteltlpmrcut of a ltrrge air- Polltrtion ll:orn solirl \\,aslr' (lisposal is also :rtr p()11 in this rcgion cotrltl lorver proclttctivitt' of'this issrre o[ concern. Althorrgh not itclcrl rratell' strrclied. in.rport;ur t coirstal b:l' lt :tbiti.tt ( Birkelzrncl et al' l 9tt9 )' pollrrtiorr crc?rtcd lrv leat:hing {i'onr thc Koror State Tltc resort tk'r'eltlpnrettt proposccl for Ngcsaol lanclfill is tlrotrght tr) bc hiu'intt irtr irnl;at't ou \r-:ltel' c:rlls Ior t]re rlcstrttctiotr atr alr:as :rrtd find tr'cb itttct-ircliotrs. licizerl projccts iu'e going^. throtrgh thc pernrit itllpli- Thtrs, altlrotrgh a strbstalltial anr()ttttt tlf' clttalr- cati()n r\rrrong tlrc' r'c<:enth' propOsccl l)l'occss. titativc clat:r is nOt at'ailable otr Llte stattls ()l urat'itte prrdects rtrc ri ncw intcrnirtiortttl :rir;rort itt ceutral habit:lt, it is eitsv lo sc(' tltirt tltc levt'ls of'r'irtiotts B:rlrlclirob. a nrrtlti-rrtilliotr dollat l'esot't lbr the trpcs of clevelopltrent u'hich nrilv afl'e ct this habitirr Ngesaol alcu, golI corlrscs in Airai :tncl Nlelekeok are ittcreasitrg in Pal:rtt. Skrtes, arrd firrther state rtxrcl rlelcloprncnt (EQPB 1994). Althorrgh ('ilclI of tlrcsc prrrjccts has tltc: environmentol plonning potential to rlirccth' attcl iutlircctlv allt'ct tuitrinc 4.3.3 Need for habitirt iu Palau, inrpacts fl'oru tlrc irirport ancl largt' A rnorc: cletailed ilsscsstllerlt

27 State Oftlre Enironment Report

funcls fiorn the tlS Department of the Intetior 4.4.2 Doto issues (Cook & Marago.s l99l). The inlbnnation con- Cirtchlevel data is incourplete or inadeqrnte for titirted in thc flornprehcnsivc Conser-ratiorr rnost sl)ecies. thrl.s stock status for the nriljority of Str:rtcg)' (C-lasscll, tloctrurerrt Otohed & Aclelbai species renrairrs trnknowrr. It is iruportunt, tllere- 199?) and this SOE Report, together rvith the in- ftrre, to gather nrore infomratiotr on inshore fish- lnrnration gairrcrl t.lrrough the Rapicl Ecological eries stock fbr nranagemer]t prrrposes. Horr'evcr-. it r\ssr:ssrnenl, shoukl be rrsed as a trasis fol ftrttrre is apparent tlrat therc is u clecline iu some of the platrning fbr strstainablc econoruic deveIclpnrent ir.r nrijr:r species, which h;rs carrsed col'lccr-rl. Declines PalaLr. Environnrcntal planning is baclly neecled to in species of grotrper, t-:rbbitfish, pan'otlish, iurd ctu'b thc" c[rrrent thrtrst lbr r..rpicl anr't: inftrrr:ted clecision ntakirrg. 4.4.3 Destructiye fishing proctices Ciiven the re.lirtivell, srnall arnount ol'overall Dcstutctive fishing pr:lctices trre At-r()tlrer c()ncenl. habitat in Palirrr and the {arct that rnost ol' the Althouglr tlaclitional fishing ulethods as clescribecl pcrccivt'd opportuniries fi:r econornic devclop- b1'Johannes ( l!)81) arc rured in sorne villages, fish- nlenl ?lre. brrsed otr the marine e nrirnnrnent. it is all inq nrethocls ar-c now predoruinantly modern: tmll- l'he rnor e inrpcr.rtive that an,v cler,el<>pnrerrt catrsing ittg, spear gun. hanclJrelcl spear; hzurd line, drop loss or clegrild:rtion of nrnrine habitat be carefirllv line, gill net, set net ('kesokcs'), portirble fish traps, rveighcrl for its costsj :rn(l benefits. Tl-ris planrring cast nets, an

4.4 Inshore finfish 4.5 Offshore finfish 4.4.1 Generol 4.5.1 Generol r\ high dir,emirr- o('insherre finfish species is present Titna are tlre in P:tlatt. N{anv species lire present in shallou+vater prinrary pelagic finfish species gr-oup tirrgeted [irr harvest fi'orn the Exclrrsive Econornic reels. The locations o{'spawning agur'csrtiolt siles Zone ol- tlrt- Republic o{'Pirlatr. Species of trrna Ibr several inshole species are also knrxn by local hitrrested in tlre waters of Palar"r irrclucle alb:rcore fisherrnrn. l>rrt are not documentccl. lnshr>re fin- ('l'lttmnus al,alu'nga). bigeye ('l'. ohavu),1'ellowfin ( 7. fish spt:cics groups which :rre harvest.ed in Paliru albarores), skipjack ( Katsrt,wonlts pelnmis), and sllapper-\i (l,rrtj:urieclae), include entpcrorc (Le nonhcrn lrltrclin (T'. mnrqii). Orhcr pelagic {infish thrir-riclae). g'l'onpcls (Serranidae). panotfislr t:rken in cousidemble quantities in Paliru inclrrde (Sc;rridae). \,\'r?sses (Labliclae), rabbitlish (Sigani- bl rte nrarl i n ( fiI ak a i nt n i g'i m n-s\,sail fi sh ( Is t i op h o rus srrr (Aciurath ( clirc ), {eon fish nriclae) . trer,alli es C;r- p k ttyp| t:t'us),stripccl marl i n, black nr arli-n, sworclfi sh, rangidae). :ur

28 Morine environment

(us, involvecl in cxploiting t.his resource. Duriug 1990 rt i,ip i, n ?t.i s, P. auri ril.kt, P zoru t Ap h n re u"t J:u tt: tt' t t,ts, A. fir'e fbr",eign fishing agreement$ were in elfcct, ntlikuts. ()n,allndntlex mossa.mbirrts, Iitelis turhu'n- which allowed sorne 487 \'essels to participnte in cuhts, Ii. contscil,tli, Ldhinus ntini.a.tus, L. utrliegttltts, o{fiihore fishing in Palau. attcl liph inep helus spp. Direct economic benefits to Palatr are mainly in the fonn of license fees, although Palarr ol> 4.6.2 Potentiol value viotrsly has opportrrnities to expalrct its irrvolr,etnent As said befcctu's in Palau. heavil)- exploitecl inslrot'e stocks. At present, it ap peam lhat irrcreasecl hat'r'ests of these resottt'ces 4.5.3 Potentiol for tourism corrlcl be readily absorbed by' the dotnesl.ic iurd The fact tlrat the prcselrce of offslrorc specics rnal' cxport market. represent an adclitionll lttrrction to the toru'ist inclustry in Palarr luts also c()rne to the attention of rnarine managemcnt and other indivicltrals. l)is- 4.7 Invertebrotes crrssior-rs hil'e taken place regaxling the cler,elop rnent of a tourist sportfislring inclrrstrl' centerecl 4.7.1 General on billfish, altlrough tcl clate uo clevclopmcnt lras Dir,elsitv ol'irrvertebrtte ttrarine lhuua is verl' high occurred. in Palatr. hrvertebrirtes which hzrve beetr ltatrested for sr.rbsistence or other pltrposes in Palatt inclttcle 4.5.4 Data issues repre$crl tutivt:s fronr the I'hyla ()rttslaceu, Iirhin oda' Data collcction on landings of olfshore species mutu, ilIollu.srn, itncl PofiliT a. frorn Palitrr's $,iltetri has bt'en cxtrc'rnely lirnitecl. At Species listccl as beirtg irnportiult or potentiirlly rnost, l:rndirrgs clata is availirblc ltrr tbc p:rst fortr inrporurnl rturtitre l-es()ut'ccs irt Palatr irtt:lttcle nran- vears onl\', arrd onlv fbr solrre corttparties. Due tc) grw:ttcr sh t'inr ps ( H cLn'ocallnn the Sorr[h Pircilic (.lonrrnissiort (SI'(i). have reccrrtlv rnsiJir zrnrvater crabs ( (]eryon begrrn ii pr()granr to rnonitor lrrna czurght lhlrrr gtttrtu.lulusl , m:ll1g-rolc clanrs (Arrndonita allta, ,4. liu'eign vessels. It is inrpcrativt' that such rnonitor. erl u ktt t u., I'oh n.rsu I a I r t h u ann, ancl'Ibrcltra lia sr nes t ri' ing progranls col-rtinrre, trncl that daur f}om srrclt atn). blackliJr pearl shell (Prlrturla nutrgariti[nu), l)lr)qnrr]rs is trtilizctl tcrspecics (n'hitc teatfish, Hohthu- srrstirirrable r ttil izatirrn ol' r lllih ore r('s()!rrccs. riu (il[irrrtt,h,ele) n,olilis, black teatlish, H. (tlinotlwlc) Jttscogifun, blacklish, Aclinalttygtt syr., srtlf rcrlfish, ,{. naurilinna, plickly reclfish, 'I'\rckwtla cnnrta.s, saud- ,srrttbu,, Actirnptgn rhi- Deep-woter frsh, tlolothufia e!'ellrlrnr. 4.6 finfrsh liles. irnd ngirtts, Stirl,:ofttts z'ariegulu.s) arltl bath sp()rlge, Spon giu oJJ iri n rtt i.t. 4.6.1 Generol All sc'r'etr spccies of giant clatn arrcl a slrccies of Deep>w:rter finfislt lcsoulces in Palau irt'e printarill' tr-ochrrs are also present itt the lviltels of Palau. firrnr tlre species groups ol'snappt'r (I-rrtjaniclae), Tlr cst' species, howevet, havc beer'r si gn ifican tl,r" drr ernJ)er'()l-s ([.ethrinidnre), artcl $ax)upers (Serrirni- plet.ccl. ancl no legal lrarlest o{' lliltl stocks is cl:rt.). Thc clonrinarrt cleelHvirtcr finfish sJrt'ci<:s all

29 Stote Ofthe Environment Report

4.7.2 Populotionlevels although seecl production lras not been as success- firl as hoped. \{ith tlre limitecl auloLlnt of data, it is irnpossible to BMD(I has clevelopcd a highll,srrccessftd prc> cletcunine the stlrttrs of mos[ spr:cies of invc.rte- gram in giant clam aquilcrrlttrre. Between 1986 and br;rtes lranested firrm ltitl:ru's waters. Sttrdies inrli- 1990, giant clam seed production increased irlrrrost cate , htlwever. that at least trvo of the more highlv tenfold, from I16,503 to 1,3ir3,296 peryear'. BMDC clernandecl species, tlte rnangrove crab iurd tlre is also workirrg with the folrrteen coirstal states of ('ocor)ut crab, may be cleclining ctre increasing to Palau to develop state clemonstt:rtion fanrrs ancl exploitatiotr. l,obster may' more populations lte sanctrrar-ies. In spite of this aqu:rculture success, sell'-susurining as rorrgh rveather limis han,est for intensive cornnrercial and srrbsistence harvest ancl year'. at le:rsl six rnonths of the The heavily exploiterl illegal poaching by for-eign vessels has coritinrrecl to poptrlatiotrs nral' also become warl' of fishennerr cause cleclines iu poprrlations ol'wild giirnt clams. arrcl lights art night. And since lobster lanae can be Recetrt srlr\,'e)is have led .sorne agthors to recom- rccrtrited to a given area frorn outside populations, Inenloitatiorr cle;lendir:g on the lesel of'eflort 4.9 Seoweeds ond oquarium fish: in the fisherl at a given tirne. Sirnilarly, species significant issues hanyested duliug urigrations, srrch :rs the l:rnd crirb, are susceptible t

30 Marine environment

Dugong. lt is estlmoed tha there ore nw fet'rer thon 200 dugong in Polouon woters. (photo:Demei Otobed, ph otogr o ph i c collectjon, Division of Conservotion and Entomology)

recognizc(l irr any fishcries m:rnirgernent plan for' Palarr.

