The Yap Institute of Natural Science: Sustainable Alternatives in Micronesia
by Marjorie Falanruw
The Yap Institute of Natural Science is a small, local, nonprofit organization engaged in the collection of ethnobiological knowledge and research in natural history, adaptive technology, and ecologically sustainable development. We are dedicated to the ideal of maintaining indigenous integrity through wise sustainable use of natural resources, and search for a neotraditional lifestyle that is in harmony with the island ecosystem and satisfying in the modern world. We feel that this quest is of value not only to Yap, but also to a world in need of examples of living systems that are sustainable.
One of our key concerns has been the sustainability of fruit bat harvest. Fruit bats are keystone species because of the important role they play in pollinating flowers and spreading the seeds of trees. In Yapís traditional culture, only certain groups of people ate fruit bats. In Guam and Saipan, however, they are a delicacy and the combination of habitat destruction and hunting reduced their numbers to the point that they had to be protected as endangered species. As a result, a trade in fruit bats from other islands developed, and fruit bats were exported from Yap to Guam and Saipan in increasing numbers. Yapís fruit bat populations declined rapidly. I began reporting the decimation to the public in a variety of ways, from visits of a fruit bat to school children (who subsequently educated their parents) to providing information to the Legislature. Consequently, Yapís legislature protected fruit bats and also completely outlawed the use of guns on Yap. Bat populations began to recover. However, a recent typhoon followed by a severe drought have impacted populations and we are trying to develop local capacity to monitor them. We are grateful to Seacology for providing funds to purchase good quality binoculars needed to count fruit bats.
In the late 70s we developed a concept of a "Pacific Alternative" and have been working at details of this ideal. Now, with aid funds to the islands declining precipitously, there is great need to develop sustainable alternatives. The chiefs of Yap have appointed a task force to work with government and communities to develop an environmental stewardship program, and we have been part of this initiative. The assistance we received from Seacology enabled us to share the concept of the pacific alternative through the millennium edition of the Yap Almanac Calendar and to continue to work with the environmental stewardship initiative. The Pacific Alternative program will present a framework for sustainable development, which we will present through a series of videos as well as printed materials. As the concept develops and the number of relevant projects increase, we will eventually be living the "Pacific Alternative," a way of life that has its basis in the experience of Pacific island peoples as well as scientific knowledge relevant to Pacific island ecosystems, and which is at peace with the natural world.
We are grateful to Seacology for assistance which has helped us continue this work.
