Voices of the People
Republic of Palau
Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., is the exiting president of Palau. On November 5, 2005, Remengesau called on his peers to join him in the Micronesia Challenge to effectively conserve 30 percent of nearshore marine resources and 20 percent of terrestrial resources by 2020.
“For Palau, the environment is our economy. Our people rely on the food and income the reefs provide—and coming generations will, too. On our small planet, the actions of one affect all, and if islands fail to stand together to protect our natural resources and cultural pasts, we will have no future.
“Support from the international community, coupled with tangible community, state and national commitments to conservation, are critical ingredients to achieving our national and global protected area goals.
“It is the proverbial pebble sending ripples across the world’s oceans, and Palau is proud that pebble came from its shores.”
