National Training Course on Coral Reef Survey and Monitoring Techniques in Koror, Palau, 4-15 August, 1997 / conducted by Ian Miller

Abstract

Recognising the ongoing need for regional capacity building in coral reef survey methods, SPREP and the State Department of the United States provided funding for a course in reef monitoring techniques for Palau citizens. Palau was chosen because of a previously identified need for the training of Palau as citizens (Otobed 1994) and a strong national commitment to sustainable development as outlined in the National Environmental Management Strategy (Iosefa Maiava and the Bureau of Natural Resources 1994). The course itself was aimed at training citizens from Palau in standard reef monitoring techniques using a similar format to that of the successful course held previously in Papua New Guinea. This report summarises the training course and includes recommendations for future training and development of reef monitoring programmes with particular emphasis on the Republic of Palau.