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WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
Palau faces series threats to both terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems.
Due to the exportation of logs, deforestation has become a major problem.
Many places of the island have deemed logging and burning illegal, as it results in extreme habitat loss, which primarily affects the bird species populations, for the worse. However, many still participate in these illegal deforestation practices as the nation lacks the resources to support impose strict consequences.
Overfishing has become a problem in the recent years, and as a result Palau as created restriction on what can be fished and when it can be fished. However, like logging, individuals continue to break the rules and face little punishment. This has lead to a decrease in the species diversity in the waters surrounding Palau.
This commercialized export economy has resulted in the increase of invasive species brought it by boat, and threatening Palau's natural species.
Natural causes due to climate change also have an impact on Palau.
Coral bleaching due to a 1997-8 el nino resulted in the destruction of many corals that have yet to be revived.
Coastal forests are being lost to shoreline erosion and the lowland forests are being lost to massive landslides after extreme rains. Sea level is slowly rising, causing seawater intrusion. Additionally, unexpected heavy rains and winds destroying the forests as massive trees fall to the ground.
Palau's major problem, however, is due to pollution.
The lack of necessary resources leads to the improper waste treatment and disposal, filling both the oceanic and terrestrial environments with unwanted waste.
Tourism provides a major source of income for Palau which aids in ecological reconstruction and the island's economy as a whole, but tourism has negative affects as well. The high rate of foot traffic aids in environmental destruction and tourists that explore without a well trained guide can be detrimental to the island's nature. Many are in awe at the wondrous Palau, but human investigators that wish to get a closer look, may physically disrupt habitats, unknowingly.
Due to the exportation of logs, deforestation has become a major problem.
Many places of the island have deemed logging and burning illegal, as it results in extreme habitat loss, which primarily affects the bird species populations, for the worse. However, many still participate in these illegal deforestation practices as the nation lacks the resources to support impose strict consequences.
Overfishing has become a problem in the recent years, and as a result Palau as created restriction on what can be fished and when it can be fished. However, like logging, individuals continue to break the rules and face little punishment. This has lead to a decrease in the species diversity in the waters surrounding Palau.
This commercialized export economy has resulted in the increase of invasive species brought it by boat, and threatening Palau's natural species.
Natural causes due to climate change also have an impact on Palau.
Coral bleaching due to a 1997-8 el nino resulted in the destruction of many corals that have yet to be revived.
Coastal forests are being lost to shoreline erosion and the lowland forests are being lost to massive landslides after extreme rains. Sea level is slowly rising, causing seawater intrusion. Additionally, unexpected heavy rains and winds destroying the forests as massive trees fall to the ground.
Palau's major problem, however, is due to pollution.
The lack of necessary resources leads to the improper waste treatment and disposal, filling both the oceanic and terrestrial environments with unwanted waste.
Tourism provides a major source of income for Palau which aids in ecological reconstruction and the island's economy as a whole, but tourism has negative affects as well. The high rate of foot traffic aids in environmental destruction and tourists that explore without a well trained guide can be detrimental to the island's nature. Many are in awe at the wondrous Palau, but human investigators that wish to get a closer look, may physically disrupt habitats, unknowingly.