Executive Order No. 280 establishes a National Program for Monitoring Forest and Coastal Birds. The program will be modeled after the sustainable monitoring program of the Belau National Museum which uses indicator species to detect and measure changes that resulting from ecosystem stress such as development, unsustainable land use practices and harvesting of plants or animal species, climate event and other sources.
In 1999, Palau ratified and became a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), formalizing work on protecting and preserving the biodiversity of Palau. The parties to the Convention were urged to establish efficient local, national and regional ecosystem monitoring programs using an ecosystem approach.
For National Program for Monitoring Forest and Coastal Birds, permanent stations on Babeldaob Island will be designated for the monitoring of forest and coastal bird populations. Monthly monitoring will be done at designated sentinel stations to collect population and ecosystem data, including the monitoring of indicator species such as the Palau Fruit-Dove and Micronesian Imperial-Pigeon which are highly valued for the role they play in Palauan legends and traditions.
Scientific data obtained from the monthly monitoring activity for indications of ecosystem change, bird population trends and other information will be analyzed. Other ecosystem-based management activities will also be done from time to time.
The director of the Belau National Museum will be administering the program activities; and the Belau National Museum Board of Trustees will review the performances of the Museum Director and Staff.
The museum will also be have the authority to solicit supplemental funding and other forms of support from appropriate sources in order to expand the monitoring program activities to include additional indicator species and monitoring sites.
At the same time, the Museum will also be responsible for submitting an annual written “States of the Birds” report of data analysis, trends, highlights, guidance and recommendations to the Office of the President through the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs.
The national Bird-Monitoring program will remain in existence until terminated by the President.
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