4.r0 Other marine resource issues

Several rcs()ru-ces existirr{r in Palarr's rnarirte ec()svs- t.erns clo uot le;rdil1' fit into any of'the above cat- egorics. Thcse res()urces, wl-rich ltat'c bee n tr':rclitionallv harlested or arre thought to lurve potenti:rl firr h:rr.r,est. irtclude harvksbill seu turllr: (l".rctmor:helys imhriralu), ureen se:l lurlle ((',lvlonirt trydas), Of ir,e Riclley,sea ttrrtlc (l.cpidorh.elys olivn. rea), leatlrerbnck seir tttrtle (/)arnorhelys coinren), estrrirrirre crocorlilc ((lorotlyht,s fiorosu.s),

only' four cor,r.

3l

PAKT 2 Humen environment Chopter 5

Populotion

5., Overview growth rate of onh' 0.7 per cent was recorded (OfEce of'Planning ancl Statistics l9ti7). Limitecl Most of the envir-onmental ltroblems de.scribecl in poprrlation growth rates resrdt nrainly fronr con- this rcport are cartsed by, h.,tnot.t putting too nruch tinrrecl enrigration of native Piilatrans to the Unitecl slress on our-natur'"rl resoul'ce birse. The number of States, Cluam, Saipan, irn

34 Populotion

Table 5.1 Republic of Palau: 1990 census dota Population Change in poputation

State | 980 t990 Number Per cent

Aimeliik 273 439 166 60.8 Airai 648 t,234 586 90.4 Angaur 243 206 -37 - t5.2 Hatohobei 74 22 -52 - 70.3 140 137 -3 -2.1 Koror 7,425 t0,50 | 3,076 41.4 Melekeok 261 244 -t7 - 6.5 Ngaraard 437 3t0 - 127 -29.1 Ngarchelong 372 354 - t8 - 4.8 N93rdmau t40 149 9 6.4 Ngatpang t65 62 - t04 - 62.7 Ngchesar 364 287 -77 -2t.2 Ngaremlengui 358 281 -77 - 21.5 Ngiwal 247 234 - t3 - 5.3 Peleliu 609 601 -8 - 1.3 79 6l -t8 -22.8 Total for Palau I t,836 15,r22 3.286 27.8

Source: US Bureau ofthe Census 1990 (Government ofPalau 1994) rlations, pirrticularl)' the atolls, are lx)t felt to tl're subsistence lif'eswle which macle it possible fbr the sanre extent in Palarr, l'ecent trencls irtclicatc tlrat enrironmenl to sustain larger poprrladons itr the the situation rnay be changing rapiclly'. According past is still plcsenr in many parts of Palart, bttt nrols to poprrlation lbrcca.sts prepzrred for the Palarr and lnore people, especially in the ttrltan areas. are National lvlaster f)eveloplnent Plzrrrning exercise. fincling such lif-e inaclequate. They reqttire more of the cotrntry's poptrlat.ion will increirse to 20,028 in the nrodern sen.ices and other conveniettces, and nlonev ltence the prsh f uill be 10.804, or about 52 per celrt ol- total poptt- len'r. Without proper planning and rnirnagernent, lation, b), 200i-r, representing a fivefold increase tlris trrncl will contiurre, with iner.itarble irnpacts on lrom the 2146 rt-corcled for 1990 (PNMDP 1994). otlrer areas of Palatr. Althorrgh problenrs createcl by these detno Palau is a rapidly'developirrg corrntrT, with im- graphic trencls represent cer&litl threals t() stls. petrrs lirr change corning not from orre sorrrct' brrt tainablc

35 Chopter 6

Educotion ond information

6., Environmental educotion ness both of the environtnent and of govenrment efforts to protect the environlneut, it is also hprnent tices coulcl be critical to the efforts to prorlote is a problem at all levels in Palarr. Colrsequently, sustainable clevelopnrent of resources. trnsrutainable development is often accepted and pursued with little thotrght or- question. At present, ir National Thsk Force on Education is preparing irn Edrrcation Masrer Plan I'or Palau. 6.2 lnformation on noturat s)rstems The task is expected to be completed by September Altltough Palau's natlrral environment has been 1994, so an opportunity exists fbr acldressing the rvell strrclied ancl docurnented compared to many gaps in environrnent.el edrrcation. othcl Pacific Islarrd cotrntries, there rerntain signifi- \4/ith increasing pressrrre on Palau's leaclenhip cant gaps in knowledge and inf

36 Chapter 7

Culturel, histo rical ond archaeological resources

7.1 Cultural resources Islanrl comnrrrnities, ntAnv sttch laws pcrtainecl to the srstainable use

Eete/nut polms line the moin rood in Ngkeklou Homlet "[: Ngoroord Stote. (photo: Demei Otobedl

37 Stcte Ofthe Environment Report

non-l'illage menrbers were reqrrirecl to ask per- nrission of the corrlrcil of chiefs to use public d<> main l:rncls (Kancshiro I958). Nlirrine tenrrre systenN in Palarr, as Frrst detailed by.fohannes ( l98l ), were aclmiuistered in a sinrilar fa.shion to land tellrtre. Reel'and lagoon tenrtre denotect ownership of a specific marine arezr by l'illagc chrstcrs. These village cltrsters hld the riglrt to restrict access to thcir'{ishirrg grounds. Norrnalll',

Traditionol womenl money, toluk', made from tie shell of honlt|ic,bill Palatr, it lttrs also been docunrenterl tlrat ccrLrilr turtle. (Dhoto: Demei Otobed) easilv har-r'estecl rn:rrirte species irrc reservecl for harr,est cluring the rorrgh weather rnonths. This is of' land alld sc;r ltave historicallv been strictly trrre of milkfish in Pt'lelitr and

38 Culturol, historkol and orch aeolo gicol resources

Shrub, Phaleria nisidai, used in troditionol medicine. (,photo: Demei Otobed)

powerfirl a!'elrue f ated b),charrge. lished a polict' wherebv these ptrblic lattds woulcl

39 Stote OFthe Environment Report

t:r,en tr r:rlly l)e r etrrrn ecl to village*tates (Mc(ir r tcfi eon abll' 1lr-ovidc the rnost inrportant inrpetus for prer l9li5). In fact. thc letrrrn of lancls to villilgcs has erlation of valrrable asl)ects ol' P:rl;ru's ctrltural larselv n()t ()ccur-r'ecl, and sorrre of these l:lrrr :l rch neol ogi c:rl S bcen fbrurcl iu some Rock Island car,es c(x) p(-tilti oil bctr,l'een th c \4'cstenr ancl uacli Li0r r;rl (Snlclel l98ir). There is sonre specrilation that thesc goventing systcrns (Niclxrl.s 1 991 ). sites cotrlcl represent the 'l'irst shelten' of' earlv inhabitants o{'Palau. On lhc- other- l'rirnd, Iir-aner Potentiol revivol (1926) has docturrr:nted storit's n'hiclr "irnplv that the On a rtrolc positivc notc, sonle s()Lrr(es al.so poirrt (Rock Islancl) caves rvcre inhzrbitcd, lrtrt onl1,b1, p1y5- to inclir:ations that Paliur. as is trtre of irrclig<-norrs tical lx:ings". Other historical/axlrireoktgical car,e populntions lv sites irrc iclentifiecl br.stone patluvays, olcl platfrrrnr

40 Culturol, h isto rico I o n d o r ch a e olo gi co I reso urces

roads, platfbnns {br traditionzrl chie{i hottses. and Other rcrlrnants, classifiecl zu plrysical rctnaitls traditional 'bai' (men's hottse) founclations. The of'tmditional cttltttre tbr the put'Poses of this re- rn()st stdkirlg rernaining traclitionill rillage sites are p()rt. are relatively fev''. Otre such site. the last re- fburrcl in Ngatpang, Ngaraard, ancl Ngrrdrnirtr ruraining'bai' in Palatt, is fcrund in Airai State and States. is rhotrglrt to be eighqr yc'Zrs old. All other' 'bais' were destroyed during \!'orlcl \\hr II. A traditional Palanan r!?r calf()e and catroe horne also exists iu Ngiwal State. Canoes were largely clestroyecl during thc.fapanese aclministt-atiotr, in an effort l.o Pre- a\. vcnt Palarurns {ionr learirrg their rvork orlJapanese plant:rtions.

7.2.3 Contoct Period L.ittle information cottlcl be lottnd on histotical sites Ieliltetl to the cotltact period of histon' in Palarr. One site, Ertslislttnetr's Beaclt (Ulong Islancl) rvas so uatned becart.sc Claptain Henrl'Wil- son attcl his crcw (the fin;t L,uropt'ans to reilch Palatr ) [ived in th is at'eir wlt il t' rebtrildirt g their boat, "The ,\rtclope", which \\'zls wreckc:cl off tllorrg lslancl (Belau Natioual Mtrsetttrt I982).

