1 Palau Country Profile

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1 Palau Country Profile Page 1 Page 2 General Information Palau (historically Belau or Pelew), officially the Republic of Palau, is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. The country is made up of approximately 340 islands, forming the western chain of the Caroline Islands in Micronesia. It has an area of 466 square kilometres (180 sq. mi). The most populous island is Koror. The capital Ngerulmud is located on the nearby island of Babeldaob, in Melekeok State. Palau shares maritime boundaries with In donesia, the Philippines, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Palau's economy is based mainly on tourism, subsistence agriculture and fishing, with a significant portion of gross national product (GNP) derived from foreign aid. The country uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its currency. The islands' culture mixes Micronesian, Melanesian, Asian, and Western elements. Ethnic Palauans, the majority of the population, are of mixed Micronesian, Melanesian, and Austronesian descent. A smaller proportion of the population is descended from Japanese and Filipino settlers. The country's two official languages are Palauan (a member of the wider Sunda–Sulawesi language group) and English, with Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian recognised as regional languages. Politically, Palau is a presidential republic in free association with the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services. Legislative power is concentrated in the bicameral Palau National Congress. States of Palau State Capital Area (km2) Population (census 2005) North of Babeldaob Kayangel Kayangel 3 188 Babeldaob Aimeliik Mongami 52 270 Airai Ngetkib 44 2723 Melekeok Melekeok 28 391 Ngaraard Ulimang 36 581 Ngarchelong Mengellang 10 488 Ngardmau Urdmang 47 166 Ngaremlengui Imeong 65 317 Ngatpang Ngereklmadel 47 464 Ngechesar Ngersuul 41 25 Ngiwal Ngerkeai 26 223 Southwest of Babeldoab Angaur Ngaramasch 8 320 Koror Koror City 18 12676 Peleliu Kloulklubed 18 702 Southwest Islands Hatohobei Hatohobei 3 44 Sonsorol Dongosaru 3 100 Further generic country information can be located from sources which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a broader country overview, please consult the following sources: Palau Wikipedia Country Information - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palau Palau IMF Country Information - http://www.imf.org/en/Countries/PLW Humanitarian Info Palau World Food Programme Information - http://www1.wfp.org/countries/pacific Palau UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Information - http://www.unocha.org/pacific/country-profiles/palau Page 3 Facts and Figures Palau Wolfram Alpha Information - http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=palau Palau World Bank Information - https://data.worldbank.org/country/Palau Palau Population Information - http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/palau-population/ Page 4.

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The 16 STATES
The 16 STATES Pristine Paradise. 2 Palau is an archipelago of diverse terrain, flora and fauna. There is the largest island of volcanic origin, called Babeldaob, the outer atoll and limestone islands, the Southern Lagoon and islands of Koror, and the southwest islands, which are located about 250 miles southwest of Palau. These regions are divided into sixteen states, each with their own distinct features and attractions. Transportation to these states is mainly by road, boat, or small aircraft. Koror is a group of islands connected by bridges and causeways, and is joined to Babeldaob Island by the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. Once in Babeldaob, driving the circumference of the island on the highway can be done in a half day or full day, depending on the number of stops you would like. The outer islands of Angaur and Peleliu are at the southern region of the archipelago, and are accessable by small aircraft or boat, and there is a regularly scheduled state ferry that stops at both islands. Kayangel, to the north of Babeldaob, can also be visited by boat or helicopter. The Southwest Islands, due to their remote location, are only accessible by large ocean-going vessels, but are a glimpse into Palau’s simplicity and beauty. When visiting these pristine areas, it is necessary to contact the State Offices in order to be introduced to these cultural treasures through a knowledgeable guide. While some fees may apply, your contribution will be used for the preservation of these sites. Please see page 19 for a list of the state offices.
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Republic of Palau Hearing Committee on Energy And
S. HRG. 112–121 REPUBLIC OF PALAU HEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES UNITED STATES SENATE ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION TO REVIEW S. 343, A BILL TO AMEND TITLE I OF P.L. 99–658 REGARDING THE COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF PALAU, TO APPROVE THE RESULTS OF THE 15-YEAR REVIEW OF THE COMPACT, INCLUDING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERN- MENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU FOLLOWING THE COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION SECTION 432 REVIEW, TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE AMENDED P.L. 99–658 FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDING ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, AND TO CARRY OUT THE AGREEMENTS RESULTING FROM THAT REVIEW JUNE 16, 2011 ( Printed for the use of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 70–661 PDF WASHINGTON : 2011 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800 Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001 COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico, Chairman RON WYDEN, Oregon LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho MARIA CANTWELL, Washington MIKE LEE, Utah BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont RAND PAUL, Kentucky DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan DANIEL COATS, Indiana MARK UDALL, Colorado ROB PORTMAN, Ohio JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota AL FRANKEN, Minnesota DEAN HELLER, Nevada JOE MANCHIN, III, West Virginia BOB CORKER, Tennessee CHRISTOPHER A.
