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Cutback in Compact funds would disrupt environmental programs
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Posted on Jun 24 1999
A marine biology professor from the University of Guam has expressed concern over the phasing down of federal funding for the Compact of Free Association which would result in the disruption of environmental protection programs in Pacific Islands
According to Dr. Robert Richmond, there is a need for a heightened awareness in Washington that protection of coral reefs is beyond the simple issue of economics on the islands.
When federal fundings are cut, research work and environmental programs can be carried out through education and by making the stakeholders as partners of non-government organizations.
In terms of diversity, the Pacific Islands, including the CNMI and Guam, have the richest coral reefs. These two US territories have over 300 types of corals, reef fishes and invertebrates. On the other hand, the Caribbean islands, specifically the areas of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have between 50 to 60 kinds of corals.
Richmond also urged Pacific islanders to carry out an integrated resource management program, taking into consideration the relationship between land and sea, if they want to save their unique environment.
After all, a good environmental policy is a good economic policy. “If the beaches are destroyed, if the waters become polluted, if the people get cholera, typhoid and hepatitis, then there is no more reason for them to come here,” he said.
It makes no sense at all to set aside a marine protected area for fishery if there is runoff pollution as well. “There has to be a relationship and understanding between what goes on land next to the reef since there is as much an effect if not more than what is going on in the reef itself,” said Richmond.
Aside from its economic importance, coral reefs have a tremendous cultural value to the island communities as fishing, for example, is usually a family activity. Thus, destruction of coral reefs in island communities result in high social cost for traditional cultural values.
In terms of partnership between the government and non-government organizations, there has been a lot of progress in trying to get researchers to work closely with the business sector.