7.2.4 Modern Period l\'{ost of the nrorrQhottt P:rlarr. The tnost lltlnlcrotls terrlatirts :rre ft.rrrnd or-r Pclclitt Islurtd. lvhiclt \4';rs tlle tllllill

Troditionol men's house, or'boi'. (photo: Demei Oubed, photogrophic colleaion, Division of Conser votj on on d Entom ol ogl)

1;!'.:=''

s=tv

Old stone poth. Remnonts of traditionol villoge sites are found 'L -i throughwt Polou,the most striking in --'l l*.-- -. Ngotpong Ngo roa rd, o nd Ngordmou 3 Stdtes. (photoj D emei Otobed) rt-

4l Stae Of the Environment Report

cetrter ofJapanese clefense dtrrirrg that w:rr. A dc- currently cletail sorne of these sites, and an addi- tailecl description of'these wilrrime historical sites tional brochrrre on this subject is planned. is prol'icled by a recent joint srudy by the govenr- nrerrt ol'Palatr and the US National Park Seryice to 7,2.6 Threats to sites investigate the potential for establishing a histori- However, the inteeriqv ol'historical and archaeo c:ll park on Peleliu (Governntent ol- Palau/US logical sites in Palau is threatened by many aspecls National Park Servicc l9tlfl). o[ modcrn lil'e. Most notably, Snyder (1985) incli- cates that the archaeological recorcl i,n traditional 7.2.5 Present volue ofsites villag;e sites near areas of rapid devclopmenr., par- Althr,rrrgh it is difficult to assign mor)erary ralrres ro ticularly irr Koror, is being desrroyed or orhenr.ise historical irnd arrhaeological sites. rhere is no doubt adversely afl'ected. Direct impilcls to historical and that they l'epresent valuable assets for the countly. archaeologic:rl sites created bv increased tourism To begin with. thel,providt'a phvsical link to the presence in Palau, althorrgh relatively nndclcu- pirst ancl to the history of a given area or people. r\s nrentecl, arr a car$e for concern. Effects on Rock such, exploratiorl of sites such as the early Rock Island village sites a.ssociatecl with itrcreased use of Islandsettle Inents (Sn1'der I985) can provide infor- these islancls for recreation and tourism activities mation orr aspects of'history lbr which no wr-itten have been noterl as a potential ploblem. record exisls. A; well, the virlue of l"ristorical sites in It has also been noted that, as access to and providing a sense of national aud cultural iclentiqv promotion of other historical ancl archaeological to a poprrlation is almost imrneasrrrable. sites or.r Babeldaob ancl elsewhere increases, some In recent tirnes tlrere has been increasing rec- cor-rsideration will have to be given to protecting ognition of the value of historical and archaeologi- these sites fiorn degradation which m:ry follow cal sites to the growing tourism irrdustry in Pirlau. increasecl hurn:ru presencc and arctivities. Snyder Although the marine environrnent will most likely (1985) strongly recommencls that increased sttrcly remain the prinrary attraction Ibr tourisnr irr Palau. of all historical and archaeological sites be purstrecl historical irnd archaeological sites will add another ancl sites adeqtrately documented so that sorte re- important dimension to the tourist experience. striction of access carr be implemented at sensitive Palau Visitorr Authodty' (PVA) toLlrisr brochures sites.

42 mRr3 Economic ond built o' envirp,nment Chapter 8

Economic fromework

8.1 Economic structure o,nd courrtry (Table B.1). Fede ral gn-ant funds (nratching development pote ntial or outright) rvere receivecl fi'om US agcncies such irs thc' tls Errvironnrental Protection Agencv 8. t,l General (which frrncls an analogorrs Palaruur ir€fency, the Entironrnental Qrrality Protection Boilrd, throrrgh TIrc l):rlarr:ur ec()t'lorlly is a ntixttrre of subsistencc Section I 'State' frurcls); the US Forest Service; and ancl cruh wpes. Approximatt'lv 3i3 per cent of the LlS Soil Construation Serlice. Capiull improve- Palarr's poptrlation ctrlrenth'lives in villages. zrncl is mcnt firncls were allocated for specific projects suclr hcavil,v clcpendent uporr subsistcnce proclrrction of ils road irnd Koror-Babelclaob briclge repaits :rnrl fioocl (Ca.rscll, Otobecl & Aclelbai 199?). Those tlte rtclr,national hospital. Again, these funds rvere Palauans empl<11'ecl bv the solenlrnellt, privelte, or proviclecl br,the Unitccl St:rtes (LIS Departnent ol- otlter sectors also partll" relv on sutrsistence actit State 1990). ilics. :llthotr.qtr littlc is klrown :rlxrrrl the exterlt of srtch rcli:rncc. On thc other h:rnd, the cash c<:on- 8.1.3 Locolreyenues ornv is becorning increasiuul,v preclorrrinant, espcr Locallv gener-atecl l'evenue accounterl frlr only' ci'.rllv in the Koror arcl.t. The brcakclolvrr of solrrces $10,?00.0(X). or ll|,7 pcr cr:trt of totill revenrrc frtr ol'qor,r'r'trrnent r-e\.cntrc. firr l-t)!10 is providecl irr | !)90. atrtl although this figrrre represents a substan- lirl>lt' fl.l tr:r trivc sonrc inclication ol- the econonric tial inr:rcase fronr the $ll million (apprrrximirtelv) rt'r'ertrrc an

44 Economic fromework

'.urd assistance frth n()tillg t-hat ploposals lor other trvl)es 0 land rne plannirtg: of clevelol:ment irnd invcstutenl lrave occtrrred in ,) Public adrnilristtation frnent Plert) (PNIVIDP) itleutify the ncerl t() prorn()te cconornic dr"r'elopnrent in alr elt\ironmentallv sustainable Economic development ln:lnner', t'nrirottntetrtal protectiott atrcl clevelop- 8.2 nrcnt irctivitics Arc ctrrrentlY trot w('ll integrated. fromework This is trnderstand:rble givcu tlrt'scattet'ecl tut- ture of thc e nrirourne trtal pt'ogrant in- 8.2.1 Polau Notionol I)r()tecti()lr lreriterl b1' Palatr, ancl the high lelel of ttucertairtty' Master Developm ent PIon regar

45 Stote Of the Environment Report

planrrirtg irr tlte PNIVIf)P's scoltc ol'ltork. rel)r'oi('nt cnrironrncrrtal protcction :ut(l the t'cononric clevel- ir vitlrrirblt^opP

46 Chopter I

Infrostructure and industry development

9.1 Generol of Palart. 'fhe Palau Visitors Atrthoriry' (PVA) is actively invoh'ed in prot-noting artd cncottr:rging As discussecl above, the Palarr n\atiorral N{aster De- tourism. In 1989, thc Consenation Eclucatiolr vclopmrnt Plau is cxpectt'cl lo pl.rt in placc au Divins A,r-chcological Mtueum ((IEDAIVI) in the r:conomic clevelopnrent progrirnr aimecl at long- tJnitr:d States dcsignatcd the rcefs and rttrclcrwater tenn anrl srrstirin:rlrlc grt wth, and an irnJrroved scencry of Palau to bc tltt' best of sevetr sites cle sig distribrrtiou of incorne. This rvill be achieved nated as tlre Seven Uttclenvatt't' \&bnclets of the through the developnrent anrl inrprovemcnt of in- \tbr'lrl. as has tlte Sntithsonian Institttte. With this fr?stnr('trrrc (roads, ail?()rts, sca p

orientecl dcr,eloptncnt fclr cxat-n1tle , for a se:c:cal nlent, l'll;rv have bcen tlte clcciclitrg lactor. Thc revelru(: was getlemted bv totrrist ex;renditurcs irr irlrovt' rlevel posccl clt'r,'cloptnent-s, il' brrilt :rs plannecl, rvotrld l'esellts :r sttbstantial irtcrcase flnrnr thr' ,$2 rlillion cilus(' ll signiliczrnt ilnloun(

47 Stote O[t/re Environment Report

Rock lslond beoches. Coreful plonning for tourism is needed if the beauty of Polou\ naturol enyironment is to be preserved. (photo: D emei Otobed)

:trllt't'sc itttp:rt't orr srrbsistt'rrcc lnrlcst lirrrn thc totuistl inrlrrstrr'. i\ r'r'port r'orrrrrrissitlrrcort's rt' ( ()nll'n('lt(l:rtions irrclrrdirtu tlrc cllI lirr lt torrrisrn r.'isiou lor It:rlitrr anrl thc strutcgit.s lirr' 9.2.3 Need for bolonce attairrinu it. Ital:rrr's lotu.isrrr visiorr is thtrs clcscrillcrl: 'ftrrtt'isnt 'I'lris is <'r'rtairrlv ll()t t() sirv tltal all tr'1>t.s ol' nill Irc rlt'r'clo1x'rt to llt' u kt'r't'<'onorrrit' rnt'rrt rt'lrrtccl lo torrrislu llre ncccssaril_v lrirlrrrlirl. st'c tor Iirr I'allu pr-ovirlcrl tlrlt

9.2.4 Commitment to plonning 'fit'() lll)cs o{' r'<'r't'rr ut' irlc ('rlr'r'cntlv collcctccl fi'orrr Il is filrlruiitlr', tlrt'r't'lirr'('. lllirt llrt's-()\'('r'luu('llt llils t'orrrrttcr<-ilrl h:rrlcst of ruar-irtt' l'cfi()ul'ccs i rr Pitlltrr: Ir()\r llrk('n st('l)s t() ('nsur'(' l)rr)lx'r-plannirru of'llrt' (I) thrrrrrglr local Ilrrrlirrss iln(l cxJ)ort

48 lnfrostrucure ond industry development

recf frsh, nrarlgr-ovr ctalls. lobstcr, atrd other lnilnilgcrn(:lrt plan lbr sttstairtatble trrartagenrerlI Iisheries; :rucl arrd rttilizatiotr rll'sttclt res()tll'ccs. (?) rrrainll'licerrse fees lrrr lrrreign lxrats operatin${ irt the Excltrsive Ecouontic Zone ol' 9.3.2 Offshorefsheries P:ilau (US Depiu'tnrent of State 1990). For"eigtr fishing agl'eernelttli to alltrw lbr ttlna fi.sll- irtg rsithin Palatr's 2(Xhnilc EEZ rrle negol.iirtecl b1' 9.3.1 Inshore fsheries tlrt' Palarr l\,laritinrc ,'\trtltorin'. Dtrring l!)90. fivc Accorcling to Division of'Marinr: Resotuices rccortls. filreign lishing agrecrllents wet'e itr elfect, allortittg Pirlatr's t\'2ttcrs. Licettse fecs aI lt'ast 25() nrctric tons ol'r'eef fish. ruangrole crub. {lJ7 r'essels tt-r fish itr in lf'ttrna, billfish, :rnd shark rcsourrcs, trrd abotrt the abilitr,of stocks to strstairr nlctric lvelc lttrtclecl b1' thesc t'ess<'ls i,1 lf)!]0 (Division o{' cufrcnl rlr ltieire r lei.'els ol'han'est. Tht' Division ol Itlarine Rt:sortt't:es 1990). Bt't'irttse statistics werc Nlarinc Resorrrces. thc go\'('l"nnl("tlt lll('ttcv uot irvailnble lirr Itatlcst rlrtrilrg all nrotrths of l !)90. chargcl' thc liurdirtgs ol- tltese fbrei.qrr Potential concerns fislrirrg vcsst"ls is st:t-tt to lirinatr fbt' 1lt'tressirlg ()r Ser,eral p()tcntial concerl'rs c:trt be dcttltcctl h'ont sold ltr:rlh' (Divisir-trr o1'Marirte Rcsotttccs 1990). initial Divisiorr ol'Nl:rr-inc Rt'sourt'es rl:rta. artd fl'nal lisherrrrcn. Fi lst, thc' rlern:rnd Iilr i rrsl.rore nrlrri rte lcs() r.lrccs Potentiol concerns Iras clefirritelf irrcrea.rcrl ()\'('r' thc pasl dt'r'lrlc. Res- N()t ntuch stock irsst'.sstrtettt ltas bcctl thc .Sasecl on pcr- ol'tltc cr.lr-rent lcl't-l of ltarlest, irtrcl abottt tht: ittr- s

