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Protected Area Network Established By Law In Palau

By David Miho in Koror
Saturday: May 10, 2008

Palau’s President has signed into law the law the Protected Area Network (PAN) which endorses the Micronesia Challenge and should enable access to global funding for its implementation.

President Tommy Remengesau Jr. signed the PAN bill into law on the last day of the Ngarchelong Leaders Summit on the environment and protection of Palau’s northern reefs.

President Remengesau Jr. has expressed satisfaction that despite lengthy debate and controversy over the PAN bill particularly in the Senate, the Congress was able to pass a compromise version of the law.

The resulting law establishes financial provisions for funding the protected areas network with a $30 environmental “green fee” departure fee. This new levy is in addition to the current $20 departure fee and takes effect October 1, 2008.

Palau now satisfies the conditions of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and may have access to the $6 million pot of funding for developing countries for programs that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities.