International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Palau: Ngerikiil watershed restoration for the improvement of water quality

Aims: To reduce land degradation while preserving ecosystem stability, functions, and services of the Ngerikiil Watershed

Activities: Re-introduction of native plant species to help stabilise soil; Establish long-term low cost monitoring program use of bioindicators; Mitigation of road drainage; Survey pollutant sources; Surveying socio-economic importance of watershed; Establish “Payment for Ecosystem Services” scheme; Awareness raising on watershed protection.

2586 - PAS Implementing Sustainable Integrated Water Resource and Wastewater Management in the Pacific Island Countries - under the GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability


"3(a) INDICATOR#1: Increase in land protected and/or rehabilitated over catchment
The target of the project is to have the Ngerikiil Watershed either a protected area or a managed area. At project start-up the Airai State Government was hesitant to declare this area protected.
Through the joint efforts of the IWRM partners which includes Airai State Government increased awareness of the importance of this particular watershed has led to $200,000 being given to Airai State Government as financial support for the management of this important catchment area, including replication and scaling-up of revegetation efforts and invasive species removal pilot activities initiated by the demonstration project in Ngerikiil Watershed.

3(b) INDICATOR#2: Reduction in Drinking Water Source Pollution
During the project inception phase a baseline survey on existing and possible pollutant sources was conducted. In addition, the projects goal was to mitigate the impacts of runoffs and sedimentation from the compact road. Regular monitoring of different land uses in Ngerikiil has enabled identification of pollutant sources which have been remediated leading to overall pollutant load entering the Ngerikiil Watershed and nearshore waters and reefs. "

"2(a) INDICATOR#1: Proportion of Community Engaged in Water Related Issues
The target for the project was to increase portion of community engaged in Water Related Issues.
Prior to project inception community engagement in water related issues focused primarily on quantity of water and whether or not the water was safe for consumption. Since project inception not only has there been an increase in awareness and willingness to protect watersheds through consultations for the drafting and finalization of the Water and Wastewater policy but there has also been regular community outreach focused on the importance of water and how best to manage and conserve it.

2(b) INDICATOR#2: Sectors Actively Engaged in Formal Mulitlateral Communication on Water Issues
The IWRM project has increased the collaboration between sectors actively engaged in water issues.
This has lead to two National Water Summits that involved the drafting and finalization of a National Water Policy for the Republic of Palau. In addition, this increased multi-sectoral engagement has stimulated the need for the establishment of a National Apex Water Body which had not even been considered prior to the work of this project. Sector representatives are now actively engaged on formulating this body including drafting Terms of Reference and list of members. "

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Data
Year 2012
Reporting date 14-Mar
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