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Home , 2020 in Palau, Kapingamarangi, Koror City, Ngeremlengui, Ngerulmud, Pacific Partnership

Disaster Management Reference Handbook

January 2020 Acknowledgements

CFE-DM would like to thank the following organizations for their support in reviewing and providing feedback to this document:

Tiare Eastmond, USAID/OFDA Meiapo Faasau, IFRC Country Cluster Support Team, Pacific Chris Foley, USAID/OFDA Mairegn Sengebau, Palau Red Cross Aleyda Valdes, UNDP, Palau

Cover and section photo credits

Cover Photo: Palau Aerial View. By LuxTonnerre Creative Commons. March 15, 2008. https://flickr.com/photos/luxtonnerre/2346935699/in/album-72157604176421959/

Country Overview Section: Badrulchau is the largest megalithic site in Palau. These stones are believed to be the pillars of the largest meeting house (bai) built. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/58634261@N00/11723262095

Disaster Overview Section Photo: World War III ruins in Babelthuap Island, Palau February 23 2012 Photo: Erin Magee/DFAT https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=AB60893B4DECE89A7B8FB98AEFDBD9C0496DD943&thid=

Organizational Structure for Disaster Management Photo: Capital Palau. By LuxTonnere Creative Commons. March 17, 2008 https://flickr.com/photos/luxtonnerre/2347010593/in/photolist-4zp3tT-JuVUY9-Kro9vp-Kjw29x-8kwiqZ-

Infrastructure Section Photo: Palau 2008030818_5584 by LuxTonnerre Creative Commons. March 9, 2008. High Res: https://flickr.com/photos/luxtonnerre/2347797610/in/album-72157604176867107/

Health Section Photo: , Palau, Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Bartles, part of the Civic Action Team (CAT) Palau examines a patient during monthly visits to provide medical advise and treatment to the citizens of Angaur. Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Jasen Moreno Garcia https://www.dvidshub.net/image/5614629/civic-action-team-visits--and-angaur

Women, Peace, and Security Section Photo: Palau Women’s Conference 2013. By UN Women, Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, 27 August 2013 https://www.flickr.com/photos/un_women_pacific/14216883894/in/album-72157644322909079/

Conclusion Section Photo: Koror, Palau’s 25th annual boat race at the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, 29 September, 2019 by Lance Cpl Haley McMenamin. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/5804223/1st-marine-division-attends--independence-day-boat-race

Appendices Section Photo: Milky Way Palau 2008030818_5679 by LuxTonnerre Creative Commons. March 15, 2008. High Res: https://flickr.com/photos/luxtonnerre/2347779000/in/album-72157604176421959/

2 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance

Table of Contents

Welcome - Note from the Director...... 9 About the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance....10 Disaster Management Reference Handbook Series Overview...... 11 Executive Summary...... 12

Country Overview...... 14 Culture...... 15 Demographics...... 16 Ethnic Makeup...... 16 Key Population Centers...... 17 Language...... 17 Religion...... 17 Vulnerable Groups...... 17 Economics...... 18 Government...... 20 Environment...... 21 Geography...... 23 Borders...... 23 Climate...... 23

Disaster Overview...... 26 Disaster Management Challenges...... 26 Recent History of Natural Disasters...... 27 Country Risks...... 29 Country Risks Profile...... 29

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 3 Country Risk Profile...... 9 Organizational Structure for Disaster Management...... 32 Lead Government Agencies in Disaster Response...... 32 Key Disaster Management Partners...... 34 International of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies...... 34 U.S. Government Agencies in Palau...... 36 Participation in International Organizations...... 37 Foreign Disaster Relief and Emergency Response...... 38 Laws, Policies, and Plans on Disaster Management...... 38 Education and Training...... 40 Disaster Management Communications...... 41 Early Warning Systems...... 41 Responsible Agencies for Warnings...... 41 Armed Forces’ Role in Disaster Response...... 42 Information Sharing...... 42

Infrastructure...... 46 Airports...... 46 Seaports...... 46 Land Routes...... 46 Roads...... 46 Bridges...... 47 Railways...... 48 Waterways...... 48 Schools...... 48 Disaster Risk Reduction in the Education Sector...... 48 Communications...... 49 Utilities...... 49 Power...... 49 Water and Sanitation...... 50

4 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Health...... 52 Health Overview...... 52 Health Care System Structure...... 52 Challenges in Health...... 52 Health Cooperation...... 53 Communicable Diseases...... 53 Non-Communicable Diseases...... 55 Training for Health Professionals...... 56

Women, Peace, and Security...... 58

Conclusion...... 60

Appendices...... 62 Recent DoD Engagements in Palau...... 62 International/Foreign Relations...... 64 Force Protection/Pre-Deployment Information...... 65 Passport/Visa...... 65 Safety and Security...... 65 Emergency Contact Information...... 65 Currency Information...... 66 Travel Health Information...... 66 Sendai Framework...... 68 HFA Country Progress Report...... 70 Country Profile...... 73 Acronyms and Abbreviations...... 82 References (Endnotes)...... 86

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 5 List of Figures Figure 1: Map of Palau...... 15 Figure 2: Palauan and Non-Palauan Population...... 16 Figure 3: Palau’s Long-Term Fiscal Outlook Scenario...... 18 Figure 4: Republic of Palau Economy by Industry Comparison...... 19 Figure 5: Visitor Arrivals by Nationality...... 20 Figure 6: Timeline of Palau’s Conservation Milestones...... 21 Figure 7: Maritime Map of Palau, , and ...... 24 Figure 8: 2016 Drought Conditions in Palau...... 28 Figure 9: INFORM Risk Index...... 30 Figure 10: Palau National Disaster Management Structure...... 32 Figure 11: Vision of the 2020 National Master Development Plan...... 39 Figure 12: Palau’s Road Network...... 47 Figure 13: Demographics of 2018-2019 Dengue Outbreak in Palau...... 54 Figure 14: Leprosy Prevalence Rate and New Case Detection Rate in Palau...... 55 Figure 15: Age-Adjusted Cause-Specific Mortality in Palau...... 56 Figure 16: UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030...... 69 Figure 17: HFA Level of Progress Achieved...... 70

List of Tables Table 1: Palau’s Population Breakdown by Age and Sex (2015)...... 17 Table 2: Lead and Support Response Agency Roles and Responsibilities...... 33 Table 3: PRCS Training and Certification Log by State...... 35 Table 4: Main Airport and Airfields in Palau...... 46 Table 5: Palau-WHO Country Cooperation Strategic Agenda (2018–2022)...... 53 Table 6: CDC Travel Health Information (Palau)...... 67 Table 7: National Progress Report on the Implementation of the HFA...... 70 Table 8: HFA Country Progress Report Future Outlook Areas, Palau...... 72

6 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance List of Photos Photo 1: Palauan Hut “Bai”...... 15 Photo 2: , Palau...... 23 Photo 3: Typhoon Haiyan Destruction on , Palau, 2013...... 19 Photo 4: PRCS Brochure Detailing Services to the Country...... 35 Photo 5: Port of Malakal in Palau...... 47 Photo 6: Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge...... 48

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 7 Disclaimer This report has been prepared in good faith based primarily on information gathered from open source material available at the date of publication. Most of the information is considered to be in the public domain. Such sources include PreventionWeb, Reliefweb, United Nations Programs, the World Health Organization, the USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/ OFDA), International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the World Bank, and various academic institutions. Information was also gathered from local and government sources in the affected country. We also reach out to subject matter experts and incorporate feedback and additional sources listed in the reference section of this document. Where possible, a link to the original electronic source is provided in the endnote (reference) section at the end of the document. While making every attempt to ensure the information is relevant and accurate, Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information in this publication. Any necessary updates will be incorporated in a future version.

8 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Welcome - Note from the Director The United States (U.S.) and Palau have deep and long-standing ties due to shared values, aspirations, comradery, and partnership. These bonds have been demonstrated in the U.S.’s continued commitment to the Pacific Islands and to the issues of importance to the regions including the protection and conservation of resources, mitigating climate change issues, and sustainable social development.1 Palau has ongoing coordination and participation in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance (DMHA) exercises and events with the U.S. and surrounding region. This past October 2019, the U.S. military’s Civil Action Team (CAT) Palau commemorated its 75th anniversary of the and its 50th year of partnership with the country providing regular deployments to conduct civil action engagements and community service projects. The mission of CAT Palau is to maintain a favorable U.S. presence in the Republic of Palau and provide support to agreements and obligations made under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), and in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s (USINDOPACOM) cooperative engagement strategy in the Republic of Palau.2 Another example of this exchange is the COPE North exercise. The exercise’s focus on DMHA provides critical training to U.S. and allied forces that has a direct impact on the militaries’ ability to support the region, including Palau.3 Other exchanges with Palau include Exercise Palau, Exercise Pacific Wave, Koa Moana, Operation Christmas Drop, Pacific Partnership, and Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange. These ongoing missions and partnerships strengthen not only the skills and strategies for DMHA activities in the country and region but also the relationships between our nations.

