Watershed Alliance (BWA) on Tuesday, August 19, to learn more about the alliance and what it stands for.
According to Joyce Beouch, BWA’s coordinator, members of NSA had inquired about the alliance and had asked to meet with key persons of BWA in an attempt to learn more about the alliance and possibly join it. She further added that BWA steering committee members – Collin Joseph and Kashgar Rengulbai (Melekeok State), Obichang Skebong and Witness Elbelau (Ngaremlengui State) – with assistance from Umiich Sengebau of the Nature Conservancy prepared a two-hour presentation on BWA’s history, its goals, its accomplishments, and its current efforts.During the presentation, NSA members raised concerns that disclosing Ngarchelong’s water sources – many of which have remained untouched – would provide opportunities for unwanted attractions that might severely affect the sources.However, the members were reminded that BWA is about conservation and protection of watersheds.“Our ultimate goal is to protect and conserve all of the water sources on Babeldaob,” Joseph said. “And most of our effort is concentrated on developing strategies and management plans that would ensure that each of the water sources is maintained and sustained; and that the people would be guaranteed clean sources of water for the future.”According to Abraham Osima, NSA Floor Leader, the members of the NSA will definitely think about joining BWA.“Ngarchelong has nothing to lose and so much to gain, if it joins,” he said. “However, joining BWA requires, as stated by BWA representatives, legislation and the NSA needs to go through its proceedings to join.”The BWA currently has three full-fledged state members – Ngaremlengui, Melekeok and Ngiwal. Aimeliik State, through a legislative resolution, will join the alliance soon.