49 Stote Ofthe Environment Report

srstirinable and acceptable in thc lorrg terrn, thc a nelv and potelttialh'lucmti\fe tourisrn sector based

goal of increasins l()cal intr>lr.'ement and incrcasing on ofllsl rrlrc sportlislt i ng. Ir>r'al rel'enuc, rllone r,r'itlr thc collection of spec:ics The Palar"r Fishing Orxnrrrunitv Dcveloputenl ilssessruent data, rrrrrst l)c itrtegraterl rvith il rnaltirge- Ploject has ltcor faciliurtecl throrrgh frrnclir-rs fronl nlent fi'nnrewolk lilI thc irrchrstrv. the gratrt aicl proerarrr of the.fapaltese gove,r'ntrrcrlt. Through this proiect, nrml fishing ports ancl fir- 9.3.3 Other /isheries development cilities havc been dei'elopecl in A.ng:rtrr ancl Ngar- chckng. anrl sirtrilar cleveloprtrerlls arc proposr.cl Fisheries cler.eloprncrrl l)r'c)gmnrs lcnrair.r a stron{r ftrr Ngatpirng anc[ Mclekeok. The Palarr ]'ishing as[)('ct of fishelics nlnnilgenrclrt in Palau. Thc l]clarr Arrthor-in' (l'Fi\) is also wolking to establish fish- Nlaric'trltu re f)enrorr sh-"rtion Ccn ( BN{ D( I rvhiclr tcr ), e r-ics coint filr sea {irrrrring teclrnokrgl' (Divisiorr of Ntar-ine Resorrrces 1990). and tr:riniusin the Par:ilic. ivl:rjclr prruriurrsof BNrlD() have firctrsed orr the prrlrhrctirrrce. Altlrotteh the amount of dorncsticalhf prG Fishcries der,elopmcnt work throrrsh tlrc Divi- dttcecl agricrrlttu'irl prodrrcts is srnalI irr ctlrnparisorr sion of'Mirrine Rr:sotrrces hirs fclcrt'secl orr inftrrlra- to the quantities whiclr are irnponecl fiom otrtsicle, tion clissenrirration. tc.chnical trairring of stafl. dornestic production remair.ts an intportarlt sector rcsearc:h on han'esl of :rdditionirl spccies, ancl dt' f veloprnent of' actclition:rl I'isheries infiastnrctule. grarns of the l)ivision of Agricrrlttrre and N{ine ral Th'o rnajor fisherit's developrnent projecls o[ tlre Resourccs have been airnecl at incleasiug clomestic Divisiou

50 Infrasyucture ond industty development

ovcr thc' qurntities arrrl tr'pes o{' pesticirtes applic'd to lhrrns, artd the lx)tclrtixl tlrcrclx'{irr cortt:trtrinn- tion ol rivcr witter fi'ont tlrcsc sourc('s. ()lx,iorult. the issrre o[ trainitrg :rnd rlonitorirrg lbr brurtirtq irrrrl pesticiclc rrsc rrrrrst bc adrlrcssecl in a Jrrorrrlurt filr strstninable agrictrltrrrc in l)llar.r. .\nother problt:rrr is [ht'irttrrlclrrction of anirnlrl or plant species or clisc:tst's lr'lticlt nlav tllreilten cxisting s1:ccies. lixarrtples of tltcse clisctrsscd alrol't' irrclrrrle .seluria (intrrrclrrccd to pror"irle lirr>cl |.br- lir,estrrck), c()c{)r-rrrt beertle (Oryrte.s rhinoutttts ), and tu'o irrtlorltrc<'cl bird spccies. lhc gleratcr srrlphrrr. r'r't'sterl cockatoo ((,ucrtl ttn .qalcrrila) attrl lhe ct'lectus pirrrl)l (Iirlrclus nnulus), u'hiclt eat tlte tcrnrin:rl ltrrcls of'sevelirl n:rtirc urrc[ t'nrlcnric Palnr s1>ecit's grorviug ott tltc' R

9.5 Water ond sonitotian A Toiwonese pestcide.The increasing use oflpesttctdes poses o threot to locol woter supplies, ond lobelling in Toiwonese mokes their con- tents unidentifioble in Polou. (photo reproduced courtesy ofErwiron- 9.5.1 Present concerns mental Quolity Protecion Boord) \\Iith thc expecte(l incrcase in the nrurrber of torrr- ists irnd reslclerrts, rvatt'r'srrpplv ilncl sanitation alc nee

5l Chapter l0

Pollution

10. t Generol ,0.2 Solid woste

Pollrrtion is not vc.t a critical issrre in Palau. In fact, The problern of solid r+nste is uot vet apparent in in nrirnv respects, Pirlatr has one of the ntost pristine P:rlau l>ut uill beclid lvaste due to poprrla- itr both torrrisrn ancl the gencml poprrl:rtirln, tcr tion ir-r creirse, irn iss rrc c hatactel'isticall V :.rssocia ted ittcreiused availabiliw o[ ilnportecl consrrurer prod- rvitlr the tourism indtmtn is high use ol'disposable ucts, to an irrcrease in the nrunber of inrhrstrial-t,vpe itelns. Pollution lionr s<;lid rvaste clisposal :rnd di- :lctivities - nlean that the potential exist.s for rect waste clurnping illsn have the potential fctr serious prrrblctns to der,elop in the futrrre. A}eadr,, adve rse inrpacLs on tcl'r'esttial habirat. Tl'ris issrre is thc issrre clf'pollrrtion is a rrorving coucenr in Parlmu. particularlv t'elevant in rnangrove habitirts, lr'hictr 1;articrrlallv r.lith rcgilrd to inrproperh' treirtecl scw- iuterlace land ancl se;r. irue; pcsticidcs; arrd rtaste disposal into nr:u-itre hr Palarr, such pollrrtiorr is currentlv an isstrc in rverters. S

So/id woste dumped in m an grove a rea. Lea ch otes from londfills ond direa waste dumping ore lkely to contominote su rfoce water, ground wqter, ond morine hobitot. (photo reproduced cou rtesy of Envi ro nm entol Quolity Protedon Boord)

52 Pslhrtion

forest. Seepage of oil and nietals into manpJroves (l>) ill-effects to healtlr catused by *y of the from this lanrtfill site is creating some eontanrina- above; and tion to the mrrounding marine areas (EQPB (6) effects on landvalues. 1991 ). Pallu is ih an excellent position to establish The unsafe disposal of solicl waste has the fol- policies, arclnrinistmrive armngemeDts, and ad- Iowhrg m4jor enviTcliruental iurpacts, rome of eqtnte resources to prevent pollution problems w}ich have already been notqd above: fiom getrirrg otrt of control, In this regard, culTent (l) the creation crf leachates, attd conseqrrcnt work by the US Envirou-rnental Protection Agency contramination of surf;nce warcl; gtor,urd in snrdying waste and sewemge reqrrirernents in water, and marine h:abimq Pnlarr corrld provide a good basis for developing an (2) the blockage of drainage. inclrrding flooding effective pollution control and waste management (3) the proliferation of pests; stlare8y. (4) air pollutiou caused by garbage burningand gaseo,us contamination ;

53

PART 4 Manogement ofthe environrnent Chopter I I

Legis lotion ond policies

I l.l Generol L.3 Resource issues

(lrrtr-cutlr'. thcrc arc rrtarry' larvs in place li)r' pr()tcc- \Vith rcsard to rtsottrrc c()nscrvAtion, clkrrts to t,ir.rn and cousrrvation ol the enviror"rnrent. 'flrc brrilcl a rrational enfrlr"cenrent pl'oqr:ull hrrve been Palutr National Corle. lr,hich is a cornpilation r.rI constlrlinecl bv lack of r-esorrlces. Sftrte enforce. statut(:s govt'rning tlte Reptrblic, is relativcll cortr- nrellt progliuns havc been everr nrore linritecl, ancl ;rrchensive in its trc;rtrncnt of the ern,ironnlr-nt. those whi<'h cftl cxist havc not bcerr elTcctively, car- Frrrtlrernrorr', tlte statutes frnp()rrer the reler.ilttt riccl orrt becarrsc str ong kinship lnd conrnrnrrirl ties govcl'n!'ncnt rnirristrics ancl brrleaus to drirfi and within suttes lencl to unclernrine the rr'illineuess of srrbmit spccific picces r their' errvirorr rrrerr tal protecti()n l)r()gr:rnls. I1.4 Permit process

, 1.2 Enforcement issues Part of dre problern is the inaclcquaq,ol'thc cun'ellt in{ilnrral tu.rsrrltation rnechanisrn ktlveen EQPB Muclr opinion irr Palau supports the idca tlrat ad- and the ()tlrer resorrrce manilgernent agencies over' cquate legal safegrrarcls rlo exist (br the purpose o[ thc fonner's permit revierr pr'ocess: the rcsult is th:rt protecti rrg the envi ron mcn t irrr cl srrst:ri nable clcvcl- pe'nnits are sorne:lirnes issued rvithout assess- opnlent of resorrrct:s. There is sonte cr)rrcenr, h pr'

