For thousands of years Yapese have utilized the State's natural resources through traditional practices that were culturally controlled. The fading of these controls and the use of new technologies have increased pressures on the natural environment. At the same time Yap's natural resources are beginning to be valuable in new ways such as attractions for revenue-generating eco-tourism. Yap's reefs, especially its resident manta rays, Yap's famous stone money, stone paths through agroforests and Yap's nature-integrated culture also attract visitors. The potential for economic gain through sustainable use of Yap's living natural resources is now greater than that to be derived from the export of dead exploited resources. Sustainable use also means that we can pass these resources on to our children. Today's situation brings new opportunities as well as threats that must be addressed.