MICRONESIA

– 118 – www.paradises.com shellfish from the shallow reefs. The sea was the domain of men, who spent time in the men's meeting house, or Bai, mastering techniques of canoe-building and refining their weaponry skills for inter-village warfare. In today's Palau, the lifestyle is modernized and warfare is a distant memory, but the men and women still value their roles. Palau's unique culture can be expressed through dance, song, art, crafts and cuisine. The Palauans are proud of their heritage and are generous and hospitable to visitors. Cultural activities are held regularly, such as the annual Olechotel Belau Fair and Night Markets. Found nowhere else in the world, the First Childbirth Ceremony is an event for the fortunate observer. Following the birth of her child, a young mother is given a hot medicinal bath and adorned in fragrant turmeric coconut oil, f lowers and traditional wear, in order to present the baby to family and friends. Modern Palauans also reinforce ancient practices born of observation of nature to hand down their knowledge and bounties to future generations. Even today, many sites of cultural or historic importance remain intact, ready for their stories to be revealed. Conservation is Palau's culture, heritage and future. Therefore, Palau's leadership has banned industrial fishing to ensure that the marine life will continue to f lourish on the reefs. This dedication to preservation has been echoed across the Pacific as far as the United States, where President Obama recently pledged to conserve 10% of their marine environment. The "Bul", a traditional Palauan resource management system used by ancestors, is a conservation practice that is still carried on today. As conservation is our culture, our heritage and our future, plans began in 2014 to protect 80% of Palau's waters and ban foreign commercial fishing. Recently, this law created one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries about the size of the state of California. Of the 586 islands, approximately 75% of Palau is covered in native forest and mangrove. The forests of Palau are the most species-diverse in Micronesia with 1400 species of plants, with an estimated 194 endemic plant species. 23 endemic orchids to Palau are now known. At least 46 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found, at least 12 of which are endemic. Species include four sea turtle species, one crocodile, and two sea snakes. Palau has two endemic species of bats, the large Fruit Bat which can be seen during the day, and the small, nocturnal insectivorous Sheath-tailed Bat found around the limestone caves. Invasive introduced species include the Cane toad, Cocatoos, Eclectus parrots, shrews, monkeys, and African snails. Palau has 162 recorded species of birds, and 12 of these are endemic, only found in Palau. Some of the rarest birds to see are the Palau Ground Dove (omekrengukl) and the Giant White- eye, which can only be found in certain locations in the Rock Islands. The Palau Megapode (bekai) is now an endangered species. Come and witness "Pristine Paradise. Palau." For more information, visit www.visit-palau.com, @pp_palau in Twitter, or Pristine Paradise Palau on Facebook. — M i c r o n e s i a —

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