56 Legislation ond Pollcies

rlol agencies ancl considered before a penrlit carr be adverse efTects on tlte environnterrt il'they are use issrred. considere d ar-rd cleveloped with itr a proper latld With regard to foreign investnrcttt perrnitting planning fratnework. Sotne cotrccm alteady exists procedures, there is rro requiremelrt fbr consttl- over iucteasitrg prontotion of sites b1' the Palatr tation with any of the t'esource Inirnagellrelrt agen- Visitors Atrtlroritl', and of the impact-s rvhich could cies before a pennit is issued. This has given rise to restrlt liom strch promotion' a .situation whereby peunits for itrvesttrrent are Latrcl nse plelnning rvill be :r nrajor focus of sometinres approved bef

57 Chopter 12

Government administrotion

,2., Generof presidc over the execulive lrranch of the nirtional goverrlrnent. A council clt'traditional chiefs, ltitlr The organiz.atiou of governruent is a significarrt representadves frorrr each state, also exists to adl,ise clenrent in the rnana$Jetnetrt and prnt.ection of the the Presiclent on mattem concenring tradirional ctrvironnrerrt since govemment lras a central role laws and custonrs. to perforrn in this are:r. Iu Palarr, this role can be The national executive bmnch o1'the Republic srunnrarizecl as follolvs: of Pallrr uias lccently reorgirnized uncler Execrrtive ( t ) establishtneltt of environmental policr* and Orcler #89, issrred in 1990 b1' rhe President. Eieht coo rclination of enrtronmental programs: rninistries conrprise the Presidential Cabinet of'the (2) lau' erractment anrl enfor<'emenq executive blanch. Each of these ministries, in trul. is cornpclsed of btrreatrs ancl (3) pror,ision o{'techrrical skills and standard;; divisions. The Olbiil Era l(elulau (OEK) is the narioniil (-{) r esource :rllocation betrveen difl'erent legi.slative bocly of the Reprrblic of Palau, and is furncti<-lr-rs; and conrptlsed of two equal hornes, the Senate and the (5) prorision of ptrblic eclucation irnd inforrnation. Hotne of Deleqates. The menrlter;lrip of'tl-re OEK Responsi bili ty fcrr e nvi ronrnerl tal Inanageme n t includes 14 senators and l6 clelegates, ancl the in Pal:ru, as irr illl corurtlies, is spreird ilcrl)ss a rvide apportionment of the Sentrte is deternrined ever-\' spectr-um of'sovcnrrnent agencies. ()nc of'the big- eigltt vears. Cr.rrrcrrtly, nine ser)irtors are from gest clrallcnges, thercf frurctions to :rdmiltistr.r tlre statutory an(l other laws vide a basis lrlr tlre allt-rcatiou of rcsorrrces ancl of the Rcprrblic. The statutot)' larvs are coclified in responsibi l i tv ilcross the govern rnen t sect()rs. the Palarr National Cocle, rvlrich was fcrr lhe nrost The prrr'post' of this section is to outline the ;rart carried over fi'oln thc Tnrst Territorv (lode. crlrl'ent stnrctru'c of governrrrerrt in Palau, iclentilj, Clrrstorrraw traditional aucl incligenorrs laws of whiclt gr'()ups have rcsponsibilitv for clifflerent sec- Palarr, sorne ol'ruhich hirve becrt recordecl. ar e given tors, ancl clescr-ibe the cootclination zrrrangentents the firll force of lan, as lons a*s lhev are not in benveen thern. conflict rrith statulorl' or othcr wdtten laws.

| 2.2 Notionof government: oyerview 12.3 Stote goyernments

The nati

58 Gover n ment odmin istrqti on

in tlrat, under a Clonstittttional pror,isiotr. theJ have (.1) Illegal lrarvest of rcsoutces, or poirching c-xclusive ownercltip ot'thcir land irtrd sea resolll'ces cl rtri n g of'f*eursotrs ot' fio l n prese r\re 21 reas. or.rl to l2 nar.rtical ntiles. Today, $ixteen surtes exist (5) l,ack of knowledge otl l'esottl'cc levels and otr in Palau, lraving ev

I 2.?.2 Resource /environment rore t c o t t o r rtir dat e lo\rntry t. S t:lte rep rescn ta tives inclicatecl they would like to be activcly As thc excltrsive owrlers of all living arrd r-rtln-living involved in the NLtster Plallrrillg process. resoul'ces, except highlv tnigratory'{ish, fiom tlte Larvs are lirncl to l2 narrtical uriles (Aniclc I. Section 2, (2) I)ndiittg roturntulion lcgisfutiort. tcl address llelv Llses o['rcsottrces, Reprrblic of Palatr ( lonstitrrtion) . statcs are resPon- neeclt:d aqrti.rlitun fish. Koror sible firr the tnatragcmetrt irnd clevelopnrent of :rll sttch :u collcction oI sotue of these issttes res()rlrces u'ithin tlrese botrnd:trics. State hopes to aclrlt-ess iu the litttrt'e. Stote resource /envitonrnent (ll) Solirl uuusl.e rlisNnsal pngrams. Prugram monagement toskt devcloplrret-rt tvill be pttl"litle(l on issttes sltclt Lcgislation to fees on (l ) Establish latvs ancl a lrcrlnittitrq st'stetn as recl'cling. PLlt tnal'be otte ntecltittrism rnecl to r egrrlating sonte of the marine atrcl temestrial bottles res0rlrces. protnote rcct'clitrg. (2) Prohibit illcgal hatrest or illegal rnethocls of (4) .\nuera g'e $s t ent .s t ud\/ imlrouP nmrLs. The hart'est lru' ntiujt'te or tert-estrial resottrces selvage tfeatnleltt plant in Kor-or is rapidly on thrortglt thc stirte cortsctl:atiott crtlorcetneut approach irrg capacirl. A strr

< iert tl,v. Koror Stote government concems tltc' Korrlr St:rte areir effi (6) Rarinu oJ hnrl nse Pkmning. lVr>rk is tteecled ( l ) Declines i u rcsource irbtttrtlatrce cre atecl b1' to l'evietr' the currettt.stale tlf'lltlcl tuse atrcl rlirect rlvcrltitrt'est of' trtarittc atrcl terrestrial l:lnd ttse planning irt Koror. It is not t es()urces. currctrtlt' knr-rtt'tt horr'tlris issttc tr'ill be (2) Sigrtificant irtcreases in poprrlatiotr artcl adch'essed, although it uill be otte of the totrrisnr in Korot'. Incre:lst:d plcssttte litr rnajor ftrci ol'tlttr Palirtr N:ttitltlal Master'. clt'r'e lopnrent of ronrts, hortsittg, ittlcl resorts Dcveloprncttt Plan. are likell' to tlestrov or have atr adve tse inrpact olr l'esourcc habiult. [rtcte:tsed sewagc ( sccliurclr t;r ti on arr cl oth ct' itnpact.s )utfloh,, . leadershiP rrill also foll<-rw itrcreasecl dcveloprneIrI ancl 12.4 Troditionol htunitn l)reser)c(1. , 2.4. I Overoll descriPtion (i3) Ir-npacts to water:rud otlret'l'es()ttrces cleatcd lly changing kurd rtse patt(:r'rls rrrtd changing Despiter thc high level o{-cleveloprneltt cll-\A'estern techr-rologics such as increirsirtg pesticide rrsc. g()\'cnrtllel)t infr:rstntctttre itl Palatt, tlacUtiorurl

59 Stote Ofthe Environrnent Report

It'adership retains a presence in Palarran socieq, ( l99l ) flound th:rt respect for and compliance r,"itlr attcl governnrcnt. The truditional fonn of g()\fent- traditional la'ws, :rt least fbr nrarine resoulces, is rnent irr Palatrwas through village b:rsed clrief coun- n'aning. cils. Each village hacl a cor.rncil of ten nrling chiefs One reason f<.lr this clecline in tladitional ('klobak') and a par-allel adl'isory c()utrcil of len p(rwer nrav be the fact that poachers and nther female chiefs ('klobak-lnsisten t wi th the (lonsti ttrtiorr ( (iovenI nrent of sibility f

60 Gov e r n m e nt od m i n i stroti o n

Division of Consewoton ond Entomology Offtce. (phoo: Demei Atobed, photogrophic collection, Division of Conservotion ond Entomology)

Nl:rr-int: Resotrrccs, the Divisiou of' r\gricttlttu'e an(l nati()n:rl (:()llsct-\'itti()tr < llfi ct'rs. This cotlscr'\'itti()ll N{iner:rl Resotrrccs. an

\rils :U)pr'oplilttecl fprtteut rttrcl ntalta!{c- rr,ork ol' t h is af{c rx'\' rlve rl:tps si gt r i li c'a n tJy rr'i tl t thosc- lllent l)r'()grarrrs, lirncls havc t

6l Stote Of the Environment Report

(3) fvtarketing ancl promoti()t'l of econonriciilly srntai rrable dcvcloprnen t projects which benefit the local econontv and enhance the qtralitl' of lif'e of the people.

Future priorities ( | ) I i njnwn o t,! r t l' e n dn n,gcret l .slx,t: i t:s i t n ltott / t'xpor I pnhihitirtns. Witlr assistance fiorn rhe US Fish and \Alildlife Sen'ice (nronev and training), thc Ministry rvoulcl likc to dt'velop arr enftrrccrnr:ut l)rograrn rvith trt least one agr:lrt responsible f

possible .

Palau Maritime Authority (PMA)

The nririn task

Resource /enyironment man agement tosks H(xernrlrelrt of'Pidarr lrill be expected to irrslune ar'l (1) Development of srutainable fisheries increirsins slrue of financial respousibility. It is not for certain, t.hercfirre, horv the level of' firnding lor off'slrore rnigratory and non-nrigratory species suclt as trrna, lrillfish, ancl shark, anrl enl'iror trnen tal nruagemen t ancl .sr rstiri nable resot r rce cleveloprnent lvill chan.ge, if at all, in the firture. lirniting the nurnber of boirts adrnittecl tcr fisheries if necessar-1, to attain a sustainable level of hitn'est. (2) Setting stanclarcls ancl requirements fbr t2.6 Specific government agencies toleign vcsst-ls wishing to h:ln'cst res()r.lrces fiom the EEZ of Palau, thnrtgh liccnsing Ministry of Commerce ond Trade ancl tregotiations. The Nlinistry of Oornnrerce irrrd 'fi'ade pronrotes (3) Monitoring the statrs ol'ofl.slrorr stocks and ancl regrrlatcs t'conornic an sctting linrits cln han'est whele neccssary. ment proposals and projects. Major concerns Resource /environment man o gement tosks O Possible overfiar-r,est ;rnd poaching clf ( I ) Developnrerrt of sustainable tr;rcle and ollihorc stocks. exclrange of natru-al r.es()luces of Palar,r. 0 Polltrtion fronr disposal of'wastes frclnt (2) Prohibition of unregulatcd irncl illcgal lishing f orei.qn fi slrin g vessels. in Pirlau's EEZ. t Nonpoint soru'ce polltrtion tl'om terrestrial

