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Palau's rich flora and fauna

June 3, 2014

The Pacific island state of Palau is famous for its biodiversity and rich marine life. Residents are learning to keep things that way with a campaign involving diving, sustainable fishing and lemongrass planting.

https://p.dw.com/p/1CAzb
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Image: Mabel Gundlach

Palau's snorkeling lessons

Project goal: Raising awareness in Palau about the importance of saving biodiversity and natural resources

Implementation: Campaigns to rally the population as well as concrete measures such as reforestation of burned forest land and protecting the Rock Islands

Size: The marine project focuses on the Rock Islands, especially the Ngederrak Conservation Area. The land project is located in North Babeldaobs in Ngarchelong State where new trees are being planted on a 400-hectare forest area

Investment: The International Climate Initiative is funding projects in 27 areas with a total budget of 3.4 million Euros

Biodiversity: An estimated 1,500 fish species, 1,000 plant species, 700 coral species.

Palau is located in one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots and a large part of its rich flora and fauna is native to the region. But overfishing, soil erosion and frequent typhoons are posing threats. Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the environment conservation organization Rare has begun a nation-wide campaign and a host of projects. For instance, a group of women known as the “Erosion Control Ladies” are championing the reforestation of previously burned forest areas as well fighting erosion and sediment deposits in the ocean. In another project, children are learning why it’s important to protect the Rock Islands. The uninhabited islands aren’t just a UNESCO world heritage site and a major tourist attraction. They also offer feeding and breeding grounds for fish and turtles. Protecting Palau’s unique biodiversity is the only way to ensure that the local population has enough fish to eat.

A film by Mabel Gundlach