Sincerely,

Joseph D. Martin, SES Director

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 9 Information about the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Overview The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) is a United States (U.S.) Department of Defense (DoD) organization that was established by U.S. in 1994. The Center is a direct reporting unit to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and is located on Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, . CFE-DM was founded as part of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s vision. The Senator had witnessed the effects of Hurricane Iniki that struck the in 1992 and felt the civil- military coordination in the response could have been more effective. He set about to establish CFE-DM to help bridge understanding between civil and military responders, and to provide a DoD platform for building Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (DMHA) awareness and expertise in U.S. forces, and with partner nations in the Asia-Pacific. While maintaining a global mandate, the Asia-Pacific region is our priority of effort and collaboration is the cornerstone of our operational practice. Vision The Joint Force, allies, and partners are fully prepared to conduct and support foreign humanitarian assistance. Mission

CFE-DM builds crisis response capacity, enhances coordination and collaboration, and strengthens relationships to save lives and alleviate human suffering before, during, and after humanitarian crises. Contact Information Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance 456 Hornet Ave JBPHH HI 96860-3503 Telephone: +1 (808) 472-0518 https://www.cfe-dmha.org

10 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Management Reference Handbook Series Overview The Disaster Management Reference Handbook Series is intended to provide decision makers, planners, responders and disaster management practitioners with an overview of the disaster management structure, policies, laws, and plans for each country covered in the series. Natural and man-made threats most likely to affect the country are discussed. The handbooks also provide basic country background information, including cultural, demographic, geographic, infrastructure, and other relevant data. Conditions such as poverty, water and sanitation, vulnerable groups, and other humanitarian issues are included. A basic overview of the health situation in the country and disease surveillance is also covered. The handbooks include information on key national entities involved in disaster management, disaster response and preparation, and the military’s role in disaster relief. Information is also provided on United Nation agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), major local NGOs, and key U.S. agencies and programs in the country. The overall aim is to offer a guide that brings together important information about disaster management and response for each country in an effort to provide a basic understanding for the reader. Each handbook is a working document and will be updated periodically as new, significant information becomes available. We hope that you find these handbooks informative, relevant, reliable, and useful in understanding disaster management and response for this country. We welcome and appreciate your feedback to improve this document and help fill any gaps to enhance its future utility. Feedback, comments, or questions can be emailed to [email protected]. You may also contact the Center at: (808) 472-0518. Please visit our website (https://www.cfe-dmha.org) to view the latest electronic versions available or to request a hard copy of a disaster management reference handbook.

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 11 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Executive Summary Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is locally change and its impacts (SDG #13); and known as “Belau,” and includes 340 coral and Conserving the ocean and marine resources volcanic islands, located in the western Pacific for sustainable development (SDG #14). The Ocean, in the southwest corner of .4 key policy priorities in this regard are ensuring While Palau is fairly protected by its extensive fiscal sustainability, raising potential growth and coral reefs,5 it does experience frequent natural enhancing resilience, and preserving financial hazards including typhoons, droughts, and tidal stability and facilitating credit extension. 14 surges. 6 Palau has suffered three major disasters Since its independence in 1994, the Republic caused by natural hazards since 2012, including of Palau has developed and implemented various Typhoon Bopha in 2012, Typhoon Haiyan in policies for sustainable development set forth 2013, and severe drought in 2016. The country in the National Environmental Management has an annual dry season from January to Strategy (NEMS), the Economic Development March which reduces the quality and quantity Plan (EDP), the Palau 2020 National Master of potable water available to local communities.7 Development Plan (PNMDP), the Japan Environmental vulnerability in Palau is high International Cooperation Agency (JICA) due to diverse, but limited natural resources Study, the Sustainable Tourism Policies and and fragile ecosystems that must withstand the Action Plan (STPAP), and others. In addition, pressures of a rapidly growing population, and the primary objective of the 2001 Presidential bustling tourism industry.8 In the 2020 INFORM Management Action Plan (MAP) was to integrate Global Risk Index, Palau had an overall risk environmental and developmental planning of 2.5/10, which INFORM categorizes in the efforts.15 The Palau Plan 2020 was adopted in low risk class. Palau’s risk score for Hazard and 1996 as a long-term comprehensive plan for Exposure was 1.7/10, for Vulnerability was social, economic, and infrastructure development 2.1/10, and for Lack of Coping Capacity was organized around the overarching theme of 4.2/10.9 improving the quality of life for all citizens.16 Palau has one of the highest standards of living Palau has succeeded in progressing important in the Pacific Islands thanks to a strong tourism health and education reforms and is making industry, an active private sector and United progress with removing the threat of explosive States (U.S.) support. Fisheries and small-scale remnants of war in line with its 2020 National agriculture are also important for employment Master Development Plan.17 and the economy. Palau is an independent Palau has disaster management (DM) country in a Compact of Free Association legislation in place to combat their disaster risks. (COFA) with the U.S.; although the Compact The 2010 National Disaster Risk Management grants from the U.S. are due to expire in 2024, Framework (NDRMF),18 amended in 2016,19 after which fiscal expenditure is expected to be focuses on the strengthening of national drawn from the Palau Compact Trust Fund.10 The disaster risk management structures and country is an upper middle income country and mechanisms to disaster management and one of the wealthiest countries per capita. 11 Palau climate change adaptation into the national has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $287.4 budget and plans.20 In 2015, the government million, an adult literacy rate of 99.5% and a life adopted the Palau Climate Change Policy for expectancy rate of 69 years.12 Foreign aid makes Climate and Disaster Resilient Low Emissions up approximately 30% of its gross domestic Development 2015 (PCCP). Its main objective product and tourism accounts for approximately is to build the resilience of Palau to climate 50% of the economy.13 change and disasters. The objectives of the PCCP Authorities in Palau are working to achieve also reiterates and expands on those in the a number of Sustainable Development Goals NDRMF. Concordantly, the National Emergency (SDGs) to make development economically, Management Office (NEMO) is responsible socially and environmentally sustainable. for the coordination and implementation of The SDGs prioritized by the authorities are: preparedness, response and the immediate relief Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable arrangements, and working closely with all economic growth (SDG #8); Building resilient stakeholders.21 infrastructure (SDG #9); Combating climate

12 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance PALAU Country Overview

Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 COUNTRY OVERVIEW

independence.26 Under the original arrangement, the U.S. Country Overview Government provided approximately US$700 million in assistance over the Compact’s first Estimates of Palau’s population at the time 15 years. Amendments written and agreed to of first recorded outer region contact range in 2010 were enacted by U.S. Congress in 2017. from 20,000 to 100,000. However, the most The updated agreement of the Compact issued probable estimate is 50,000 inhabitants. The that payments from 2010 to 2016 were subject to first recorded European contact occurred in annual appropriations and averaged US$13.15 1564, but sustained contact was not initiated million per annum. Compact payments over for another 200 years in 1783, after an English 2010-2024 are expected to total US$216 million. vessel, “Antelope,” crashed on a reef at Ulong in The Department of the Interior is the U.S. agency the Rock Islands. Following this, several colonial responsible for oversees coordination of U.S. powers including Britain, France, Germany, funding assistance under the Compact of Free Russia, Japan, and America began to compete Association.27 for political control over the next 125 years. On September 27, 1994, U.S. President Although not establishing a permanent presence, William Clinton issued proclamation 6726, early visitors significantly impacted Palauan noting that as of that day the U.S. had fulfilled society ranging from introduced diseases which its obligations to Palau under the terms of the decimated the population, to introduced firearms Trusteeship Agreement. Therefore, as of October which intensified and escalated inter-village 1, 1994, Palau would no longer be under U.S. rivalry. By 1900, the population in Palau had trusteeship, and a COFA agreed on between the declined to 3,743 persons.22 two countries would be instituted, marking U.S. In 1947, following World War II, the United recognition of Palau’s independence.28 States (U.S.) assumed administration of Palau As part of the agreement, the U.S. is under the United Nations’ orchestration of the responsible for Palau’s defense until 2044 Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands consisting while Palau remains a sovereign nation and of what are today the Republics of Palau and the conducts its own foreign relations. The countries (RMI), the Federated States cooperate on a broad range of issues, including of Micronesia (FSM), and the Commonwealth strengthening regional security, promoting of the Northern Marianas Islands. After sustainable development and addressing approximately thirty years as part of the climate change, and protecting fisheries and the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under U.S. environment. 29 administration, Palau opted for independence in Palau is located 830 miles southwest of , 1978 rather than be absorbed into the FSM.23 400 miles north of New Guinea, and 550 miles In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free east of the Philippines.30 The resident population Association (COFA) with the U.S. but did not of approximately 17,700 people31 occupy establish diplomatic relations with the U.S. just eight of the islands.32 The most populous Instead, Palau entered an extended period of state is Koror where approximately 80% of the negotiating terms to forbid the storage of nuclear population lives.33 Figure 1 is a map of the islands weapons on the islands of Palau.24 The COFA of Palau.34 agreement envisioned a 50-year term, with Palau is still dealing with the issue of reviews set for 15, 30, and 40 years. Under the unexploded ordinance (UXO) or remnants of Compact, and in exchange for exclusive military World War II which remain a threat to Palau operating rights, the U.S. provides Palau with and its environment. An estimated 2500 tons economic assistance (including sector grants of U.S. ordnance was (USO) dropped in Palau and trust fund contributions), access to federal and approximately equal amounts of Japanese services and programs (for instance, postal ordnance dropped and or stored on the islands.35 and meteorological services), permission for In 2009, the U.S. State Department provided citizens to enter, work and or study, and reside initial assistance for the removal of USO and in U.S. states and territories, and assumes other legacies of war through the conventional responsibility for Palau’s defense and security. 25 weapons destruction (CWD) program which A COFA with the U.S. was approved in 1986 but supports Palau as well as the .36 not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the Since 2009, teams from Cleared Ground following year, in 1994, when the islands gained Demining, a non-profit agency working to clear

14 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance where children are taught fishing, hunting, and carpentry.39 Photo 1 shows a traditional Palauan bai.40 Prior to outer region contact, Palauans believed Palau to be a unique and complete world within itself and extending to a point just beyond the horizon. To the early Palauans, the culture of Palau was created in Palau. It was not a borrowed set of practices but a distinctly Palauan way of life. 41 Palauans are highly group oriented. Traditionally, important decisions relating to an individual, as well as those to society in general, were made and enforced by the group. Modern day Palauans still retain a strong group orientation placing high value on respect; sharing and cooperation, participation in community activities, work, responsibility and self-reliance, spirituality, and humility.42 Traditionally, men of Palau have spent their Figure 1: Map of Palau days fishing and engaged in local warfare or mines and explosives, and who provide Explosive creating local crafts such as wood carving, and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) clearance training, canoe building. Women tended to farming, have identified and removed 43,683 unexploded food preparation, and child care. Women also ordnances in Palau. spent time weaving and making pottery and herb The country is also home to a wide variety of medicines. Gender roles were very strict but flora and fauna. The Rock Islands are covered today, taboos are less rigid. with rainforests and a diverse plant life. There Palauan women traditionally wore grass skirts are banyan, ironwood, and pandanus trees as and small clay beads on strings around their well as , breadfruit, mango, banana and necks. The beads have monetary value and are a betel nut trees growing naturally throughout the traditional and present day symbol of wealth and islands. Taro, cassava, pineapple and tobacco are status in the country. 43 farmed in the country and there is a wide variety of animals including monkeys, a rare flying fox, reptiles, and a large diversity of birds.37

Culture Belau is the Palauan name for the islands and likely derived from the local word ‘beluu’ which means village.38 Traditional Palau was divided into villages, each ruled by its own Chief. The islands were governed by a Council of Chiefs which still exist today as a formal part of government to provide guidance on tradition. The Council held its meetings in traditional Palauan houses, known as ‘bais’. The Council was led by two High Chiefs called the ‘Reklai of Melekok’ and the ‘Ibedul of Koror’. Each village had its own or several bais consisting of wood and elaborately decorated with art work telling the stories of Palauan historical events and legends. There are two types of ‘bais’, the ‘Bai ra Rubak’ which is for the Chiefs and the ‘Bai ra Cheldebechel’ which is for schools Photo 1: Palauan Hut “Bai”

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 15 COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Many traditional Palauan customs and retains considerable authority today with ceremonies are still practiced today, including the constitution recognizing both customary the First Birth Ceremony. After delivering her law and the legal code with equal authority first child, a Palauan takes part in a alongside codified law. Additionally, customary traditional bathing ritual called, Omesur. The actions such as marriage, divorce, and adoption bath takes place in a hut erected specifically for receive full legal sanction.46 her. The new is covered with ginger and oil, and sits in a hot bath of medicinal leaves and herbs. Historically, the ceremony could take up Demographics to ten months but today, the ceremonies usually last only five to ten days. The final stage of the Indigenous Palauans make up approximately ceremony, called Ngasech, takes place when the 73% of the population. Other minority ethnic groups make up the remaining populations new mother is dressed in a decorative skirt and 47 her body is covered in flowers and yellow oil, and detailed in the following section. concludes with a ceremony presenting her and Figure 2 shows Palau’s population of Palauan her baby to the community. and non-Palauans from the last 30 years and The Palauan culture revolves around relative consistent population of Palauans as well such fundamental values as respect for all as an increase in non-Palauans in the first part of things living and non-living, consideration the 2000s with an increased demand for foreign labor to support the Compact Road and tourism for the well-being of others, and striving for 48 knowledge and education.44 infrastructure.

Traditional is relatively 20,000 unique within the region. Matrilineality is a key Palauan aspect of Palauan culture, and can be seen in 18,000 Non-Palauan most aspects of life. Traditional governmental 16,000 Total structures remain quite strong, and Palau is 14,000

one of the few places in Micronesia where a 12,000 version of the indigenous religious system (called Modekngei) is still in place.45 10,000 Traditionally, and continuing today, kinship 8,000 has served as the core of social relations in 6,000 Palau. Every Palauan has a defined role, status, and behavioral pattern based on kinship in 4,000 the community. Every Palauan defines every 2,000 other Palauan as kin or non-kin. The basic 0

social unit is a single, ancestral biological 1986 1990 1995 2000 2005 kin group comprised of a mother and her 2012 2015 children. A number of these basic units Figure 2: Palauan and Non-Palauan Population related to a specific woman and her female descendants form a family and several related Ethnic Makeup families constitute a clan. Typically, a village, Though indigenous Palauans make up 73% the social and political unit, consists of ten of the population, the country has a very diverse clans. The male leader of each clan is chosen remaining population due to a large influx by the ranking female members of the clan, of immigrants to the island. Palau’s original and the village council is formed with other inhabitants include Malays from Indonesia, clan leaders. A separate, but equal, women’s from New Guinea, Philippine council is comprised of the ranking female natives, and . Additionally, in the leaders. Clans are ranked and the (male) latter 18th century, Europeans, Japanese, and leader of the highest ranking clan serves as American immigrants arrived to the islands. the chief of the village. The chief is not a sole Currently, approximately three-fourths of the ruler, but must use diplomacy and persuasion population are Palauan. The remaining one- to win support from his constituents. If a ruler fourth of the population consist of minority proves unsatisfactory, there are mechanisms for ethnic groups including Chinese, Vietnamese, replacement. Caucasian, Carolinian, and Filipino.49 21% of This traditional system of governance the non-Palauan ethnic groups account for

16 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance immigrants from the Philippines, China, and government and commerce and is spoken by the Korea. The remaining 3.2% represent Carolinian majority of the people. Many older people are and Caucasian populations.50 also fluent in Japanese from Japan’s occupation prior to World War II.60 Key Population Centers Palau’s 16 states are: , , Kayangel, Religion , , , , Pre-colonial Palauan faith was based on , Angaur, , , Peleliu, ancestor and spirit worship. Missionaries , Melekeok, , and started to arrive in the 1700s and brought the Koror state, which also includes the Rock Christianity. Today, Christianity is the primary Islands and houses approximately 70% of Palau’s religion with Roman Catholicism as the most population.51 common denomination practiced by 45.3% of The most recent census conducted in Palau the population. The remaining 34.9% identify as was in 2015, in which 17,661 people were Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist, Assembly counted. This was a decrease of 2,246 from the of God, and Baptist; 5.7% practice Modekngei, 2005 census.52 Palau’s population density is an indigenous monotheistic religion which approximately 121 people per square miles.53 is a hybrid of ancient Palauan customs with Table 1 shows the breakdown of population in Christianity. Followers believe in Jesus Christ Palau by age group and sex, based on the most but also observe indigenous rituals and customs recent census in 2015.54 of traditional deities. The remaining population practices Islam (3%), Mormonism (1.5%), and Palau Population Breakdown other faiths (9.7%).61 Age Structure Male Female 0-14 1,903 1,725 Vulnerable Groups 15-24 1,311 1,085 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vulnerability is “the degree to which a 25-44 3,127 2,349 population, individual or organization is unable 45-59 2,133 1,894 to anticipate, cope with, resist and recover from 62 60-79 912 1,000 the impacts of disasters.” This section will discuss the vulnerable groups in Palau which 80 and over 47 175 include the poor, women, and children. Sub-total 9,433 8,228 Total Pop: 17,661 The Poor Although Palau relies heavily on U.S. foreign Table 1: Palau’s Population Breakdown by Age and Sex aid through the COFA agreement, including a (2015) wide range of federal programs, approximately 5,000 (28%) of Palau’s total population are Palau’s resident population lives on only 8 affected by poverty. Approximately 1,555 of of the 340 islands, of which Koror, , 55 the 5,000 are children. The poor in Palau live Angaur, and Peleliu are the most populous. primarily in rural areas and rely on small-scale The capital of Palau, , is located agriculture and fishing for their livelihood.63 on Babeldaob, the largest island,56 and was 57 established in 2006. Women Although the Palauan constitution provides Language for equality between women and men, the Palau has two official languages: English and country is one of only seven in the world that Palauan in all states except Sonsoral in which is not a signatory of the Convention on the English and Sonosoralese are official.58 Japanese Elimination of all forms of Discrimination and Tobian are regional languages recognized by Against Women (CEDAW). the government.59 For nearly two decades, Palau has sought Palauan and Sonsoralese are two indigenous legal reform regarding domestic violence. While languages in Palau: Palauan is spoken on the there are statutes prohibiting and punishing main islands and Sonsorolese is spoken on the violent behavior, no statute specifically addresses Southwest Islands. English is the language of domestic violence. However, the Palau Family

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 17 COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Protection Act aims to offer protection and deter parents and 39% live with one. The remainder further acts of family maltreatment, including live with extended family. However, only 1% violence, abuse, and neglect. The Act also of Palauan children have reported abuse or seeks to expand police officers’ ability to assist neglect. Children’s health is also impacted by the victims and enforce the law effectively.64 Palau sociocultural environment, with approximately has no laws against sexual harassment, human 70% of Palauan children chewing betel nut which trafficking or sex tourism legislation and spousal is a highly carcinogenic, as well as damaging to rape is exempt from prosecution. dental health. Additionally, 35% of children in The Mechesil Belau (Women of Palau) was Palau use marijuana regularly. established in 1993 to connect female leaders Disabled children account for approximately dedicated to the preservation of Palauan culture, 7% of children in Palau. These children have tradition, conservation, and environment.65 access to health care, education, and social The group consists of traditional women leader services.68 representatives from numerous clans across the country and representing each state. They have been instrumental in amplifying women’s Economics voices on key issues such as endorsing the Family Protection Act to provide better services and Palau is a high income state with GDP protection against victims of violence and having per capita centering in the middle of the the Act passed in Congress.66 neighboring Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), but significantly less than that Children 69 Palauan children make up 20.7% of the of Guam. Palau’s economy faces structural population. Children in Palau have many constraints similar to other small island states: benefits including access to education and health. a narrow economic base, remote location, The Palauan constitution includes a right to small population, inadequate infrastructure, education and school is mandatory for children weak business climate, and exposure to climate age 6-17. Consequently, 88% of students attend change impacts. The aid package from the pre-elementary (kindergarten through 8th grade) Compact leads to what some consider to be an and 98% attend high school (9th – 12th grade). inflated GDP, with an average annual household Palau ratified the Convention on the Rights of income of between $5,000 and $6,000. This the Child in 1994.67 Additionally, due to a rise in translates into a standard of living enjoyed by Palauans that is higher than many of its the quality of life in Palau, health care provisions 70 have also increased including provisions for all neighbors. children have access to basic health care. Some Palau’s economy is primarily fueled by children (24%) suffer from obesity due to poor tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. Additionally, the government is a major eating habits with less than 10% of children 71 eating the recommended amount of fruits and employer of the Palauan work force. Figure 3 vegetables, limited education in diet, and lack of details a projection of Palau’s long-term fiscal sustainability with regard to GDP and net opportunity to play sports and exercise. 72 Only half of Palauan children live with both worth. Palau reached high income level in 2017

Figure 3: Palau’s Long-Term Fiscal Outlook Scenario

18 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance when it attained a gross national income level grew by 35%80 and the country recorded of $17,072.73 The country has natural resources approximately 168,767 visitors, an increase of such as minerals (especially gold), forests, 88,000 visitors above the number of visitors marine products, and deep sea-bed minerals. The counted in FY2010. A dropped period of country’s economy consists primarily of tourism, performance took place starting in FY2016 subsistence agriculture, and fishing. Palau’s main through FY2018. In FY2016, the number of export is tuna.74 visitors dropped to 146,643, and fell further Tourism is one of the leading economic to 122,050 in FY2017 and down to 115,964 in contributors in revenue to the country with FY2018. According to data from the first seven China being a major source of visitors to the months of FY2019, it is also estimated that the islands. In 2009, Palau opened a shark sanctuary number of visitors will continue to drop to less to not only advance the cause of conservation but than 90,000, which is a 25% decline and expected also to draw tourists to boost the local economy. to significantly impact the GDP. The majority In 2016, Palau hosted over 138,000 tourists.75 of the original surge in tourism is believed The U.S. has provided millions of dollars to have originated in middle-to lower-grade to Palau’s economy primarily through federal establishments with an associated large increase programs to ensure financial systems, labor, and in package-tour visitors predominantly from commercial sectors are thriving. China. Use of the Compact funds is determined However, the tourism industry is expected through consultations between the Office of to recover affecting economic growth over the Insular Affairs (OIA) and the government of next five years and occupancy rates are expected Palau. The OIA encourages the use of funds in to return to normal due to the completion of six main areas: a variety of construction projects including • Health the $30 million airport renewal public-private • Education partnership (PPP), the $15 million Japanese • Public infrastructure funded landfill relocation project, $20 million • Capacity building Community Reinvestment Act infrastructure • Private sector development projects, and completion of the Koror-Airai • Environment Sanitation Project Phase I (KASP I) sewer and wastewater project. Palau is also eligible for federal programs Figure 4 shows the transformation of the in health and education sectors in additional Palauan economy from one more heavily to aid from agencies such as United Nations dominated by industry in the 2000s to one highly Environment Programme (UNEP), International dependent on tourism as the country completed Trade Centre (ITC), WHO, UN Population Fund many capital and hotel projects. 81 (UNFPA), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and In April 2015, the imposed 76 UN Development Programme (UNDP).. 25% Palau became a member of the World Bank FY2000-FY2001 FY2017-FY2018 in 1997, after which the Bank has provided the country technical assistance with regard to oil, 20% gas and natural resource management. Palau has access to large-scale grant resources from not only the U.S. but also from Japan and China. 77 15% In 2017, the president submitted a bill to raise the minimum wage from $3.50/hour by 50 cents 10% annually for ten years until reaching $8.50 with the intent of attracting Palauans working outside 78 the country to return. President Remengesau 5% instituted a campaign repositioning Palau’s tourist industry to attract high-value tourism 79 under the banner of Pristine Paradise, Palau. 0% The rapid growth in tourism over the past Other Retail Public Health Agricult. dmin. several years presented special challenges Fisheries & Tran. Education Services Hotels Rest to Palau. Annual visitors and tourist driven Manuf. & Util.Construction Financial Int. construction activity in fiscal year (FY) 2015 Figure 4: Republic of Palau Economy by Industry Comparison

