Protected Areas
Amilekiik State is located in the Southwest portion of Babeldaob. The state covers approximately 37.14 sq km and have five discreet villages: Imul, Ngerkeai, Chelechui, Ngchemiangel, and Medorm. It has three Marine Protected Areas and one Terrestrial Conservations area, a total of four Conservation Areas which are PAN Sites. The total population of Aimelik is 363.
Airai is located on the southern coast of the Babeldaob island and is the second most populous state of Palau. Airai has four protected areas: Medal Ngediuul Conservation Area, Ngchesechang Mangrove Conservation Area, Ngeream Conservation Area and Oikull Mangrove Conservation Area. The total population of Airai state is 2529.
Angaur or Ngeaur is an island and state in Palau. Angaur has the Angaur conservation area and has a population of 114 people.
Hatohobei is the southernmost state of Palau. The people of Hatohobei, envision their island to have an abundance of natural resources and a pristine healthy environment through the engagement of the community and friends in utilizing scientific and traditional knowledge to manage and sustain their natural resources for today and future generations It is Palau’s least populous state with 39 people. Hatohobei contains one protected area, the Helen Reef reserve.
Kayangel is the northernmost state of Palau and is located north of Babeldoab. According to the Kayangel 2013-2018 Management Plan, Kayangel Protected Areas Network (KPAN) includes the 12 nautical mile near shore marine waters of Kayangel, Ngkesol Barrier Reef, Ngeruangel Marine Reserve, Ngeriungs Globally Important Bird Area, the Chermall Sacred Natural Site and Ngerusebek Sacred Natural site, both of which serve as atoll forest preserves. Kayangel state is an excellent tourist getaway for those who love white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and minimal disturbance from the hustle and bustle of the main islands, or people who enjoy fun activities such as snorkeling, diving, or sports fishing. Kayangel has a population of 41 people.
Koror thriving tourist industry their natural environment needs to be intact and unharmed from the visitors and local communities. This is evident by the number of marine and terrestrial areas that they have designated as either protected or conserved areas. The state itself has a total of 8 protected and conserved areas. The areas include Long Island Conservation Area, Ngerkebesang Conservation Zone, Ngederrak Reef, Ngkisaol Sardine Sanctuary, Ngerumkaol Spawning Area, Ngerukuid Islands Wildlife Preserve, Ngemelis Island are No take, No fishing zones, and restricted entry. The areas were designated due to their significance as important breeding grounds, nurseries and habitats for many marine organisms and plants.
One of the areas mentioned above, Ngerumkaol Spawning area was designated as a state, Palau’s commercial center and home to some of Palau’s main attractions. Thousands of tourists visit this place mainly for its marine environment and its scenic Rock Island Southern Lagoon. Koror state notices the fact that in order for the state to continue to have a Complex, and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (RISL) Management Area. Most of these areas are Protected Area because it was a known important spawning and aggregation site for groupers. The total population for Koror state is 11,199.
Melekeok is located on the central east coast of Babeldaob island. The state consists of long beaches, hills, steep ridges, rivers, and the largest and only natural freshwater lake in the Republic of Palau and Micronesia, Lake Ngardok. Melekeok has two protected areas, the Ngardok Nature Reserve and Ngermedellim marine sanctuary. The total population of Melekeok is 318 people.
There are currently five conservation sites for Ngaraard State, namely Ungelel Area, West Coast Mangrove Conservation Area, Diong era Ngerchokl Site and the source of the State’s water at Metmellasch and Ngerkall sites. There are a number of unique features of these areas special to the people of Ngaraard resulting in laws designating them as Conservation Areas needed for protection. The total population of Ngaraard state is 396 people.
