Believe it or not I do have to work here. But my work is to do with environment and conservation so its really like play!
My role is coordinator of Micronesia Challenge - http://themicronesiachallenge.blogspot.com/. As an organisation we are working across Micronesia (so that is Guam, Saipan, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau) to preserve marine and terrestrial species. We are committed to preserve 30% and 20% respectively by 2020. That doesn't sound much does it? Preserve 30% of your marine resources? Well the global goal is more like 10%. Shame on us humans and our recklessness.
How do we do this? Well, Palau has led in many areas and has an extremely proactive President in environmental matters. Firstly Palau declared the whole of Palauan waters as a Shark Sanctuary (2001) and this year declared 80 per cent of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) a marine sanctuary - meaning no commercial fishing at all. Note to Australia: why can't we do this???
But the largest contribution to monitoring of species is through a network of protected sites. These are areas such as the Rock Islands, Marine Channels, Wetlands and other significant sites of biodiversity. They are managed through a formal structure in consultation with the traditional owners. Many areas are then closed off from tourism or decalred no take zones. They may protect a specific species such as the Dugongs (Mesekiu); or preserve fishing stocks.
These protected areas are managed through the PAN Fund. Have a look at their excellent website: http://www.palaupanfund.org/index.html
Funding comes from tourist fees and a green fee paid on departure from Palau.
So the worst day at the office here is not too bad! I get to meet many fascinating people such as marine biologists, local people working in conservation and of course I get to visit these areas. But I have not seen a dugong yet!.