62 G ov emm e nt o d m i n i str oti on

or other sources which hirs an advctse impact Resource /e nvinonme nt mana gement tosks on the off'shorc fisheries. (l ) Maintaining for irll Palatnns and fbr{itttrre O Decline in population of ittshor-e species gelrcratiotts a sal'e, healthy, prodttctive, attd which pr'ovicle'foocl for offslrore stocks. aestheti cally pleasing c:twirounrent. t [,ack ol'ottshore infrastt'tlcture developnretlt (2) Presen'ing the ecological ftutctiolting of to rnaximize econornic beIrefiLs to Palau lrom lrattu'al air. wirter, and soil systelns which humart this indtntry'. influencc the qtrality of the envirolrtnetrt. Future priorities (3) Allor,r'ing for the widest range of beneficial (l) Increaserl cuPt"ltilit's and cjJidenry oJ' uses of' the ertlirot-ttllcnt withotlt degrad:ltion, risk of'health or saf'ety, or other sunrci I ku lt'r,/ t:nforc'ement ltrogaut.s. Finar-rcial consequences. assistance ittrd training frour Lhc US undesirable ancl tttritrtended Departmeut of the Interi<.rr, the US Coast (4) Aclvising attd edtrc:ttinc glottps or incliridrrals Ilatttt'al envirotrtnent Cltrard or lhe US Nary irte neecled to on the statt$ of Palittt's quality' impletnent and improte tlte ctrretlt ancl threats to etrl'irotrmentjll patrolling pros"anr fbr the EEZ o1'the Major concerns Reptrblic rlf Palau. Law ettfbrceuretrt is (l Roacl brrilcliug, resort. or othe r developmetrt cru-rerttly iuacleqrnte. ) projects ()l' trse of resotu-ces whiclr diI'ectly or (2) Ilfumagnrutn.l sustahrubb utilization of o.fl.shorc for inclir-ectly hal'e irn itnpact nn soil, air, <>r water rusotnres of Efforts will cotrtinue marinc Puktu. qtralitl' through drcdging, earthnlo\ing, to assess the status olt <>f fshot e matitle irnd/or filling of tnittrgrtlt'es or otlrer aquatic resou fces and clevelpetative - in Ktltur, fbr - land{ills, particularlf llartly studies where PVL\ aclmirristers penrlits throtrgh increased ttse of trott- ancl the Divisi<,rn of iVlarine Resortrces bioclc gI:rclable prodtrcts, part ictt larll' by' pe:r'fcrnns data artalysis will coutintrc; t.he tottt'ist indttstrl'. (b) for errfirrcernent PiMr\, tlte Nlinistrr of' (3) Crlntanrin:rtion nf ll'eslr and nral'ille water - Cornnrerce iurcl Traclc. and tlte Attotrtet' created b-v terresttial or tnatine rvasl.e Getrer:tl's Officc tll lrilve sotnc dttrnping :tttd ltse of pesticicles' responsibi lin' ftrr stttrreillat tce ol' tht: EEZ (-t) Lack of knou'ledge bv the getretal public, of Palatt. Atteinpts to coorcliuate the brtsi t-tcss perlple, :rtt rl govetrlmetrt iurplernentation of thc sutleillartce atrd rcprrsctrtati\res ()ll tlte potetrtial inlpacls of otr etrlirrcetnetlt pn)gr:lnr will cotrtintte. clevel opt netr t :t tld,/ tl t' cla]'-todav ztctivitics euvironnt(:nurl qualiry Boord Environmentol Q uality Protection Future priorities (EQPB) (l) I'ttltlfu edurutiott progranl A public 'Ihe rnajor objectirte of tht' Etrvir'otrtrtetrral Qtrirlitl' envi rott tuen tal ecl urcirti t) tl progrltll't existecl Prolection Boat'cl is to ettsttrt'tltirt thc qualitrl of the previottslv tltrtluglt flqPB. llttt lras lrot been resptltrsible hrutuln euvirotrurettt o[ tl-re Republic of Palau - in efT'ect sitrce the staf{'ttremher thc air. soil, atrcl water is protecte(I. EQPB lcft the a!{c'ncv lirst vt::rr. This progranr - rep()rt$i dircctlv to the Presicleut. inclrrdecl speakitrg at schotlls; t'adio progrzrrns

63 Stote Oft're Environment Report

on issues such as water qualih'ancl recycling; involved in historical and culturirl anc[ iurplerncnl:rtion of alt alrrminurn can presen,ation. r-eclrcling progranl. The t'einstatelnent of this (ti) Stirnrrlate public interest in hisrorical and pro.qraln throrrglr hiring an individrral for' t:rrl [rrrill preserr,'ation. tlris position it a high prioriry (7) Develop ;r w'itten historv of Pal:ru irnd index (2) Coaslulzuv nnnug(rnent pkmning EQPI} is traditional larvs ancl their undellying n'orkir-rg in coopemtion with the Division of principles. Marine Resources to solicit ftrnding and Through the Burean of Cornmunity Services, supp()rt to begin conStlrl zone managcment Division of Parks arrd Recreirtion. and Dir.ision of pkurrring in Palatr. Youth Affairs: (3) .5b/t/ wa,tle rnnnogernarl. Del'elopment of (l Organize and coordillate contmtrniqv expandcd recycling thlough the privette ) fairs ancl other national festivals. brrsinc'ss comrntuti ty of Palau and (2) Identifo arrd rnan a!{e Inen t ol' hirzarckxrs waste r,l'i I| be designate, in consultertion witl'r rnajor issrres f

64 G ov e r n m e nt ad m i n i strqti on

'lkulp Bureau of Naturof Resources ond lntnttttliurnl in Endangrtud Spu'it's oJ lVikl Development (BNRD) Iiturta und llonu 1973 (C,l'lES). The lltrrt-att is coopet'ating rtith thc US Fish ancl Wilcllif'e Bttteittt ttf Natrrral Thc key olrjective ol' llte Serr,icc to nritrirnize conflicts :rtlcl Resotrrccs :urcl DelcloPtl)etrt is to protect ilncl ex- inconsistencies. ploit tht' rcsources of Patlatt. (i7l (i nt s eru a t i t n r ed u r al i rt I t p t'ogrft n L \4'i th ftrncl i n g lirrrn thc tJS Departtrrent ()l the Interior, the Resource /environment al man a gement tosks LiS Folest .St':t-r'ice, and tlrc LIS Soil ( 1) Develop practices {br sustainablc trtilization Cotrse tryatiort Servicc, tht: Btrreatt rvas irble to <;[ the uatttra] resotttres

65 Stote Offte Environment Report

to reconrmend establishnrent, by - - 6yc'1:hnn,est of some species; ancl I egislart.ion, of regulatory rnea.srrres sr rclr decreasecl subsistence harlest potential as size linris. fishirrg seasons, and - for local poptrlations. sirn(:tuary arreas wllerc zrppropriate; ancl (2) Illegal poaching and export of enclangered to:rclvise ancl infontr - the geueml public marine species. and sutte governlnf l'lts of anv nleasrlres (3) Illegal poaching o{'r'narine resorlrces ar arrd othcr important lnattets conceming clesignat,ed presen'e areas strch as marine conserr/ation in the Reprrblic. Ngen"rkewicl Islan ds Wil cllife Prcsen e' arrcl (2) Fishery resources development: Ngemntekaol Spawrr ing Area. - t() contitrue eflforts to clevelop offthole (4) Increased levels of lirlge-scale land ancl inshore fisheries bv proliding rnodern devel

66 G ov e r n m ent ad m in islroti on

Division of Agriculture ond (3) Inrprove public irwaretlcss ol-pracLices wlrich Minerol Resources, Bureau of Natural arc darn:rging to lorestra res()tlrces or to the Resources ond DeveloPment habitat which supports these resourccs'

Thc main objectile of tlre Divisiorr of Agrictrlttrre Major concerns ;rrrcl lvlir:r'ral Resottrct's is to prom()tc pr'()per ( I ) State ownerchip of tet'r'estrial t-esottrces urana€lernellt Of terrestlial resotu'ces. prohibits the Departmetrt ol'Forestrl fi'om enforcitrg rentlations against stirtes for ttse of Resource /environrnent ol management tosks rr:sources (Reprrblic of Palau 1986) ' ( I ) Prornotion of pt-oper, sttsurinirble agricttltrtral H olr'e\,e t., i n t: r-easi nglv, st?l tes a re al I orl'i n g rnethr>cls through extensiotr educatiou on |irrge-scarle developrnetlt with impacLs ou aglnforestry rnethods, pesticicle rrse. iurcl sctil foresLry res()tu'ces. The Departmertt of enharncentcnt tJt rottgh cour posti ne. Forestry nray'aclvise them against a tvpe of (2) Pronrotiou of t-t soil, rverter con)piltl\' in Ainreliik State. There is a q uali q', and wir tershed tuittr;rgt'me l) t issrles cotlccrll that these t!'pcs Of'arrangetllents will ilnd planning. contintrc to occtlr. (4) Screenins, c()ntrollins, :rrtd providing a (3) Oar-elesslv platrned roacl irrtd

67 Stote Ofthe Environment Report

Division of Conservotion ond Entomologf, hire rrrrlre nirtional consenation Bureou of Natural Rerources ond enforcement ollicers is being ptustrecl Devefopment throtrgh tlre nirtional goverlrnent and other The main lirnction of tlre Dilision of Conservation sonrces. The Division would like to eventrurlly and Entornology, is to develop atrd irnplernent hire an officer to patrol eac:h state in Palarr" nirtiolral policie.s and programs ff funcls. (lollection (l ) Loss of tern'estriurl or aquatic habitat due to (4) Colledion of lraditionnl hnozuledge. of developnterrt. firc, or other destnrctive i rrfonnation and pho togrirpl-rs on tradi tional actirrities. ethnobotany is curreutll,' being 1>ursuecl fnr (?) Poaching ancl illegal han,est of species frorn prrblishing bl' the Chief Conservationisr/ presen'e areas dur-ing the oft'season or by Entonrologist. forcign fishing vessels. (3) Decline iu resou'ce irbunclance due to Polau Visitors Authority (PVA)

68 Gover n me nt od ministration

Figure I2.l Educotional poster

Islands WilOlite Preserve! Ngerukewid- 9ur ,o,o National Treasurej LetB Protect It, OLEKMEKIMER RA DELLOMEL MA C HARMi OMSENGELEL BELAU.' DEKAINGESEU EL KOREMLII

'tiBr'S- . _.._-..ri ffi. tua utn. ili €r|wh . ,:F:t.-* ' t"d.. .- _. -- ..;j=_:}-__, .