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 19 COUNTRY OVERVIEW

a policy to limit the number of charter flights after FY2024 from the creation of a perpetual into Palau. At about the same time, China Compact Trust Fund is expected to be $5.8 initiated stricter enforcement of its policy that million, the impact of the loss of Federal travel agents in China can only sponsor travel programs could create an additional deficit of to countries with approved-destination status, $16 million or more. In the remaining years of which Palau does not have. Additionally, in early the amended Compact through FY2024, there is 2016, Palau experienced a severe El Niño, which a growing urgency to clarify the status of these led to the loss a major tourist attraction, the programs so that Palau can effectively plan for jellyfish in the Rock Islands. Further, a reduction the post-FY2024 Compact period. in flights to the country due to Delta airlines Palau continues to focus on ensuring long- withdrawing from the market in mid-2018, and term fiscal sustainability in the following certain charter operations suffering financial contexts: and operational problems also contributed to • Adjusting financial plans to ensure self- contraction in the industry. 82 sufficiency after the expiration of the Figure 5 shows the countries of origin of Compact grant in FY2024, to include both Palauan tourists. A sharp decline in visitors from revenue and expenditure measures with China is visible beginning in 2015.83 composition of expenditure tilted toward

100,000 preservation of infrastructure investment; China • Building a fiscal framework boosted by 90,000 Japan targeting a public sector net worth position as 80,000 South Korea the fiscal anchor and using the current fiscal 70,000 balance as an operational target; USA • Strengthening public financial management 60,000 plans to limit fiscal risks; 50,000 • Protecting the environment and positioning

40,000 Palau as a high-end tourism destination; and • Appropriate infrastructure planning to 30,000 rapidly grow tourism and enhance resilience 84 20,000 to natural disasters and climate change.

10,000 0 Government FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 The Republic of Palau is a presidential Figure 5: Visitor Arrivals by Nationality representative democratic republic in which the president serves as both and The termination of the Compact Review head of government. The current president, Agreement (CRA) expiring at the end of FY2024 referred to by the honorific of His Excellency, is also expected to significantly impact the is Mr. Tommy Remengesau Jr., who was elected economy in spite of continued post-funding in 2012 and 2016 for his third and fourth terms, provided from distributions from the Compact having previously served as President from Trust Fund. However, there is uncertainty over 2001-2009. The vice president, Mr. Raynold the status of the continuation of many of the Oiluch was voted into office on a separate ticket federal programs and services Palau currently as is practice. The president and vice president benefits from, which are provided through serve with the Council of Chiefs consisting of annual Congressional appropriations. Major U.S. the highest traditional chiefs of each state, who programs in Palau provided via the Compact advises the president on matters relating to include: Postal Services, Federal Deposit traditional custom and law. The president, vice president, and Council of Chiefs make up the Insurance Corporation (FDIC), National Oceanic 85 and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Pell Executive Council in Palau. grants, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Palau has a constitutional government in education, health programs, etc., which are free association with the U.S. Palau gained subject to periodic Congressional authorization independence on 1 October 1994 at the same and annual appropriations. time it entered into the Compact of Free While the estimated shortfall in distributions Association (COFA) with the U.S. The Government of Palau consists of two

20 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance legislative houses; the Olbiil Palau’s Conservation Milestones Era Kelulau () which includes Tradition of the bul continues to protect the nation’s environment two chambers, and the Senate and the House of Delegates.86 1956 Legislators serve four-year Ngerukewid Islands (“70 Islands”) Wildlife Preserve is created. terms. Palau has 16 states, 1994 each of which elect their own Palau becomes an independent nation. governor and . 1994 Palau’s judicial system Passage of the Marine Protection Act, which includes a moratorium on fishing for consists of the Supreme Court, bumphead parrotfish. the Court of Common Pleas, and the Land Court.87 There 1998 are 16 administrative districts Regulations protecting sea turtles are put in place. in Palau for each of the states. 2003 They are: Aimeliik, Airai, Protected Areas Network establishes a framework for protected areas across Palau Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, to get access to technical assistance, monitoring, and funding. Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, 2006 Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Palau joins the Micronesia Challenge, a commitment of Micronesian states to Ngatpang, Ngchesar, conserve 30 percent of the marine environment and 20 percent of the terrestrial Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, environment by 2020. 88 and Sonsoro. 2006 Citizenship in Palau is Ban on bottom trawling is enacted. not granted by birth. At least one parent must be a citizen 2009 of Palau in order to pass Palau establishes the world’s first shark sanctuary. citizenship. Palau’s citizens have 2010 the right to vote over the age of Palau declares marine mammal sanctuary. 89 18. 2012 Rock Islands Southern Lagoon becomes UNESCO World Heritage site. Environment 2013 Dugong Protection Act is signed into law. Palau has a long history 2014 of acting to secure the President Tommy Remengesau Jr. announces his commitment to the Palau National protection of its environment. Marine Sanctuary at the United Nations. For centuries, island leaders have instituted provisions to 2015 protect local waters by enacting Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act is signed into law. the “bul” which would issue Figure 6: Timeline of Palau’s Conservation Milestones a moratorium on fishing in certain areas to protect habitats that are critical to the food One landmark effort is the “Environmental security of the community. In present day, Quality Protection Act” Title 24 of the Palau Palau continues the tradition of conservation National Code Annotated (Title 24 PNCA) via historical activism and legal protections of 1981 which ensured greater protection of of its lands. Figure 6 details some significant the environment and promoted sustainable milestones of Palau’s conservation efforts.90 economic and social development for the The waters of Palau are noteworthy and Palauan people. An Environmental Quality precious due to its incredible biodiversity which Protection Board (EQPB) was also created as a includes over 1,300 species of fish, over 400 semi-autonomous agency of the executive branch species of hard coral and 300 species of soft coral. of the government of Palau responsible for the Palau’s waters also contain seven of the world’s protection and proper conservation of the quality of the environment and its resources to ensure nine types of giant clam, nonstinging jellyfish, 92 and the most plants and animal species in proper utilization of the country’s resources. Micronesia.91 The Act enforces regulations of the following:

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 21 COUNTRY OVERVIEW

• Earthmoving that is harmful to corals and sea life. The ban was • Marine and Fresh Water Quality first announced in 2018 prohibiting suncreen • Toilet and Wastewater Disposal Facilities with any of 10 harmful ingredients including • Solid Waste Management oxybenzone and octinoxate which absorb ultra- • Pesticides violet light. The Hawaiian Islands announced a • Public Water Supply Systems similar ban which will take effect in 2021.97 • Environmental Impact Statements • Air Pollution Control Geography • Ozone Depleting Substances Palau is located in the western Pacific Ocean, in the southwest corner of Micronesia. It is In October 2015, Palau passed a landmark 830 miles southwest of Guam, 400 miles north bill, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary of New Guinea, and 550 miles east of the Act (PNMS) which aims to provide resources Philippines. 98 The country consists of over that will preserve and protect 80% of Palau’s 300 islands including six island groups in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) including westernmost archipelago in the Caroline island 500,000 square kilometers as a protected area free chain.99 The islands represent five geological from commercial fishing and exploitation. The island types including volcanic, high limestone, remaining 20% of the EEZ will be designated as low limestone, , and a combination of a highly regulated Domestic Fishing Zone open volcanic and limestone. Mangrove swamps or only to traditional fishers and to commercial, white sand beaches line the coasts. domestic fishing fleets. Regulation is intended The largest islands were formed by Eocene to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated volcanic activity 34-56 million years ago, and are (IUU) fishing and enhance sustainable food 93 made of basalt and andesite which provides a supplies in Palau’s local market. The reform will high diversity of terrestrial flora. However, these be executed gradually but the PNMS went into same areas, due to severely bleached and highly effect on January 1, 2020. Once implemented, the acidic soil, are incompatible with large scale PNMS will be one of the largest protected ocean 94 agriculture. areas in the world. Photo 2 shows the popular Milky Way section Additionally, Palau’s Ministry of Natural of the ‘Rock Islands’. 100 The Rock Islands are Resources, Environment and Tourism (MNRET) made of limestone and this area contains muddy manages the PNMS, oversees foreign fishing limestone known for its therapeutic properties.101 agreements, issues fishing permits, monitors fish Much of Palau is of higher elevation than stocks and harvests within the domestic fishing most of its other regional small island developing zone (DFZ), and coordinates enforcement. The states. Most of the country is more than 30 feet Fisheries Protection Trust Fund (FPTF) was above sea level. 102 The country’s higher ground also established under the National Treasury is hilly and thick with jungle, which is why most to fund surveillance, enforcement and related Palauans live and work and grow food in the trainings. All fines and forfeiture proceeds are country’s low-lying areas. 103 part of the environmental impact fee (US$10 per tourist) to fund the FPTF. The government is also exploring a potential of debt-for-nature swap Maritime Security that would allow Palau to divert loan payments The government of Palau maintains a sea to activities that support the PNMS. Regional patrol unit in the Ministry of Justice called the partners also fund Palau’s surveillance and Palau Division of Marine Law Enforcement (DMLE). released a 2016–2021 monitoring, control and The DMLE is responsible for the surveillance surveillance (MCS) plan that will aid in fighting and patrol of Palau’s territorial waters. They illegal activities and fishing violations in Palau’s are responsible for the response, seizure, arrest EEZ. The MCS plan also aims to improve Palau’s and investigation for prosecution of illegal search and rescue, pollution detection, weather fishing and activities within Palau’s waters and forecasting, and resilience to climate change.95 enforcement of Palau’s national laws and treaties From 2012–2017 Palau collaborated with between member nations. They perform search partners in an effort to clear more than 40 tons of and rescue missions and medical evacuations unexploded remnants of World War II from parts from the southwest islands and assist other of Koror and Peleliu.96 And just this year, 2020, government agencies to southwest islands.104 Palau became the first country to ban sunscreen Additionally, to provide guidance for the

