PALAU CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Named one of the world's last “Edens” by National Geographic, Palau is truly blessed with an abundance of natural wonders. From the sublime Rock Islands to Micronesia's largest undisturbed forest, adventure seekers from around the world come to Palau to engage in world-class diving and snorkeling. Palau's magnificent reefs and coral gardens provide the underwater enthusiast with an unparalleled diving experience, where encounters with sharks, mantas, sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of reef fishes are commonplace. |
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Palau's magic does not end with its legendary dive sites. Palau's forests are home to both biological treasures and ancient cultural sites that demonstrate Palau's traditional belief system. The Palau Conservation Society's (PCS) conservation strategy provides an opportunity to link cultural preservation with resource protection.
Palau is counting on its extraordinary natural resources to support continued economic growth, especially in the tourism and fisheries industries. PCS hopes to help Palau find a balance between a healthy economy and a healthy environment.
History
The Palau Conservation Society (PCS) was incorporated on June 16, 1994 for the purpose of encouraging and facilitating community participation in decisions that affect Palau 's environment. PCS is the only local non-government organization working exclusively on environmental protection. Its work includes public awareness programs, scientific research and the promotion of sustainable development.
The success of PCS can be traced to its non-confrontational approach to environmental issues and to its strong partnerships with local communities, government agencies and the international scientific community.
Mission
The mission of the Palau Conservation Society is to work with the community to preserve the nation's unique natural environment and perpetuate its conservation ethic for the economic and social benefit of present and future generations of Palauans and for the enjoyment and education of all. Goals
• To preserve the unique natural environment of Palau
• To build local community support and public awareness about the benefits derived from protecting Palau 's natural systems and environment
• To develop and promote desirable economic development Public Awareness: PCS continually promotes public awareness via the use of scientific research to educate the community. PCS's calendar of activities includes school visits, field trips, community events, public service announcements and various printed materials. In addition to its general education efforts, PCS identifies one environmental issue or species to be highlighted each year. Using educational tools and other information dissemination mechanisms, PCS aims to foster greater understanding of Palau's living environment and the threats facing that environment.
Another important role of PCS is to promote environmentally responsible development through Palau's environmental review process for proposed developments.
Research: PCS conducts a variety of marine and terrestrial scientific research. Important projects include fish aggregation cycles; effects of sedimentation on coral reef; impact of soil erosion and its cumulative effect on surrounding areas; the impact of tourism on the environment; and the impact of various types of fishing activities.
Policy Development: PCS's education, scientific research and management activities are geared towards contributing to sustainable development policies at the state and national levels. PCS's priority is to provide relevant and timely information to state and national leaders that will assist them in managing their own resources.
Resource Management: PCS is assisting several states in the management of their marine and terrestrial resources.
The Inshore Sportfishing Development Project aims to assist Kayangel State to develop a community-based sport fishing industry that features “catch and release” fishery.
PCS assisted the states of Koror and Peleliu under the Rock Island Project that aims to develop a resources management strategy to preserve the famous Rock Islands.
PCS works in close partnership with Palau's tourism industry. The Ngemelis Tourism Management Project devised guidelines for sustainable management of one of Palau's most famous dive sites. Palau's Taiwanese Tourism Industry, Assessment of Issues and Suggestions for the Future, identified mitigation options for the large influx of Taiwanese tourists to Palau's ecosystem. Currently, PCS is a partner with some forty other organizations in developing a sustainable tourism master plan.
PCS provides continuing assistance and technical support to several local state governments in the establishment and management of conservation areas. These include:
- Ngeruangel Atoll in the state of Kayangel
- Ngemelis Island in the state of Koror
- Ngemai Reef in the state of Ngiwal
- Ngardok Lake and watershed in the state of Melekeok
- Ebiil Channel in the state of Ngarchelong
PCS continues to work with other states in Palau to identify and create management plans for conservation areas.It is also working with the national government to assist in conservation initiatives.
Threats and Mitigation
Palau is blessed with abundant and beautiful natural resources and it is fortunate for both inhabitants and visitors that much of it is preserved and in good condition. Still, increasing pressures from human use are taking a toll. Tourism, over-fishing, pollution, invasive species, habitat destruction and other phenomena currently threaten conservation and preservation. The Babeldaob road, for instance has spawned business developments, population shifts and other changes that are affecting Palau.
Recognizing the value and vulnerability of its natural resources, communities throughout Palau have designated certain areas of land and water as specially managed “conservation areas”. Local communities and traditional leaders have always played an important role in resource conservation in Palau. Traditional taboos, or bul, governing certain harvesting practices are still in effect to protect important natural resources. Blending of pertinent traditional and modern laws is practiced in order to strengthen conservation efforts. Through enactment of these and other laws for the protection of specially designated areas, and through the traditional restrictions on resource consumption, local community leaders – with direct assistance and support from PCS – continue to demonstrate a strong commitment towards maintaining the productivity of Palau's natural resources for future generations.
Responsible Diving Etiquette
To ensure that divers leave what they have enjoyed for the next generation, all are encouraged to do their share conserving this special place. When entering the marine world, please dive safely and practice the following diving etiquette:
• Do not touch, handle or provoke any marine organism.
• Do not stand, rest fins or hold on to corals. If you must touch the reef to steady yourself in currents, use a reef hook or only your fingertips on a dead part of the reef or coral covered in algae.
• Do not alter or deface anything on the reef.
• Do not collect or remove any corals, sea grasses, algae or any other marine organisms.
• Secure equipment such as gauges and alternate air sources so they don't drag over the reef.
• Avoid kicking up sand because stirred up sediment can settle on coral and smother it.
For more information, please contact:
Tel: 00 680 488 3993 &
E-mail: PCS@palaunet.com |