Produced By: Division of Conservolion & Entomology ond Division of Morine Resources of the Bureou of Resources ond Development; South Pocific Regionol Environmenl Progrom (SPREP), ond Eosl-Wesl Center rL U Artist: Tokesi Y. Suzuki, Division of Conservolion ond Enlomol ogy ffi

Ngerukewrd lslonds Wildlife Preserve in the Rock lslonds is the only desrgnated resource reserve which currently exrsts in Polau- (ortwork by Tokesi Suzuki, reprcduced courtesy of Divisrbn of Conservotion ond Entomology)

69 Stote Ofthe Environment Report

Partlcular concems alfect potential for development or tvpes of (l ) Littering and other solid waste disposal issnes allowable developrnen t. which ntay hin'e an irnpact on a tonrist's (3) Enrironmental impacts created by irnpression of Palarr. development ol trtilization of resources (2) Pollutiou, physical destnrction, or other rvhich may affect potential for ecnnornic irnpacts to the nrarine environnrent, on development in Palarr. which Palau's tourism industrv is almost totalll,ba.sed. Areos ofcurrentfocus (3) Destnrction or adverse irnpacts to cultural, (l) InJiastru.clure planning and datetoltmtnl. Efforus historical, or lratrlral resorlrces createcl by thror-rgh this office fr>cus mainly on the increased tourist presence in Palau. primary dtrty of plannirrg and cleveloping (4) hnpacts to Palau's ctrltur:rl, historical, or infi'astmctrrre in Palau. natrual resolrrce base created by (2) Datelofmrn,t of the Pa[nu, National Musla developtnent o[ tourisnr infrzstructure in Developmrnl Plan. A crrrrent rn4jor pr

pe rrn i tt i n g of i n flzrs trtrc: t ure devek)p men t {br'local economic enterprise in Paliur. (EQI'B (2) projects - Earthlnoving; CuItrrral Assist with provision of'rnarketing, All:rirs I-listoric Pr-esen'iltiorr \ hiver: US i nfrasti-rrcLrrre, taci li ties, a n d progr'?uns to Arrnr' - of'Engineers Oorps - Dredging pr'()rn ote effi ci ency' and secru'e rnaxi m r urr Perrrrit). econonric benefit fiom the utilizat.ion of (2) Zonine or other pernrittinu issrres rvlrich miw inshore madne rcsour-ces.

70 G ov e r n m e nt ad mi n i str oti on

Major concerns (2) Over:rll lack of knowleclge and iuterest in rratttral sciences and envirotrnletrtal issttes. ( l ) Depletiotr of itrshore maritte resottrces dtre in t

Particular concerns Relevont issues ( I ) Clnnging ltrurily ancl soci:rl $tructttl'(:s tt'hiclt (l ) Changing tanrily :rncl soc:ial strttcttlres whicl'r lirr: i t tra nsft:r rlf' t ra

  • 7l Stote Of tlre Environment Report

    (2) Overall lack of knowledge and interesr in has not yel hacl an opporrllnity to address collser- tr;rtural sciences and environrnental issues. vation issues. \4blk rnay proceecl on this issue in the (3) I ncr ea.secl pressute friorin is a youth congrcss to lvor-li on clevcloprnent irr the Republic of Palau. The Nature ( onsen'ation issrres. The Palatr National Youth Con- (lonscn,uncy has also recently established a.stlong gles.\ llas only been in existc.rrce for two yeam irnd prcsence in Pal;lu.

    72 PART 5 Priority Frogroms

    ln eaeh section in this teport, enviroumental issues have been diScussed in rh,e conrext of possible actions that can be taken to address thern- Though the list may appaar loug, the National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) will provide th,e process which will assess and establish priorities for these and other projects. This section of the Srate of the llnvironinent Report will identify the rn4ior requirements b:rsed on rhe idendfication and disctusion of the melf or concenls in the rePorl Some ef- fort is made to identriy the sffategies and programs necessary to add'ress the m4iclr reqtrirements. However, the list is intended mainly to provide some guidance and reference points. Chapter 13

    Priority issues ond programs

    l3.l Enforcement of existing laws I 3. 1.3 Environmentol protection lows and regulotions Thc're is clcarlv a lack of overall enforcernent w.ith respect to the errvironnrental protecti A relativelv rvell clevcloped lcgal fi'amework lbr tectiorr Board (EQPB) of rlre Rt-pr,rblic of Palarr. As ertvi ron nren tal an cl lcs()r lrce nl a lta.genle tr t alreacly cliscrrssc'd in this reporr, illegal :rncl unpermittecl exisfs in thc Republic of Pal:rrr. Althorreh there is a rr-racl building ancl other constnlction has occrutecl ncerl to intrclduce rrew regrrlations anrl clarifu exist- irr Palau, and for pernrirtecl prorrsibility over th eir' of- (lorrrmr"rce anri fiacle. aclions and role in rronitoriug the

    74 Priority isues ond Progroms

    environnrent and pe rntit liolatiotrs. It is als

    75 Stote Of tfte Environment Report

    developers' choice. The followillg prognuns might uays, dre enl.ir<.rnnrental impacts of large-scale prG be considered fbr improving thc capacity of EQPB. jecLs are easy to manage as long as there is real ) Farmal ratirut oJ'EQPB attiuitits. This shoulcl cornmitnrcnt to conduct proper EL\s and enforce i rtcl r.rcle recornrnendations for revision or tlrenr. arnendrnents to the Envircnnrcnlal Qrnliti Srnall+c:rle developrnent actilities nray be har- Pntt,ecli.ott. Act 24 PN(l to address current der to regprlate because, indiviclually, - - thel' lnay not problerns. have a significant impact. On the other hand. their O Ertaltlishmenl of a fonnaliztd raiat process.for cumrrlative eff'ects can be more damaging; than the EQPB pnwilting A formalizcd review process large-scale projecs. It is therefore equally inrpor- shorrld be nrandated by larv to ensure thal tant [o regrilate the sm:rller, incr€rnental dcvelop conrl]lents on development proposals are ment activities. receivecl fr:om all re]evant lrsource In Palau, snrall-sc;rle activities such as the clevel- rnanagerr)ent agencies for incorporation oprrent of trails, bridges, camping, and picnicking into the final decisiou. facilities al-e ltecorning an issue in that they increase torlrist tmlfic and hence increase the potential lbr I 3.2.4 Foreign investment incidental or severe inrpact.s to a given resource or permittinr procedures lrabitat. These smaller activities could be replrlirted throrrelr lancl use plans whiclr cletail what can and The current foreign inr,estment permitting prr> cannot takc place in certain areas. fur ilnportant ceclures do rrcrt require corrsultation of' :rnv progmln urrrild be as tbllows. resorlrce rnanagerrrent agencies f prom()tion of sit.es by tlre provecl before cnvironmental pennitting occurs. Palar,r Visitors Arrth<>rit1', and of the potentially increased inrpact on those sites restrlting Frorn that ;rronrotion, It worrld be usel'rrl if the Pillarr Visitors Arrthority used 13.3 Noturol ond historical or au overall planning fiamework in arch o e ological resources rlevelopine :lccess [o and activities on sonre of these sites. 13.3.1 General Ten'estrial and marine habitilt is being increasingly ,3.3.3 Controlling fire clestroyecl ar-rcl afl'ected cltrc to large and small-scale As notecl in this report, l>urning of fotesl.s trot only clt'veloprnent fir'e, projects, ancl the gnrwing tor.rrist clestroys tenesu'ial habitat; it is one of the nrajor pres(:nce in Palau. This destrlrction and degrircla- cau.scs of soiI degraclation, crrrsion, sedinrentation, h:rs rlirect indirect rnAlt\l tir:n ancl ilnpacts on ancl siltl.rtiorr. TIre lbllowing ptos-arns are recom- marirre and terrcstrial resources. Destruction and ntended firr consiclcration trnder the NEMS. rle gradati on ol' his t oric:rl /archaeol ogi cal resources I Pakm Wild.ktnd Firc nnd lbresl fuIa,nagement llill. has also occurred, lirrgely, :rs zr result of develol> As tl'rere is ctrr-rently no law pr-ohibiting lbrest nrent irnd totrrism acti\"ities. The probleur could be fires, tlris bill represents a valuable tool for acldressed bv regrrlating developrnent :rctiviLies. bv mzuragement of terrestrial habitat systerns i[r controlline fir-e, and throtrgh a resen'e area systenr. Palarr. It should be gir.en ftrll support by thc Olbiil Era Keltrlarr :rnd various sovct'nrnent 13.3.2 Regulation of agenr:ies :rnd, if passed, should be enlirrced smoll-scale development thx>rrgh the national consen;atiorr lssues lelatecl to the regulation of large+cale clelel- enlbrccme nt prograrn of the Division of opment activities are discrrsserl above. ln sonre Consetratiotr atrd En tonrologl

    76 Priority issues ond programs

    ) Edu,mtionnl prcgram Edrrcational ellbrts on Parks:lud Recreation, and the Division of the impitcts of rrncontr:olled bru:ring of Yttt'ce Ieserve lircili tate local involvemt:ltt. n'hich currently exists in Palarr. Holvevet'. it is not well nranaged and enforcecl,:rncl does not integrelte natrrral and historical/archacological presclla- 13.4 Environmentol oworeness tion. It is therefore recotntncttclecl thirt additiorral ond educotion rcserves bc established tltat ilre wcll c'nl and ) Bnsplinc stutlies. An excelleut pl-ogram of implement rnanagcrnent plans fc,rr baseline studies has been initiatecl by the reserve areils. lJrrreau of Natulal Resources atld Develoy)rnent of policies :rncl propp'aurs to Development in co<.rperation with The - encoumge involver-nent of the Dirision of Natr rre (krtrservan cy'. Scientifi c rest:arch.