22 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Photo 2: Rock Islands, Palau regulation of marine conditions in the Pacific, Figure 7 shows Palau’s EEZ and maritime borders the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency with the Philippines and Indonesia. (FFA) introduced the Agreement with Due to the proximity to Indonesia and specific terms and conditions for regional fishing Philippines, the 600,900 km2 EEZ, and the between FSM, , RMI, Palau, Papua New friendly relationship with the U.S., national Guinea, Solomon Islands and .105 The security has become a pressing issue with illegal agreement controls the world’s largest sustainable fishing by foreigners.109 Historically, maritime tuna purse seine fishery and approximately 50% delineation negotiations were ongoing with the of the global supply of skipjack tuna, which is Philippines and Indonesia until recent changes the most commonly canned tuna. The members due to the Palau PNMS. 110 agree on a limited number of fishing days per year based on scientific advice of the status of Climate tuna stocks. Each country is allocated specific The climate in Palau is tropical, hot and fishing days and sold to the highest bidder so that humid. The wet season runs from May the Pacific Islanders retain economic benefit.106 to November.111 The country has a mean Palau’s marine resources include 1,706 km2 of temperature of 83°F (28.3 °C) and average reefs, lagoons, passes and mangroves, at least 70 humidity of 82%. February, March, and April marine lakes, and the open sea with more than are the driest months of the year and winds are 600,000 km2 of EEZ. Marine resources include typically light to moderate. Trade winds decrease more than 3,500 species. Approximately 270 fish in April and there is an increase in easterly and invertebrates are sources of food, 250 species winds. Although Palau is outside of the typhoon are sold in the aquarium trade, and at least 100 belt and less likely to experience typhoons than species have medicinal use. 107 other places in Micronesia, they are still a threat The Republic of Palau borders the North from June to December. 112 Pacific Ocean on the southeast and the Rainfall averages 150 inches per year, peaking Philippine Sea to the northwest. Its sea claims are in July. While there are no clearly demarcated 12 Nautical Miles (NM) from its coast and Palau dry seasons, there is generally less rainfall during controls economic resources in a 200 NM EEZ.108 the period of February to May.113

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 23 COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Figure 7: Maritime Map of Palau, Philippines, and Indonesia

24 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance PALAU Disaster Overview

Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 DISASTER OVERVIEW

strategies to address risks and rallied national and international assistance. Additionally, Palau Disaster Overview has taken proactive conservation measures to protect coastal and marine resources, While the islands of Palau are fairly protected 114 including implementing permit fees and visitor by its extensive coral reefs, the country is still conservation agreements and time limits for susceptible to natural hazards such as typhoons frequented areas, placing a moratorium on and droughts that threaten lives and livelihood. 115 mangrove clearing to protect coastal habitat, and Additionally, the country’s dry season often developing marine protected areas to preserve results in drought which reduces the quality and fisheries habitat and resources.117 quantity of the available safe drinking water to 116 local communities. USAID’s Office of U.S. Drought Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the lead The primary source of fresh drinking water federal agency for disaster response in Palau. In in Palau is from precipitation, which provides the event of a disaster, the U.S. Ambassador can an annual 410 billion gallons of available determine if USG assistance is warranted and water. Groundwater is found in Palau, but the USAID/OFDA can provide technical assistance, groundwater only contributes approximately deploy an assessment team, or provide funding to 40 billion gallons of water annually. The support immediate relief activities. combination of these two sources provides Palau Additionally, Palau is faced with disaster with 450 billion gallons of renewable water management challenges including effects of annually. climate change, recurring drought, the depletion Palau’s water supply is extremely vulnerable of its freshwater resources and invasive species to droughts. Although rainwater is a renewable to its terrestrial resources. These issues and some source of water, it is subject to seasonal and mitigation strategies are discussed in the next yearly variations and Palau has inadequate water section. storage capabilities. The mean rate of water usage in Palau is 100 gallons per person per Disaster Management Challenges day. This is considered to be a very high usage rate compared to world averages, and stems Climate Change from lack of water conservation awareness and Palau lies approximately 900 miles south low consumer water utility bills.118 Mitigation of the tropical cyclone zone; however, climate strategies include bolstering freshwater storage change effects are likely to cause an increase capabilities around the country. in the number and proximity of tropical cyclones. In addition, the increase in El Niño/ Depletion of Freshwater Resources La Niña-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events Palau has abundant freshwater resources, due to climate change are likely to increase however with increased drought in the region, the frequency of storms and drought. Palau’s there is a need to expand storage capacity as a freshwater resources are extremely vulnerable to mitigation strategy. A stream system dissecting drought. Babeldaob discharges approximately 500 Major environmental issues and threats million gallons per day (gal/day). Palau’s annual related to climate change have drastically internal renewable water is estimated at 450 increased in Palau over recent years. As a result billion gallons. Currently, the water supply that of warming sea surface temperatures in 1997 and provides water to over 80% of the population is 1998, a mass coral bleaching event occurred. As from the Ngerikiil Watershed in Airai State, the a result, approximately one-third of Palau’s southernmost state in Babeldaob and discharges corals died, with coral mortality as high as 90% approximately 67 million gal/day. The Airai in some areas causing adverse impacts on the water treatment plant pumps 4 million gallons nation’s important marine tourism industry. of water per day, of which 35-45% is lost due to Sea level rise in low-lying areas is also a threat leaks in the piping system.119 Documenting these to the islands impacting coastal vegetation, resources as areas for storage will strongly aid agriculture, and the purity of the nation’s water the country as they implement risk management supply. Recognizing its dependence on climate- plans. sensitive sectors, Palau has participated in Invasive species are considered to be one of climate assessments and developed adaptation the greatest threats to biodiversity in the Pacific

26 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Islands and in Palau they are a major threat to have come within 200 nautical miles (nmi) of terrestrial resources. Palau has many invasive its islands or reefs.122 In addition, the country’s weeds. A report on invasive weed species of vulnerability to climate change will heighten environmental concern in Palau found: disaster risks because extreme weather events • 4 species that are presently subjects of are likely to increase in the future. These hazards eradication programs; can disrupt economic activity, divert fiscal • 53 species that are in Palau are known to be resources, and hinder development priorities. invasive or potentially invasive; Palau has suffered three major disasters caused • 95 species that are invasive or weedy by natural hazards since 2012, leading to elsewhere and are common, weedy or significant financial stress. In 2012, Typhoon cultivated in Palau; Bopha caused approximately $15 million–$20 • 15 native species (or Micronesian million (7.0%–9.3% of GDP) in damages. In introductions) that exhibit aggressive 2013, damages from Typhoon Haiyan was behavior; and assessed at approximately $9.7 million (4.3% of • 249 species that are invasive elsewhere in GDP). In 2016, severe drought associated with El similar ecosystems but not currently known Niño weather conditions led to water shortages in Palau (potentially invasive). and generated significant sanitation and hygiene risks. Government estimates placed financing The four species currently in danger of needs at $3.2 million (1.1% of GDP) in 2016, being eradicated are: Imperata cylindrica mainly for water acquisition and distribution. (kasoring, blady grass, cogon grass), Mikania Drought conditions persisted into 2017, leading micrantha (teb el yas, mile-a-minute weed), to continued water rationing.123 Schefflera actinophylla (octopus tree), Spathodea campanulata (orsachel kui, African tulip tree). Drought-March 2016 At least three of these have potential to cause Drought conditions in Palau from January serious damage to forest environments and to March 2016 affected an estimated 80% of the habitats in Palau, and ongoing control efforts will country.124 Figure 8 shows the breakdown of the be needed to fully eliminate them and prevent number of people in each of the states affected re-introduction. by the drought conditions in March 2016. The There are currently two multi-agency groups number listed in the ‘Total Population’ counts that address invasive species issues. The Invasive population affected of the total population of Weeds Committee of the Palau Natural Resource the country. 125 The dark orange colors shows Council (PNRC) is a multi-agency committee the severely affected states. The green numbers which addresses invasive plants issues and the represent the population affected in each state. Bureau of Agriculture’s National Invasive Species Additionally, below-average rainfall between Committee (NISC) which focuses on invasive October 2015 and March 2016 resulted in plants issues in Palau. In 2002, prior to the drought conditions and water shortages across establishment of the NISC, the National Task the Republic of Palau. In late March 2016, local Force on Invasive Animal Species (NTFIAS) government officials reported that a lack of was created by Executive Order. The NTFIAS access to clean water had generated significant listed all of Palau’s invasive animal species that water, sanitation, and hygiene risks for affected are of concern and provided an assessment of populations. Severely impacted states included each species’ level of threat in order to prioritize Airai and Koror. Populations in Koror were actions. In addition to facilitating the efforts of experiencing extreme drought conditions. As a the PNRC Invasive Weeds Committee, the NISC result of humanitarian needs arising from the works with relevant agencies to address the drought, the Government of the Republic of prioritized actions related to invasive plants and Palau declared a national state of emergency animals in Palau, including marine threats.120 on March 22, 2016. On March 31, 2016, U.S. Ambassador Amy J. Hyatt declared a disaster due to the effects of the drought in the Republic of Recent History of Natural Disasters Palau.126

