According to Joyce Beouch, BWA’s coordinator, any state that joins BWA has so much to gain and practically nothing to lose.
“Once a state becomes a member of the alliance, it would be eligible to make use of BWA’s resources,” Beouch said. “BWA will be obligated to provide any and all support it can muster to assist an allied state to protect and preserve it watersheds and water resources.”Beouch said that in order for a state to join the alliance, the state’s leadership must ratify their intent through a legislative process. “This ensures that the state’s leadership, as representatives of the people of the state, are aware of BWA’s goals and objectives and are committed to protect and preserve the state’s water resources for the benefit of the people,” Beouch stated. “Ngardmau’s leadership had passed a legislative resolution declaring the state’s wish to join BWA.”Ngardmau State, on September 12, signed a MCA and joined the states of Ngaremlengui, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Aimeliik as a full-fledged member of BWA. The signing took place in Ngardmau’s Public Works Site – situated adjacent to the Compact Road between the turn to the waterfalls area and the junction to the state’s main village.During the signing of the MCA Ngardmau’s High Chief Beouch Sakaziro Demk said, “When Ngirturong and Reklai signed the MCA, the rest of Babeldaob shall follow. This initiative is successful because of a most appropriate beginning.”Tiare Holm, Executive Director of the Palau Conservation Society and a resident citizen of Ngardmau, during a speech at the MCA signing, said that the current efforts reflect what the people want to see Palau like in the future – lush green forests or bare barren grounds. She pointed to forested areas of the state and then to the bare remnants of bauxite mining to reiterate her words.Madrangebuked Thomas Remengesau of Ngaraard State and his son, President Tommy Remengesau Jr. graced the signing ceremony, which prompted Governor Akiko Sugiyama to say, “We are blessed to have Madrangebuked here today, and I know he will relay our pleas to the leaders of Ngaraard to protect our upper watershed – part of which is located in Ngaraard.”
