Ngeruangel marine reserve

Vision:

"We the people of Kayangel will continue to foster and strengthen the management and exclusive use of our land and sea for our people and generations to come. We will use our resources for trade and industry and all other aspects of life at the same time conserve through tradition and laws of the land. Now therefore, ten years from now we so desire to see benefits ensue in livelihoods and with positive economic developments in Kayangel."

Objective

Kayangel Protected Areas Network Five Year Management Plan main objective is to build capacity to effectively protect and manage its natural and cultural resources through a sustainable financing mechaniss.

Kayangel Protected Areas Network Five Year Management Plan identified Climate Change as a critical threat because sea level rise and unpredicted weather conditions cause high wave actions result from the overall effects that are of the highest concern for the community. Kayangel is a low lying island and is very susceptible to an increase in sea level. There are already visible impacts of rising sea level that have affected the island and the people who reside in Kayangel. Salt water intrusion into taro patches and shoreline erosion are examples of impacts of climate change that affecting the community now. A conservation target was the mesei (taro patch). Kayangel has a very limited capacity for taro production. There is a single area that is subdivided among individuals to be used as taro patch. The giant taro (brak) is regarded as one of the best in all of Palau. Recent impact of climate change resulting in rise in sea level has affected the taro plots limiting grow.   The Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse) was found in Kayangel in abundant numbers now. However, this species is being threatened by sea level rise; predation by invasive species that prey on them and their eggs; and the loss of habitat from super typhoons and development.

In November 2013 Supertyphoon Haiyan caused severe damage to Kayangel destroying many homes, farms and gardens, forests and megapod habitat. A preliminary assessment estimate at least $3M worth of damage to infrastructure. alone  Traditional taro gardens and forests were destroyed.  Many residents  have yet to return.  The priority are homes and infrastruture for water and power. Reforestration and rehabilitation of cultural areas including taro gardens and sacred sites will be a slow process.

Resources: Ngedebuul Conservation and Resource Planning Team with assistance from   Palau Conservation Society.  2013.  Kayangel Protected Areas Network Five Year Management Plan (2013 to 2018)