Recovering the unique atoll forests of Kayangel

An extended agreement has been signed by PCS’s Executive Director Elbuchel Sadang and Kayangel Governor Richard Ngiraked to sustain the restoration efforts for the distinctive atoll forests of Kayangel. This initiative comes 11 years after the devastating impact of super typhoon Haiyan, which wiped out the forests on the atoll islands. Subsequent reconstruction efforts introduced invasive plants that quickly spread and caused damage to native flora, particularly affecting Ngeriungs Island, the State’s Bird Sanctuary.

The agreement includes a continuation of collaborative efforts with the Kayangel Seinendang Association (KSA) to eradicate invasive weeds and replace them with native species, with support from the Division of Forestry, Land, and Water under MAFE.

This 15-month project, funded by a grant from the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), commenced in January 2023. By the end of the year, 10,040 square kilometers of land has been cleared of invasive species, and over 600 saplings of native plants has been planted. Despite this progress, there are still areas on Ngeriungs Island and the main island of Kayangel that require clearing and replanting.

Kayangel State comprises four islands – Kayangel, Ngeriungs Bird Sanctuary, Ngerbelas, and Orak – with a total land area of 3 square kilometers. The islands’ forest cover, characterized as strand type, is unique and not found on Babeldaob, being limited to a few fragmented patches on Palau’s southern islands. These forests represent less than 1% of Palau’s forest cover, making them crucial habitats. The beaches are significant nesting sites for globally endangered green and hawksbill turtles, while the islands are also known for their large population of birds of lagoon waters, and of coconut crabs, which are harvested for subsistence and small-scale commercial purposes.