By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

The Bureau of Agriculture spearheaded a removal of invasive weed in Ngiwal State last Jan. 27.
Joe Tiobech said the clean up target was the eradication of merremia peltata (kebeas), an invasive weed that smothers all the trees.
Aside from the bureau helping out with the clean up, at least 50 volunteers from Ngiwal State provided assistance to the drive also in coordination with the Forestry Unit.
"We are trying to control the 10 worst invasive weeds in Palau," Tiobech said.
He added that before a clean-up is set, the bureau meets with each state.
He said that they will meet with the governor of Airai next month to conduct another clean-up.
He added that this is the first time that a kebeas removal was carried out.