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The Republic of Palau Pursuing a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future
OIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIAOIA The Republic of Palau Pursuing a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future The Republic of Palau is located roughly 500 miles east of the Philippines in the Western Pacific Ocean. The country consists of 189 square miles of land spread over more than 340 islands, only nine of which are inhabited: 95% of the land area lies within a single reef structure that includes the islands of Babeldaob (a.k.a. Babelthuap), Peleliu and Koror. Palau and the United States have a strong relationship as enshrined in the Compact of Free Association, U.S. Public Law 99-658. Palau has made a concerted effort in goals set forth in its energy policy. recent years to address the technical, The country completed its National policy, social and economic hurdles Climate Change Policy in 2015 and Energy & Climate Facts to deploying energy efficiency and made a commitment to reduce Total capacity (2015): 40.1 MW renewable energy technologies, and has national greenhouse gas emissions Diesel: 38.8 MW taken measures to mitigate and adapt to (GHGs) as part of the United Nations Solar PV: 1.3 MW climate change. This work is grounded in Framework Convention on Climate Total generation (2014): 78,133 MWh Palau’s 2010 National Energy Policy. Change (UNFCCC). Demand for electricity (2015): Palau has also developed an energy action However with a population of just Average/Peak: 8.9/13.5 MW plan to outline concrete steps the island over 21,000 and a gross national GHG emissions per capita: 13.56 tCO₂e nation could take to achieve the energy income per capita of only US$11,110 (2011) in 2014, Palau will need assistance Residential electric rate: $0.28/kWh 7°45|N (2013 average) Arekalong from the international community in REPUBLIC Peninsula order to fully implement its energy Population (2015): 21,265 OF PALAU and climate goals.
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A Summary of Palau's Typhoon History 1945-2013
A Summary of Palau’s Typhoon History 1945-2013 Coral Reef Research Foundation, Palau Dec, 2014 © Coral Reef Research Foundation 2014 Suggested citation: Coral Reef Research Foundation, 2014. A Summary of Palau’s Typhoon History. Technical Report, 17pp. www.coralreefpalau.org Additions and suggestions welcome. Please email: [email protected] 2 Summary: Since 1945 Palau has had 68 recorded typhoons, tropical storms or tropical depressions come within 200 nmi of its islands or reefs. At their nearest point to Palau, 20 of these were typhoon strength with winds ≥64kts, or an average of 1 typhoon every 3 years. November and December had the highest number of significant storms; July had none over 40 kts and August had no recorded storms. Data Compilation: Storms within 200 nmi (nautical miles) of Palau were identified from the Digital Typhoon, National Institute of Informatics, Japan web site (http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital- typhoon/reference/besttrack.html.en). The storm tracks and intensities were then obtained from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) (https://metoc.ndbc.noaa.gov/en/JTWC/). Three storm categories were used following the JTWC: Tropical Depression, winds ≤ 33 kts; Tropical Storm, winds 34-63 kts; Typhoon ≥64kts. All track data was from the JTWC archives. Tracks were plotted on Google Earth and the nearest distance to land or reef, and bearing from Palau, were measured; maximum sustained wind speed in knots (nautical miles/hr) at that point was recorded. Typhoon names were taken from the Digital Typhoon site, but typhoon numbers for the same typhoon were from the JTWC archives.
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Hunter-Anderson 2000
Micronesica 33(1/2) 12/10/00 2:01 PM Page 11 Micronesica 33(1/2):11-44, 2000 Ethnographic and Archaeological Investigations in the Southwest Islands of Palau ROSALIND L. HUNTER-ANDERSON Micronesian Archaeological Research Services P.O. Box 22303 GMF, Guam 96921 U.S.A. Abstract—Ethnographic and archaeological field work was conducted in 1992 at Tobi, Merir, Pulo Anna, Sonsorol, and Fana. At Tobi, docu- mentation included profiling a wave-cut exposure of a ritual area mound near the landing on the western side of the island and retrieving a soil sample from the base of the mound for radiocarbon dating; locating and describing seventeen earth-oven refuse mounds and excavating a shovel trench into one of them, from which a charcoal sample was retrieved for radiocarbon dating; photographing artifacts observed on the ground sur- face and in private collections; recording information on traditional resource use at Tobi and nearby Helen Reef; and interviewing older Tobians living in Koror regarding traditional practices. A paleosediment core was taken at an inland taro patch. At Merir, the surface features on the large residential mound near the landing on the west side of the island were sketched in plan and information recorded about the mound’s former uses; a shovel trench was excavated into the south flank of the mound, and a paleosediment core was taken at a small taro patch inland of the mound. Artifacts from the surface at the beach were photographed. At Pulo Anna, a shovel trench was excavated into a residential mound and charcoal samples col- lected for radiocarbon dating and a paleosediment core was taken at the margin of the large inland salt water pond.
