Northern Reefs planning team selected

According to Salvador, 13 people were selected based on qualifications deemed necessary to ensure that a viable management plan is created.  Further, the selected individuals have ancestral connections to the state.The Ngarchelong State Assembly (NSA) had passed a resolution in April authorizing the governor to “initiate any and all action leading to the establishment and implementation of an effective management regime for Ngarchelong’s Northern Reefs and its territorial jurisdiction.”Based on the resolution, Salvador had solicited for assistance from the national government and its ministries, non-government organizations involved in environmental conservation efforts, business enterprises, and private individuals, which had prompted the Ngarchelong State Leaders Summit in May.During the three days summit, the leaders, traditional and elected, reviewed and discussed circumstances and situations that have led to the urgency of implementing a plan that would provide a guideline through which the Northern Reefs and all its resources within the jurisdiction of the state are protected and conserved.A declaration was signed calling for a creation of a planning team that would work towards the development, creation, and implementation of the plan – a viable management plan for the Northern Reefs.  Further, the governor was tasked with selecting and submitting the names of potential members of the planning team to the NSA for review and consideration.Salvador had submitted these names: Yimnang Golbuu, Dr. Isebebong Asang, Dorothy T. Ueda, Harper Skang, Rita Olsudong, Meked Besebes, Ghandi Ngirmidol, Caleb Tekriu, Abraham Osima, Obak Era Iyebukel Lorenzo Ngiramolau, Rimirch Hayes Ngiratreked, Uong Er Etei Victor Joseph, and Governor Browny Salvador.According to Salvador, the composition and size of the planning team is “not set in stone” and is likely to have more members.The NSA had accepted and approved of the names submitted.  Moreover, organization of the planning team has begun and the initial steps towards the development of a management plan for the Northern Reefs are progressing.