Located at the tip of Babeldaob is the village of Rteluul or more commonly known today as Ngarchelong. The state is home to a number of historical and culturally marvelous attractions. From the fortress in Ngerbau, called Euatel er a Ngerbau, to the huge Badrulchau (Stone Monoliths). It is also home to the only to known sarcophagus in Palau called Tet el Bad. When imagining and thinking about some of the most prolific marine environments of Palau, the reef of Ngarchelong comes to mind. Ngarchelong’s Northern Reef is made up of miles of reef, and hundreds of corals and fish. The 230 sq. km Northern Reef includes barrier, submerged, fringing, and patch reefs not to forget a number channels, sea grass beds, mangroves, and sandy beaches. It is also where we find one of Palau’s most healthy Marine Protected Area, the Ebiil Conservation Area. Ebiil channel was protected because of its importance as a Spawning and Aggregation Site (SPAG’s) for many groupers. Ngarchelong reef is managed to ensure long term biodiversity protection and resource sustainability. The total population of Ngarchelong is 384 people.
Ngardmau is located on the west side of Babeldaob . The protected areas in Ngardmau state are collectively called Ngardmau system of conservation areas. Though there are many conserved and protected areas one of them stands out among the rest. It is the highest waterfall in Palau. The waterfall pops out in the middle of the valley and stands at about 30 meters high. It is the Medal a Iechad Waterfall. The waterfall was created thousands of years ago when streams of water eroded the softer surface until the hard rock was left. The hard rock is left overhanging and because it isn’t supported it starts collapsing. When the rocks fall they create what we call a plunge pool. The plunge pool is the area where falling water and rocks create a deep pool. This can clearly be seen at the waterfall. To get to the waterfall you have to hike or ride the monorail. However, the trail itself is a beauty as it is lined with native trees and shrubs. Ngardmau has a population of 238 people.
Ngaremlengui is west of the capital of Melekeok state and has a population of 349 people. It has five conservation areas including Ngermeskang Nature Reserve, Ngermeskang Bird Sanctuary, Bkulengriil Conservation Area, Bkulabeluu and Teuachel Mlengui Conservation Areas and Mokad Recreation Zone.
Ngatpang is one of Palau’s sixteen states. It comprises an area of around 47 square kilometers in the west of Palau’s largest island, Babeldaob, facing onto Ngeremeduu Bay. Presently, Ngatpang is working towards management of its three conservation areas: Olterukl, Oruaol Ibuchel, and Chiul (Iuul). These include threatened and endangered species as well as important birds. Ngatpang has a population of 289 people.
Located North of Airai to the east is the state of Ngchesar or Oldiais. The state of Ngchesar has one Terrestrial and one Marine site. The only terrestrial site of the state is the Mesekelat Protected Area which is 502 acres of native trees, shrubberies and home to the largest Calophyllum inophyllum Linneaus Var. (Btaches Ked) in Palau. Next is Ngelukes, the state’s only marine protected area. Ngelukes is a patch reef located in front of Ngersuul village approximately 258 acres in size. It is covered with sea grass and corals. The marine ecosystem is rich with a healthy population of fish species and the green turtle including marine invertebrates. It is said to be one of the most secure spots in Ngchesar where the reef meets the mangrove to provide a great sanctuary for the fish in the area. Ngchesar has a population of 319 people.
Ngiwal contains the Ngemai Conservation Area and the Olsolkesol Waterfall. The Ngiwal vision states, “The People of Ngiwal State want to improve their livelihoods through sustainable developments (including the promotion of eco tourism) and conservation of its natural resources to ensure healthy communities and ecosystems for future generations.” Ngiwal has a population of 312 people.
Peliliu is an island to the south of Koror. The island was one of the bloodiest battlegrounds in the Pacific theater during World War II. Today it is a well known tourist destination as it offers beautiful scenery and many WWII relics. It also has world class diving sites that attract thousands of tourists yearly. The state is also home to one of Palau’s smallest Marine Protected Area, Teluleu Conservation Area. Despite its small size at just 0.76 km2, Teluleu is an important nursery and marine habitat for Juvenile fish. It is an important sea grass bed and reef flat ecosystem that is home to many species of fish and other marine organisms. Teluleu conservation area is a No Entry and No Fishing Zone. The Peliliu Protected Areas Network office is closely working with their community to identify and establish future areas that will serve to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources for today’s generation and future generations to come. Peleliu has a population of 470 people.