    77 Stote Of ttre Enironment Report

    specifically on endangered species and strlrject to revie-w and approval by national encle rnic plant status, should also be age nc:ies,

    continrred and firnded. F)nforcernnt.l .sultport jn' l rudili.onal monugern,cn ! Marine wsources slork assessmurl. Given that slsla7rJ. Traditi onal govemme nt systems development of' marine fi shefi es represenLs rernain pr<-urinen( in Palau, particlllarly at suclr ;rn importarrt sect()r f

    13.7 Monaging populotion growth ,3.6 Notionol ond ond its impocts (Koror Stote) stote coordination Rapicl poprrlation srowth irnd growing nrrmbers of !\'lrile the surtes in Palau alr given cxclusive owller'- tourists visiting Koxlr State l-rave led to increased ship of thcir l:rncl anrl sea resorlrces to 12 uarrtical burder-rs on variorts aspecls of the infrastmctrrle of rrtiles offshr:re, tnost of them lack funcling ancl this state. Of rnajor corlcern is tJre increasing exlrcrtise fbr effective resorlrce rnanagenrent. It is brtrclen whiclr this growth is placing on the sewage essenLial thart the nartional governnlerlt. 1;iven it-s aucl solicl rvaste disposarl systerr-rs. The Koror State lfl'eirter l'esorrrces. shorrld coordinate lrith the smtes scwerage s],'stern is rapidlv approaching rnaximunr ov(fr resoul'ce mauageruent. Tlre [ack, to date, nf' capaciqv, and im1;rovelnents to this systenr will have srrclr coorclinatiort represerlts one of the most criti- to be considerecl irr the near filtrrre. Recornmencla- cnl constraints in eltforcing :rny of the resoru"ce,/ tions for dealing lvith Lhese issues are presented enr.ironnrent la$/s or regrrlations. The frrllorving belor.v. prosl?rrns rnight lre considcrecl for addressing rhis I Dau4oprnrn,t ol'a. popukttiorr munagtnten! ltktu. problern. Strch a plan ruould incorporate family t f'ntrntlgulion oJ' nalitut.u.l wgukr.tions and po[ides planning, labor reqLrirenrents, au assessrnent kt u,ssi.st rtnd guide sta,tcs itt ,?sottrt'? ,nandgpDu.rtl. ol' the czrnyirrg capacity, of' Konrr Stzrte, zrnd National policies or a(:ts to establish ir tl're cl.ecentr:rlizatiort of' sen.ices ancl fr:rmcrvork for re-strtrrce man a!{emer) t econrrrisnr in Palatr sltotrld be clesignatecl for the Divisicln of Marine Resorrrces. Similar the planning and develol>lnent c,rf work shoulcl be ptrrsttccl for terrestrial infrastnrcttrre need.s srrch as water, sewerage, Icsources. Nationirl starrclards shcluld trc :rtrd ;lorver, as u'ell zrs f

    nlanil.qernent plan. this should be srpported, perni t ti ne pn)cess, I irrge+cale reso rts whi clr

    78 Priority issues ond Progroms

    ()n are likely'to put tnttch pressure olt existirtg corl!'etttion. \4brk sl"rould coutir-rue this infiastnrcture sltorrlcl be requirecl tased otr srtstirirrable uriIizatiort tlf' resottltes, I Enforcenntl of nislirry laws and rtgtlali.ons. that Palatt tttrdertake tlre ftrllon' Recrtnutlettdations for inrpror,i nu it is rer:ornnrelrcled enlirrct:men t of t:xisti n g c()nse n't tion latr's ing. were providecl earlier in tl'ris secti()rt. I l)avltltnvnl o.[u slslern or.l:rantantork to trynhuile hn proved en firrcernc tr t is part ictl larl)' treede cl thr co.sts, btnef,ts, urul sustainabililt ttf to cutb the growing inrportation atrrr clegradirble rrtirtc ria ls. pestici clcs iucl National Master l)cl'clopment Plalr or somc other <'hernicals. other lancl trsc plalning initiative.:r stand:ud I Pulilir ruoareness/edurrilion. Increased rnechanisrrt shottld be established ftrr propc'l" educatiou:rl efforts are rreedecl to improle evalrratiotr of' cleveloPments fbr Iheir awareness of tlre cletrimeutal impacts ol' sustainabiliq', cosls, arrd benefits. Palatr nlay pesticide rtse ancl irnploper w:rste clisposal. wallt to cotrsicler the cstablishnrent of a ) Rati"lit trtion tl' lhe.t?Ii/:P Clonuenlion. Palatr cotntrtissirrtt to pctrnit or tlisapprovc sigrrerl the Cottzrettlion.[or lhe Protediott o.f lhe develol:rnetrts birsed on lhese crite da. Natttrul Rc.soun:t:s and ll:nuironmml o.l'lhe Sottth t Encou,rnge sttutll-srule t:rntnntnil"ihased tortti.stn' I'ar:(ir Rt:gion, tlte SPREP Convetrtiotr, in olIortt. 1986. This t--ontr'ention and its assttciatecl Enrouragt trulue

    79 References ond other source materiols

    Belau National Mtueum. l97ir. Palarr Histolic Pol icy Insti tute, Ea.st-\A'est Cen ter, Honol ultr, Sites. Urrptrblishecl list. Belatr National Harvaii. Mrrscurn. Koror, Reprrblic of Pal:rrr. Oassell..f., Otobed, D. & Arlelbai, H. 1992. Belau National Museunr. 1982. Reprrblic of Cornprehensive Conservation Strategy 1992 Pirlar,r: Belutr era Belarr. Belau Niltional [f Prop;r:r tn tne r/Ll n iye rsi ty of Gttattt Mar-i.e Palarr. Divisirrrent. Ngesatol, Koror State. EQPB. lt)9"1. Fiscal Ycar 1994 Serni-turntnl Repuhlic

    80 References ond other source moteriols

    \ttrscular Plants of Palau with Veruactrlar \A'illiarrr and Mary, Williarnsbtrrg, Nanres. l)epirrt rnent o[ Botiur )', Srn i Lhson ian Virginia, USA. Institution, \Afashirrgton, D(). McHenrl', D.F, 1975. Micrortesia: Trust Betrayed. Glassrnan, S,F. l-c)52. The Flora o[ Ponape. Carr-regie E trdowrtreut for Interuationa| Bemice P. Bislrop Mtnerrnr, bulletin 209, Peace.'Washington, DC. Honolulrr, Flawaii. IMacl.ean, (1.D., \Atritesell, C.D., (lolc, T.G. & Goverrrrnent of P;rlatr. 1994. Econon'ric I\,IcDulfle, K.E. l98tl. Tirnber Resottrces of Developrnent Plan, Fiscal Ycilrs 199lFI999. Balrlthaup, Rt:ptrblic o[ Palatt. Rcsottt-ce Koror, Repr-rblic of Palau. Brrll eti n PS\4r-23. Paci fic Sott t hwest Fo rest (loverrrrrrent of Palarr/LIS Natiortal Park Sen'ice. ancl Rattge Expetiment Station, LIS Forest 1988. Bliliou (Peleliu) Historical I Park Studl: Service, US Depaftment of Agricttltttre, Prelirninary Relieu' Dr:lft. Governmetrt of Llniveniry of Calilbmiir Pre:ss, Palatr/US National P:rrk Sen'ice, Koror, Berkelev, Cerlifornia, LISA. Republic of Palatt. IVlaragos et:il. t9t)4. Palatr Rapid Ecolt:gicirl Ciressitt,-f .L. l9l'r4. Itrtroclttctiotr. ln Irrsects of Asses.sruent, Parr 2: Maritre and (loastal Areas Miclonesia, vol. L Bemicc P. Bisltop of the Main Palatr Islancb. Tlte Nattrrc llluserun, Honolrtl u, Hawai i. Clonse rtnnct'. Koror, Republic of Palatr- Flarnilton, I-..S. & Stredaker, S.C. (eds). 1984. N{zrrine Biotechnologv Insfitutc (b. Ltcl. 1990. Ha nclbook fn fbr thc Statrrs of the Dttgoue in Palau: A Prelinrinarl Conse r-r'ati

    8l Stote Of tlre Environrnent Report

    Hawaii. Llniversity Micr ofi lms Intemational, Koror State, Republic of Palatr. Center for A.nn fu-bor, Miclrigan, USA Archaeological Investigations, South ern PNMDP. 1994. fnfbrrnal sector reports. Palau Illi rt ois Ll n iversity, Carbonclirle, I llin ois, LISA. National Master Developnrent Plan Office, Thornas, P.EJ., Holthus, P.F. & Idechong, N. Koror, Republic of Palau. 1989. Ngenrkewid Islands Wildlife Preserve Preston. (;.L. 1990. Inshore lishery lesource ilnd Management Plan. Sotrth Pacific managenrent in Palau. Sorrth Pacilic Conrrnission, Nortrnea, New Caleclonia. Comnission Inshore Fisheries Resear-ch LJS Brrreau nf the Census. 1990. 1990 (lensus Project Cotrntry Assignment Report. Data for Palau. Cited in Gover:rment of Unprrbli.shed report to the Government of Palan, Economic Der,elopment Plan, Fiscal the Reptrblic of Paliru. Sorrth Pacific Years l99F-1999, Koror', Republic of P:rlau, Cornlnission. Nournea. New Caledonia. 1994. PVA. 1993. Palarr: Yotu'{Lture in tolujsm: A tlS Departmetrt of Defense. l95ti. Military srunnrary oI-the presentation by Ian Kennedy Geologv of Palau Islands, Caroline Islands. of the Pacific Asia Tiavel .ts.sociation, Pacilic US furny Strategic Stucly. Division ancl the rernarks by the' President nf US Department of the lntedor. 1991. 1991 the Republic of'PalaLr,Jrrlv 5. Pacific Visitors Republic of Pallu Budget. Executive Order, Authority, Koror, Reprrblic of Paliur. US Secretary of the Inrerior', Department of Rehtdrer. F'., Tellei,J., Gordon, Ivl., Koshiba, E. & the Intedor, Washington, DC. Souder, I-. 1990. Ngesirol Sociocriltural US Department of State. 1990. 1990 Tmst Impact Stuclt'. \4'estem Pacific Wcrmen's Territory of the Pacific lslands. 43rd ,A,nnual Research lnstittrte, Univemity of Guam, Report. Wrshingtorr, DC. Mangiliro, (]uam. US Soil Consen'ration Sell'ice. 1991. A Rc;rtrblic of Palau. 1986. Republic of Pal:ru Cousen':rtion Stucly ancl Plan for Melekeok N:rtional Code. Koror, Republic of Palau. State, Republic of Belau. US Departlnent of Snrith, (1.\t'. 1983. Soil Survey of the Isl:urds of Agricultur e, Agana, (irram. Palau, Reprrblic of Palatr. US Soil \/an Bohernen, G. 1990. Repor"t on the Consen'ation Ser1.ice, US Department Of Implementarion in Palau and Ttrvalu oli Tlre /ashi ,{gli cul tru e. \ ngtrln, DC. (lonvention for- the Protection of the Natru-al Snrith. D.R. 1977. The ties that bind: Exctrange Resources ancl Envirorlrtent of the Soutlr :rncl lrau.sactions in kinsmen in Pnlau. PhD Pacific Region and The Convention on the dissen:adon. Bryr-r Mawr College, Cotrserlation of Nature in the Sorrth Pircific. Pennsyllania, USA. .Sorrth Pacific Regional Environnrent Srrl'der, D. 1985. A-rr fu-chaeological Suncy of Progr:rnrme, Noumea, Nerv Caledonia.

    82 --g-