By: Ophelia Ongalibang

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Case Study of Water Storage Capacity of Ngardok
Lake, Republic of Palau

• By Ophelia Ongalibang

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Republic of Palau
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Lake Ngardok Nature Reserve

• Largest natural lake
• in Micronesia
• The lake is an important source of freshwater in
  Babeldaob.
• Ngardok Lake is located in Melkeok State in the
  Island of Babeldaob.
• Recognized and protected as a nature reserve
  covering 1000 acres.
• The lake is 720 m long, 180 m wide, with average
  depth of 3 m.

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Project Significance

• Ngardok Lake is recognized as one of the most
  diverse habitat in Palau.
• First Ramsar Convention for Wetland in
  Micronesia.
• HOWEVER, the lake is less than a mile from the
  construction sites of the compact road and the
  capital buildings.
• Palau National government has proposed to use
  Ngardok Lake as main water supply.

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Methods of Research

• Using ArcGIS program, GPS and other aerial photo
  interpretation skill to analyze available data
  and photos of the lake.
• Conducted interviews and surveys within the local
  community.

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Results

• Raised awareness and interests within the local,
  state, and national community.
• Lake storage capacity is sufficient to support
  population increase of 6,000 people.
• However, a more scientific approach is needed.
  

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Conclusion

• This is because changing
• weather pattern and climatic
• conditions make the future of managing water
  resources
• uncertain.
• It is unclear where and
• how much water supplies will change with the
  climatic changes like global warming.
• But what is clear is that the increasing demand
  caused by changes in population
• and developments will pose greater problems in
  the future if not planned and managed properly.

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Acknowledgement

• Special Thanks to MASSIP, USDA Institute of
  Pacific Islands Forestry, Bureau of
  Agriculture-Office of Forestry in Palau, TNC,
  PCS, PALARIS, Ngardok Lake Nature Reserve Board
  and everyone who helped with the research.
• . . . Mesulang