Planning team for the Northern Reefs created

The NRMPT, as mandated in the executive order, would be responsible to seek and establish working networks with other organizations, ministries of the national government, and individual experts to develop an action plan necessary for the development and implementation of a management plan for the Northern Reefs.  Further, the planning team is mandated to report the progress of its work to the Office of the Governor, Ngarchelong State Assembly (NSA), and other relevant partners.The creation of the planning team is a direct result of concerns raised by the citizens of the state about the condition and uncontrolled exploitation of the resources in the Northern Reefs.The NSA, in April 2008, adopted a resolution that affirmed the citizens’ concerns, and called on the governor to solicit for support from other entities to create and develop a management plan for the Northern Reefs – a plan that would protect and prevent the destruction of the ecosystems of the reefs within the jurisdiction of the state.  The governor requested and received support from varying agencies and individuals.In May 2008, a 3-day leaders – elected members of the state government and traditional leaders – summit on the management of the Northern Reefs was held at Mengallakl, Ngarchelong with organizations and individuals who had agreed to assist the people of Ngarchelong with the development and implementation of a management plan for areas of the Northern Reefs within the jurisdiction of the state.A declaration – the Mengallakl Declaration – was unanimously adopted after the summit and now serves as a “road map” towards effective management of the Northern Reefs.  The declaration further necessitates the creation of a planning team – a group of individuals who are committed and have the knowledge and experiences in their field of practice – all of whom shall be selected by the governor.The governor has named the following to the planning team: Yimnang Golbuu, Dr. Isebong Asang, Dorothy Ueda, Rita Olsudong, Ghandi Ngirmidol, Meked Besebes, Pastor Paulus Swei, Harper Skang, Dwight Ngiraibai, Rimirch Hayes Ngiratreged, Obak Era Iyebukel Lorenzo Ngiramolau, Uong Er Etei Victor Joseph, Assemblyman Caleb Tekriu, Floor Leader Abraham Osima, and himself.The Northern Reefs Management Planning Team will meet today at 6:00 p.m. at the Palau International Coral Reef Center conference room to initiate the beginning of its tasks.