Palau experiences frequent natural hazards 121 Typhoon Haiyan-November 2013 including typhoons, droughts, and tidal surges. Tropical Storm Haiyan (called Yolanda in Since 1945, Palau has had 68 recorded typhoons, the Philippines) initially formed in Micronesia, tropical storms or tropical depressions which then gained strength, and moved west from its

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 27 DISASTER OVERVIEW

KAYANGEL ISLAND

69

Ngarchelong 281

Ngaraard 453 Ngardmau 195

BABELDAOB Nigiwal ISLAND 226 Ngaremlengui 309 Melekeok 299 Ngerulmud Ngatpang 257 Ngchesar Aimeliik 287 281

Airai 2537

Koror 11,665

Affected States Severely Affected States Source: USAID/OFDA

Population by State # Source: UNOCHA Total Population: 16,790

Figure 8: 2016 Drought Conditions in Palau

28 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance initial impact toward the Philippines where it island areas of Palau, the typhoon caused a made landfall on 8 Nov 2013.127 It affected over storm surge which caused ocean waters to move 14 million people, causing 6,000 deaths and several hundred feet inland, damaging roads and displacing 4 million people worldwide.128 In creating debris. Palau, Super Typhoon Haiyan had a significant USAID/OFDA deployed several staff effect on Kayangel and Ngeruangel, and also members to Palau to coordinate assistance efforts caused damage in the northern Babeldaob states. and conduct assessments in affected areas. On Most structures were destroyed on Kayangel, December 5, 2012, the U.S. Embassy in Koror, though no lives were lost. The storm was near Palau, declared a disaster due to the effects of category 5 as it approached Palau, hitting 6-7 Typhoon Bopha. In response, USAID/OFDA Nov 2013. It tracked north of Koror to Kayangel provided $100,000 to the Palau Red Cross and Ngeruangel. Sustained winds were estimated for emergency support for typhoon-affected by the Joint Tsunami Warning Center (JTWC) populations.134 to be 155 knots as it passed over Kayangel.129 Super Typhoon Haiyan destroyed 39 homes and severely damaged dwellings.130 The Palau Country Risks government worked in tandem with international relief organizations to bring assistance to affected The following natural and human-induced citizens.131 Photo 3 shows the damage cause by hazards and risks have been identified through Typhoon Haiyan in Kayangel.132 stakeholder consultation as being those most likely to affect the Republic of Palau. They have Typhoon Bopha-December 2012 been rated in terms of their risk potential as high, In early December 2012, Typhoon Bopha medium, or low. impacted Palau and affected hundreds of people by destroying 70 homes and displacing Country Risk Profile 131 people.133 The typhoon tracked south of Risk involves exposure to hazards, Palau downing trees and other vegetation, vulnerability, as well as lack of coping capacity, all and damaged basic infrastructure. In outlying of which are important factors in Disaster Risk

Photo 3: Typhoon Haiyan Destruction on Kayangel, Palau, 2013

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Management. The INFORM Global Risk Index underlying factors leading to humanitarian risk (GRI) measures the risk of humanitarian crises as seen in Figure 9. 135 and disasters that could overwhelm national INFORM gives each country a risk score of response capacity in 191 countries. The INFORM 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 the highest) GRI supports a proactive crisis management for each of the dimensions, categories, and framework. It identifies the countries at a high components of risk, as well as an overall risk risk of humanitarian crisis that are more likely score. The higher the score the more vulnerable to require international assistance. INFORM a country is, and a higher risk indicates a higher GRI will be helpful for an objective allocation probability of needing international assistance for of resources for disaster management as well as a humanitarian crisis. for coordinated actions focused on anticipating, In the 2020 INFORM Global Risk Index, Palau mitigating, and preparing for humanitarian had an overall risk of 2.5/10, which INFORM emergencies. The INFORM GRI model is based categorizes in the low risk class. Palau’s risk on risk concepts published in scientific literature score for Hazard and Exposure was 1.7/10, for and envisages three dimensions of risk: Hazards Vulnerability was 2.1/10, and for Lack of Coping & Exposure, Vulnerability and Lack of Coping Capacity was 4.2/10.136 Capacity. The INFORM GRI model is split into different levels to provide a quick overview of the

Figure 9: INFORM Risk Index

30 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance PALAU Organizational Structure

Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Lead Government Agencies in Disaster Organizational Response Structure The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) is responsible for the coordination and The national disaster and emergency implementation of preparedness, response and management structure in Palau is represented the immediate relief arrangements, and working in Figure 10.137 This arrangement or approach closely with all stakeholders to ensure that to the management of incidents follows the departments, sectors, agencies and communities National Incident Management System. The are aware of potential hazards and prepared to structure provides for a tiered level of response effectively respond.139 to emergencies and disaster management. The NEMO also performs the day-to-day Disaster Executive Council (DEC) is at the top operations associated with disaster management and the highest tier. The National Emergency and submits reports to the Vice President. Committee (NEC) is the second tier. Within NEMO acts with the counsel of and in concert the NEC, is the Central Control Group (CCG). with the National Emergency Committee (NEC). The membership of the CCG is situational and NEMO’s responsibilities include, but are not the National Emergency Management Office limited to the following:140 (NEMO) Coordinator, as the National Disaster • Maintaining and testing the National Disaster Coordinator, will select initial responding Plan; members during the response phase of a disaster. • Providing assistance to national and state The tier underneath the CCG, is the Incident agencies in the development of Agency Command Post (ICP) which represents on-site Support Plans; management of emergency or disaster events.138 • Coordinating the development of public education programs regarding disaster planning;

DEC

Declaration State of Disaster or Emergency, Governance, Strategic Direction, Oversight, Approval of Special Funds/Resources

