ALM UNDP

Summary:

The Republic of Palau, the westernmost island cluster in the Caroline Island Group, is located in the western Pacific Ocean. Palau consists of 586 coralline and volcanic islands, of which only twelve are continuously inhabited. 25 percent of Palau’s landmass lies below ten meters above sea level. Consequently, low-lying coastal areas may be threatened by sea level rise. Inundation of low-lying atolls may reduce the agricultural capacity of Palau due to soil salination. Although adaptation options have been suggested, such as the cultivation of salt-tolerant root crops and foreshore revegetation, Palau has not yet developed a formal climate change adaptation programme.

Palau’s climate is hot and humid, averaging between 74-83 degrees Fahrenheit. Palau receives approximately 150 inches of rainfall annually. Although rainfall in Palau is plentiful, increasing atmospheric temperatures and saltwater inundation as a result of climate change may threaten freshwater supplies. Palau has two seasons during the year. The wet season begins in May and peaks in September, while the dry season runs from February to April and October to December. Palau is subject to typhoons and severe storms which have caused damage to local infrastructure and fisheries. An increase in storm-frequency associated with climate change could therefore pose a significant threat to Palau in the future.

Palau is considered the most biologically rich island group within Oceania, boasting one of the largest tropical rainforests in Micronesia, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, fringing reefs, patch reefs, barrier reefs, and marine lakes. Tourism is the country's economic base and is an extremely important industry, contributing US $67 million, or 47%, of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  Climate change-induced damage to the environment such as coral bleaching could adversely affect this vital industry. Other economic bases include subsistence agriculture and fishing, both contributing to Palau’s GDP. Increases in ocean temperatures may alter the migratory patterns of fish populations in Palau’s waters, also adversely affecting this industry.  The government is a major employer and relies heavily on external funding.  

• Water: improved management and maintenance of existing water supply systems is a high priority; centralized water treatment in urban centers; catchment protection and conservation; and drought and flood preparedness strategies.
• Agriculture:  identify and document the uses, potential uses and preferred growing environment for trees and plant species in order to better enable selection of species suited to a particular physical environment; introduction of salt-tolerant root crops for use in low-lying areas; breeding more drought resistant cultivars and crops for use in drought prone upland areas; introduction of alternative cultivation practices such as use of irrigation and raised-bed systems; improved soil and water conservation practices; promote use of agroforestry;  preservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge; and  diversification of 
  subsistence crops.
• Coastal Systems: enhance protection of mangrove forest areas and sensitive coral reef systems to help maintain their natural storm and erosion protection capacity while also sustaining their productivity; protection of foreshore resources through re-vegetation and the establishment of setbacks; establishment of sea walls in very specific areas (due to their high costs); and pollution control measures.
• Marine Resources: development and extension of marine breeding and restocking programs for both fish and corals; expansion of marine reserves and protected areas; enhanced monitoring and enforcement of marine related legislation; and strengthening the monitoring of migratory fish stocks.
• Forestry: expansion of community based forest conservation projects and conservation focused forestry activities.
• Human Health: public awareness programs related to  malaria, dengue fever and other diseases; and  reduction in mosquito breeding sites.
• Policy and Planning: develop an overall vulnerability and adaptation strategy that also addresses wider development, social and environmental issues that includes: a national policy framework for adaptation; capacity building and institutional strengthening; public awareness and education; and community-based management.

B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents

Palau’s First National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was published in 2002 and outlines the socioeconomic and environmental situation for the country. The vulnerabilities to climate change are outlines, as well as several adaptation strategies (POERC, 2002).