Problem

Palau’s watersheds are impacted by sediment runoff from dirt roads, conversion of forest and savannah lands to housing settlements, and high input chemical agricultural practices. These stress the water quality, mangroves, and coral reefs.

Solution

Work with local partners to identify and field test locally applicable watershed restoration methods. Use natural solutions and work with the landscape to address the issues impacting the watershed health.

Implementation

To achieve the goals of sediment reduction and improvement of water quality we worked with local groups and used a variety of methods. By working with local communities incorporating traditional environmental methods and introducing new methods, working with farmers to convert from chemical to natural fertilizers and pesticides, planting was reduced with vetiver grass traps, restoring taro fields, amending soil with natural materials including wood chips, biochar, and coconut husk, we were able to stabilize sediment runoff from several fields, treat septic runoff impacting a local elementary school.

Outcomes

A total of 28 projects were identified and seven representative projects were implemented together with local partners, with plans to continue the remaining projects in the coming years. Each of these projects contributes to improving the health of the watershed, reducing sediment runoff, chemical pollutants, and nutrient overloads.