My blissful opinion about such efforts however has been put on hold and is likely to tilt the other way as a result of recent developments in Palau – the urge to accommodate the “high end” visitors.Hotels, resorts, cottages, and bungalows are popping here and there – modern seedlings in need of visitors to grow.
Trees have to be cut and animals relocated in order that the visitors’ access to these developments is not hindered.In addition, fences – both physical and social – are set to be erected to keep the unwanted and uninvited from ruining a picture perfect portrayal of Palau that these developments proclaim.Further still, the laws and amendments to existing statutes pertaining to the environment and its resources, as far as the recent developments are concerned, all seem to benefit the “front ends”(those in the forefront of the proposals, negotiations, and sometimes, less than honest barters.)Thus, the “front ends” work very hard – evident in the number of very recent developments – to attract the “high end” visitors; and in the process have significantly pushed the “rear ends” (ordinary people like you and me) out of the view of Palau’s pristine environs.I had once talked with a prominent conservation activist who said, “We have failed in our management strategies because we have tried to manage the fishes, the birds, dogs, cats, the mangroves and so on; and forgotten about our people.”I wonder, why?Consider this, if a stray sickly dog is placed in the parking lot of the large stores in Koror it would receive immediate attention than would a mentally disabled person – and probably would receive better treatment.Many seem to think the “high end” visitors would applaud for the sincere and earnest efforts to protect the welfare of the animals.I am all for the protection and conservation of the environment and the naturals resources in it.Moreover, I’d like other people to see and experience the environment as is.I certainly do not like visitors to view Palau’s sunsets and sunrises from the sixth floor window of a hotel or on a beach cot on a secluded, exclusive, and fenced beach.Let them view the wonders of Palau from the top of Eteriur, Ngerchelchuus, Ngulitel, Olsebokel el Kedam or Ngedech.Make them walk the paths that Ngiratumerang, Ngirngemelas, and Techuliaur traversed.You and I must rethink and revise the management plans.We need to manage people – not the environment.If our people are looked after with as much tenacity as the dugongs, we would attract the world to visit us.