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Republic of Palau
REPUBLIC OF PALAU Palau Public Library Five-Year State Plan 2020-2022 For submission to the Institute of Museum and Library Services Submitted by: Palau Public Library Ministry of Education Republic of Palau 96940 April 22, 2019 Palau Five-Year Plan 1 2020-2022 MISSION The Palau Public Library is to serve as a gateway for lifelong learning and easy access to a wide range of information resources and to ensure the residents of Palau will be successful, literate and resourceful in the Palauan society and the world. PALAU PUBLIC LIBRARY BACKGROUND The Palau Public Library (PPL), was established in 1964, comes under the Ministry of Education. It is the only public library in the Republic of Palau, with collections totaling more than 20,000. The library has three full-time staff, the Librarian, the Library Assistant, and the Library Aide/Bookmobile Operator. The mission of the PPL is to serve as a gateway to lifelong learning and easy access to a wide range of information resources to ensure the residents of Palau will be successful, literate, and resourceful in the Palauan society and world. The PPL strives to provide access to materials, information resources, and services for community residents of all ages for professional and personal development, enjoyment, and educational needs. In addition, the library provides access to EBSCOHost databases and links to open access sources of scholarly information. It seeks to promote easy access to a wide range of resources and information and to create activities and programs for all residents of Palau. The PPL serves as the library for Palau High School, the only public high school in the Republic of Palau.
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Palau Along a Path of Sustainability, While Also Ensuring That No One Is Left Behind
0 FOREWORD I am pleased to present our first Voluntary National Review on the SDGs. This Review is yet another important benchmark in our ongoing commitment to transform Palau along a path of sustainability, while also ensuring that no one is left behind. This journey towards a sustainable future is not one for gov- ernment alone, nor a single nation, but for us all. Given the SDG’s inherent inter-linkages, we acknowledge that our challenges are also interrelated, and thus so too must be our solutions. The accelerated pace of global change we see today makes it particularly diffi- cult for small island nations, like Palau, to keep up, let alone achieve sustaina- ble development. Despite this challenge, we firmly believe that we can achieve a sustainable future for Palau. Our conviction stems from our certainty that we can confront our challenges by combining our lessons from the past with new information and modern technology and use them to guide us to stay the right course along our path to the future. Just as important, we are also confi- dent in this endeavor because we can also find solutions amongst each other. Over the past three years, Palau has systematically pursued a rigorous process of assessing our Pathways to 2030. Eight inter-sector working groups, led by government ministries, but including representatives from civil society, and semi-private organizations, have prepared this initial Voluntary National Review. The groups have selected an initial set of 95 SDG global targets and associated indicators that collectively constitute our initial National SDG Framework.
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CBD Third National Report
CONTENTS A. REPORTING PARTY ............................................................................................................... 3 Information on the preparation of the report ....................................................................... 3 B. PRIORITY SETTING, TARGETS AND OBSTACLES ....................................................................... 4 Priority Setting ................................................................................................................ 6 Challenges and Obstacles to Implementation ...................................................................... 7 2010 Target .................................................................................................................... 9 Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) ...................................................................37 Ecosystem Approach .......................................................................................................54 C. ARTICLES OF THE CONVENTION ...........................................................................................56 Article 5 – Cooperation ....................................................................................................56 Article 6 - General measures for conservation and sustainable use ........................................58 Biodiversity and Climate Change .................................................................................60 Article 7 - Identification and monitoring .............................................................................61
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Threatened Endemic Plants of Palau
THREA TENED ENDEMIC PLANTS OF PALAU BIODI VERSITY CONSERVATION LESSONS LEARNED TECHNICAL SERIES 19 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION LESSONS LEARNED TECHNICAL SERIES 19 Threatened Endemic Plants of Palau Biodiversity Conservation Lessons Learned Technical Series is published by: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and Conservation International Pacific Islands Program (CI-Pacific) PO Box 2035, Apia, Samoa T: + 685 21593 E: [email protected] W: www.conservation.org The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. Conservation International Pacific Islands Program. 2013. Biodiversity Conservation Lessons Learned Technical Series 19: Threatened Endemic Plants of Palau. Conservation International, Apia, Samoa Authors: Craig Costion, James Cook University, Australia Design/Production: Joanne Aitken, The Little Design Company, www.thelittledesigncompany.com Photo credits: Craig Costion (unless cited otherwise) Cover photograph: Parkia flowers. © Craig Costion Series Editors: Leilani Duffy, Conservation International Pacific Islands Program Conservation International is a private, non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. OUR MISSION Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration,
