University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU 96923, USA
As the western-most island group in Micronesia, Palau is an appropriate site for PABITRA. Geologically, Palau consists of weathered volcanic islands, upraised limestone islands, low platform islands, atolls, and reef islands. Some islands, like Koror are combinations of these different island types. Babeldaob Island with a land area of 128.5 mi sq. has a wide range of natural and culturally modified ecosystems to study the vertical interactions between the uplands and lowlands. Shifting cultivation in forests and more permanent forms of taro agriculture in lowland swamps provide opportunities to assess a wide range of human impacts on ecosystems. Palau’s tropical rainforest is one of the most species diverse in Micronesia. Approximately 50% (53,598 acres) of upland forest are found on the island of Babeldaob. In addition, there are substantial areas of grasslands/savannas, swamps, freshwater marshes, and mangroves. There is strong infrastructural support for conservation, resource management and sustainable development, particularly within the Ministry of Resources and Development. Information on the geography, geology, climate, soils, vegetation, flora and fauna are available, and potential cooperators have been identified.
Abstract from: XIX Pacific Science Congress, July 4-9, 1999, Sydney, Australia.
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Last Updated: 01/11/00 |
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