REPUBLIC OF PALAU (Palau Horizon) — Senate Floor Leader Alan R. Seid had the auspicious opportunity to represent the Republic of Palau in addressing the 116th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Speaking on climate change and global warming, Senator Seid received high praise for his stirring remarks to the assembly of over 1,300 delegates from more than 100 countries.
The Senate Floor Leader commenced his address by sharing the Palauan legend of Meduu Ribtal, the ancient tree that magically produced fish for an elderly woman in Ngiwal whenever she cut off a branch. Upon learning about this tree, the neighboring villages immediately began to cut the tree down. The surge of fish and water thus sunk the entire village known as Ngibtal. "This story dramatically illustrates the fundamental value that we must not to take more than what we need," said the Floor Leader.
In sharing the traditional legend, Senator Seid spoke about the cultural value Palauans hold in their natural environment, and how modern society and government has continued to uphold that value through various programs and legislation, such as the recently enacted Protected Areas Network (PAN), comprising of 23 conservation areas throughout Palau.
"Our experiences have also been shared with our neighboring islands," said the Floor Leader, "and thus the Micronesia Challenge has ushered in the next step towards Palau’s efforts to effectively conserve and preserve our natural treasures." The Micronesia Challenge is an initiative by President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., in partnership with the leaders of neighboring Micronesian countries and territories, to conserve at least 30% of near-shore and 20% of forest resources by 2020. "This initiative results in the protection of the richest marine diversity in the world, and not just for Palauans or Micronesians, but for all the citizens of this planet," said Senator Seid.
"In addition, Palau continues to make efforts to educate the youth and people of Palau on protection of the environment," said the Floor Leader in his address, encouraging other member countries to develop and promote their own programs on environmental education.
In his closing remarks, Senator Seid shared with the Assembly the symbolism of the flag of the Republic of Palau, depicting a full, yellow moon against the blue backdrop of the ocean. "Palauans have always been connected to the sea, it is a vital aspect of our culture," spoke the Floor Leader, who spoke about Palau’s unique marine and terrestrial biodiversity and highlighted the dire consequences of rising sea levels and ocean temperatures. With that, he called member countries of the IPU to recognize the significant effects of global warming and climate change and to come together to work towards climate change mitigation and conservation standards for global warming.
The 116th General Assembly of the IPU convened in Bali, Indonesia on April 29 and concludes on May 4.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the international focal point for parliamentary dialogue towards democracy, peace and cooperation among peoples. The focus of the IPU is to foster contacts, coordination, and the exchange of experience among parliaments and parliamentarians; consider questions of international interest and concern; express views on issues of concern to bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians; and contribute to the defense and promotion of human rights as an essential factor of democracy and development.
For news and up-to-date information from the Senate of the Seventh Olbiil Era Kelulau, visit our website at http://senate.palauoek.net or contact Obichang Ongklungel, Assistant Public Information Officer, at telephone 767-2455 or via E-Mail at senatepio@gmail.com.