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Final Report on the Master Plan Study for the Upgrading of Electric Power Supply in the Republic of Palau Summary
Palau Public Utilities Corporation No. The Republic of Palau FINAL REPORT ON THE MASTER PLAN STUDY FOR THE UPGRADING OF ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY IN THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU SUMMARY JULY 2008 JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY YACHIYO ENGINEERING CO., LTD. THE CHUGOKU ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC. IL JR 08-018 PREFACE In response to a request from the Republic of Palau, the Government of Japan decided to conduct the Master Plan Study for the Upgrading of Electric Power Supply and entrusted to the study to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA selected and dispatched a study team headed by Mr. Mitsuhisa Nishikawa of Yachiyo Engineering Co., LTD. (yec) and consists of yec and Chugoku Electric Power Co., INC. three times between January and June, 2008. The team held discussions with the officials concerned of the Government of Palau and conducted field surveys at the study area. Upon returning to Japan, the team conducted further studies and prepared this final report. I hope that this report will contribute to the promotion of this project and to the enhancement of friendly relationship between our two countries. Finally, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the officials concerned of the Government of Palau for their close cooperation extended to the study. July 2008 Seiichi Nagatsuka Vice President Japan International Cooperation Agency Mr. Seiichi Nagatsuka Vice President Japan International Cooperation Agency LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL July 2008 Dear Sir, It is my great pleasure to submit herewith the Final Report of “The Master Plan Study for the Upgrading of Electric Power Supply in the Republic of Palau”.
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Helen Reef 2008: an Overview
Helen Reef 2008: an Overview by Patrick L. Colin, Lori J. Bell and Sharon Patris Coral Reef Research Foundation P.O. Box 1765 Koror, Palau 96940 [email protected] Technical Report 2008 © Coral Reef Research Foundation Suggested citation: Colin, P.L., L.J. Bell and S. Patris. 2008. Helen Reef 2008: An Overview. Technical Report, Coral Reef Research Foundation, 31pp. www.coralreefpalau.org CORAL REEF RESEARCH FOUNDATION Report to Helen Reef Project SW Islands Collecting Trip, Sept 2008 INTRODUCTION In September 2008 the Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) participated in a 3 week trip to Sonsorol and Hatohobei States for the purpose of marine invertebrate collections for the US National Cancer Institute (NCI). In addition to the NCI collections we were able to make a considerable number of general observations about marine conditions as well as gather a variety of data on tides, currents and temperatures at Helen Reef. The trip was a shared charter aboard the live-aboard dive boat Pacific Explorer II, in conjunction with fish biologists Rick Winterbottom (Royal Ontario Museum, Canada) and Mark Westneat (Field Museum, Chicago), from 10 – 29 September 2008. This report is intended to summarize the observations and collections made by CRRF. Two previous small collections were made in the Southwest Islands by CRRF, July 1995 to Sonsorol State, and December 1996 to Hatohobei State. Some of those results are summarized here for continuity in data. The Southwest Islands of Palau represent an area which is intermediate between the ultra diverse "Coral Triangle" (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, Philippines) and the less (but still very high) diverse Micronesian islands.
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Addressing Water Sector Climate Change Vulnerabilities in the Outlying Island States of Palau
A NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION PROJECT Global Climate Change Alliance Addressing water sector climate change vulnerabilities in the outlying island states of Palau Focusing on the specific water issues experienced by residents in remote island communities – climate change adaptation in Palau. Project amount How does this project assist climate remote island communities. There has been a change adaptation? need for flexibility as the project progresses. € 0.5 million (approx. USD 0.66 million) funded by For example, Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 affected the European Union Water security has been identified as a key Kyangel, Palau’s northernmost island state, challenge for Palau. This is a conclusion drawn creating the need to reassess and redesign Project period from vulnerability and adaptation assessments local project implementation. conducted in-country by both government and 31 July 2013 to 30 June 2015 • The Palau Public Utilities Corporation non-governmental organisations. The problem infrastructure has been significantly is considered particularly acute among the more enhanced. For example, a backup generator Implementing agencies remote outlying islands. and carbon filters and aerators have been Office of Environmental Response and added to the Angaur water system, as well Coordination; Palau Public Utilities Corporation Climate change is exacerbating problems in the as improvements to household and communal Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) water sector because (i) air temperatures are water systems in other islands. projected to continue rising, affecting evaporation • Innovative partnerships have addressed the Partners rates and the availability of good quality water; challenges faced in implementing project (ii) changes in precipitation and extreme weather activities in extremely remote communities.
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