The traditional chiefs, elected leaders, and members of the communities within the state, in coordination with the Babeldaob Watershed Alliance (BWA), Palau Conservation Society (PCS), Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), initiated talks to begin developing a CAP that would address all concerns pertaining to the conservation, preservation, and protection of the states natural resources.
According to Joyce Beouch, BWA coordinator, representatives of PCS, PIRC, and TNC, at the request of the leadership of Ngiwal State, conducted a 3-day workshop in Ngiwal to familiarize the leadership and participating members of the community on the process through which a manageable and effective CAP can best be achieved; and at the same time assist the participants of the workshop identify and prioritize all the crucial elements that would make Ngiwal CAP a living document.According to Beouch, Ngiwal State traditional elected leaders were well represented in the workshop; and expressed sincere and committed urgency to create a CAP framework that the state could begin implementing.“The participants of the workshop were able to identify specific threats to the states natural resources,” Beouch said. “At the same time, they were able to identify specific conservation targets – the resources that need to be effectively managed – that must be included in the CAP framework.”Beouch further added that the Speaker of the state’s legislature, Gregorio Decherong, has indicated appropriate legislations would be introduced to help facilitate the development of the CAP framework. Moreover, Beouch said, established mandates would allow for a more comprehensive CAP framework.In related news, BWA issued a check for $1700 to Ngiwal State to be used as funding for assessments studies of Ngemai – one of the identified conservation areas in the state. Results of the assessments would be reviewed and incorporated into the Ngiwal CAP framework. Beouch further added that work on the Ngiwal CAP framework is on going.“BWA, with help and support of PCS, PICRC, and TNC, is working closely with Ngiwal State leadership to finalize the CAP framework,” she said. “Ngiwal State will receive a final report for review. If approved, the CAP framework will be a living ‘roadmap’ that Ngiwal State will use to protect, conserve, and manage its natural resources.
