The group surveyed mangrove canals – historically used as access canals to private lands and sacred lands – on kayaks. In the process, they removed fallen trees and other coastal debris that had accumulated in the canals.
Members of the group, who by their field of work were experts in animal and plant identification, listed the kinds of animals they had encountered and were able to make a list of the plants that they had seen.Many of who joined in the survey – all of them residents of the state – said they were amazed at what they had seen.“The last time I entered into the mangrove canals was some 30 years ago,” said Saiky Shiro. “It is almost like I have traveled back in time.”The survey was conducted as part of an effort to identify tourists’ sites in the state and possible activities to accommodate the tourists, if and when they come.“We have been hearing tourism is our main industry and yet, we have seen so little of it,” said Mats Renguul, a community member. “I joined the survey to learn more about what the tourists like to do and what they want to see and at the same time help in the effort too make our state a prime tourists destination.”Everyone who joined in the survey was able to kayak in the mangroves and each had imparted that he or she had enjoyed the experience of floating amongst old trees and hearing nothing but the sounds of nature.Ebiil Society Inc., with the assistance and support of PCS, tour agencies, and Ngarchelong State officials, will continue look into opportunities to promote eco-tourism in the state and at the same time, find ways through which the sites visited are maintain their integrity and are cared for.