NEC

Coordination and Advice to DEC

CCG

NEMO Implementation, Operational Management COORDINATION ADMINISTRATION

COMMUNITIES

ICP ICP ICP

Figure 10: Palau National Disaster Management Structure

32 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance • Coordinating and assisting Emergency Functions Lead Response Agency Support Response in the training of specific Agency disaster related skills; Direction Disaster Executive Council Leadership Executives Management & National Emergency Committee NEMO • Providing logistical Coordination support to the Emergency Command and Control National Disaster Coordinator (at All other agencies Operation Center; national level) or Incident Commander (at incident level) • Coordinating state Public Information Public Information Officer, Other PIOs, BPS, BDA, and national disaster President PNCC Warning and Alerting* NEMO or BPS or NWS, depending BPS, BDA, PNCC management planning; on the hazard • Periodically reviewing state Law Enforcement/Fire Bureau of Public Safety State Gov’t Rangers, and national legislation and Customs, Council of Chiefs Search and Rescue Bureau of Public Safety, Marine State Gov’t Rangers, Tour regulations to ensure that Law Enforcement Division Agencies, BTA, NEMO all are in compliance and Medical, Health and Ministry of Health, Environmental Private Clinics, Fire, PRCS coordination with this Plan; Sanitation Quality Protection Board Power, Water, and Sewer Palau Public Utilities Corporation, State Gov’t, Private and Bureau of Public Works Sector(s) • Performing other tasks as Communications Palau National Communications Bureau of Public Safety, Corporation BPS, PRCS, private sector prescribed by law, executive Engineering and Public Bureau of Public Works, Capital Private Sector order, and regulations or as Works Improvement Project required by the NEC. Environmental Protection Environmental Quality Protection BPS, MNRET, MOH, (HazMat, Oil Spill, Board, BPS private sector Chemical releases) The National Disaster Mass Care (Food) Ministry of Education PRCS, NGOs Coordinator (NDC) is the Shelter Management Ministry of Education PRCS, BPS, MOH, State Gov’t., PCC coordinator of NEMO and Relief Management Division of Property & Supply, MOF MOE, State Gov’t, donors, assumes the overall control and PRCS Initial Damage Assessment Depending on emergency (where All agencies coordination responsibilities and who), HazMat, NEMO of the National Emergency Comprehensive Damage BPW, NEMO All agencies, PRCS Committee (NEC). The NEC Assessment Transportation (Land & Bureau of Commercial All other agencies, Require will operate from the National Sea) Development, MOE MOUs with NGOs/Private Emergency Operations Center sector (NEOC) in accordance with Air Transport Bureau of Aviation MOU with Local and Regional Agencies established procedures for each Terrorism/Civil Unrest/UXO Ministry of Justice, All other agencies type of disaster or emergency. Climate Change Adaptation MNRET NWS, PCC, BOA1, PICRC, Depending on the type of donor agencies, EQPB disaster, various agencies Table 2: Lead and Support Response Agency Roles and Responsibilities represented will take on a lead response or support response role. Table 2 shows the oversight of the NEC. Also, state governors 141 can declare a state of emergency covering their these roles and responsibilities. 143 The NEC can recommend to the President, state. through the DEC, to declare a State of Disaster Initial damage assessments are the or State of Emergency on all, or part of the responsibility of the Ministry of Public affected or potentially affected areas of the Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce Republic of Palau.142 The President of Palau may (MPIIC), working in close collaboration with declare a state of emergency in the event of war, NEMO. The initial damage assessments are external aggression, civil rebellion, or natural passed on to the NEOC within 24 hours to assist catastrophe threatening the lives or property the NEC in making disaster response decisions. of a significant number of people in Palau, in NEMO, working in association with relevant accordance with Article VIII, Section 14 of the members of the NEC will take the initial damage Palau Constitution. The National Disaster Risk assessment to create a follow up comprehensive Management Framework (NDRMF) guides the damage assessment. Based on recommendations declaration procedure in the event of a disaster. from NDC, CCG and ICP following receipt The declaration has to be confirmed by the of damage and need assessment reports, the Palau National Congress within 10 days if it is NEC will make decisions regarding which to continue beyond the initial 10-day period. In communities receive disaster relief assistance. All relief supplies are coordinated through the the event of an emergency, NEMO coordinates 144 disaster response and recovery, acting under NEC.

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promotion of human dignity and peace. Key Disaster Management Partners • PRCS services include: • Disaster Preparedness & Response; Palau has many important partners that provide • Community First Aid & Safety; humanitarian activities and disaster assistance. • Single Incident Assistance; While this is not an exhaustive list, it does • Blood Donor Recruitment; capture many important partners in Palau. These • Health and Social Cares Services; include the following: • Humanitarian Values Awareness & Education; and International Federation of Red Cross and Red • Services to the United States Armed Forces. Crescent Societies The International Federation of Red Cross and PRCS volunteers come from all 16 states of Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a humanitarian Palau and comprise of community members organization that provides assistance and and state government employees. They form promotes humanitarian activities by their Red Cross Action Teams (RDAT) and have been National Societies, with a view to preventing and trained for Disaster Preparedness & Response alleviating human suffering. It was founded in and First Aid – CPR (FA-CPR). Table 3 details 1919 and includes 192 National Societies.145 the number of citizens by state who have been The National Societies work to improve trained and been certified by the RDAT. humanitarian standards, as partners in PRCS established a Youth Council in July development, responding to disasters, supporting 2018 and has 107 registered members. The healthier and safer communities, reducing target group for Palau Youth Council is 13 to 25 vulnerabilities, strengthening resilience, years, however the Council does not turn away and fostering a culture of peace. The IFRC anyone who apples to be a member. The current carries out relief operations to assist persons membership ages range from 9 to 23 years of age. affected by disasters, and combines this with The youth volunteers, volunteer more than 10 hours a week to assist PRCSs’ different programs development work to strengthen the capacities 148 of its member National Societies.146 Its Disaster and activities. Law Programme (DLP) provides technical assistance to governments on International The PRCS Youth Council future plan is to: Disaster Response Law (IDRL), officially titled, • Strengthen the youth involvement in the “Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and Branches with election of the first North and regulation of international disaster relief and Central Branch youth council members initial recovery assistance”.147 The DLP have • Carrying out the YAdapt school training also developed tools to assist in the review and program strengthening of disaster related laws such as: the • Recruitment of more members both National Checklist on Law & disaster risk reduction and and Branch level Checklist on Law for Disaster Preparedness and • Increase a meaningful participation of youth Response. in all sectors of the National Societies”

Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) In 2019 PRCS volunteers carried out: The Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) is a not • Youth First Aid Competition; for profit humanitarian organization, established • Mass Rescue Operation Drill Exercise; and by the Palau National Congress through its • Supported the National Preparedness Month. Joint House Resolution 5-24-3 on 21 July 149 1997. PRCS became a recognized member of PRCS Headquarters is in Koror. Contact the International Committee of the Red Cross information is below: (ICRC) on 30 September 1997. It was admitted as First Floor of the OEK Building a member to the International Federation of Red Across Ernguul Park Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on 20 P.0. Box 6043 November 1997. Koror, Republic of Palau 96940 PRCS works across Palau through its 2 Email: [email protected] branches, North Branch and Central Branch to Website: www.palauredcross.org improve the lives of the most vulnerable people, Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ alleviate human suffering and contribute to the palauredcross

34 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance ID State Male Female Number of Participants Number of Certified 1 Angaur 19 14 33 12 2 Koror 20 0 20 16 3 Hatohobei 4 8 12 11 4 Kayangel 18 12 30 10 5 Melekeok 14 8 22 13 6 Ngaraard 9 4 13 3 7 Ngarchelong 22 6 28 21 8 Aimeliik 17 4 21 6 9 Ngardmau 8 2 10 9 10 Ngatpang 5 6 11 6 11 Ngchesar 16 6 22 8 12 Ngeremlengui 16 0 16 9 13 Ngiwal 10 6 16 3 14 Peleliu 25 22 47 14 15 Sonsorol 6 5 11 10

16 Airai 12 7 19 11 Table 3: PRCS Training and Certification Log by State Tel (680) 488 - 5780 / 5781 International Organization for Migration Mobile (680) 775 - PRCS (7727) (IOM) Fax (680) 488 - 4540 International Organization for Migration (IOM) works in coordination with the Ministry PRCS’s brochure is available at, http:// of Health in Palau, international and national palauredcross.org/pdf/PRCS-2019- NGOs, as well as civil society groups to promote Brochure_17Jan2019.pdf sustainable partnerships. IOM supports climate change adaptation initiatives in partnership with the Ministry of Education through the Alii Climate Adaptation Disaster Risk Reduction and Education Program (Alii CADRE), which provides critical support to at-risk communities. The project supports sustainable solutions for resiliency in vulnerable schools and communities through community-based initiatives and education in Palau. IOM partnered with the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to assist in Community Emergency Management Plans. IOM assisted in one community workshop on disaster preparation and response. In addition, IOM worked to determine needs and create a plan for emergency communication systems for 13 states. IOM worked with NEMO on the “hardening” of emergency shelters in Palau’s communities to make those shelters more resilient to natural disasters. At the request of the Vice President and Director of NEMO, IOM is aiming to build shelters with typhoon shutters to provide safe spaces for community members.150

Photo 4: PRCS Brochure Detailing Services to the Country Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 35 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Contact information for IOM in Palau is response, recovery, and reconstruction activities below: in the country.156 International Organization for Migration Mission Office: ; Sub-Office: Koror (Palau) U.S. Government Agencies in Palau Mr. Stuart Simpson Tel: +691 320 8735 USAID The U.S. Agency for International United Nations (UN) Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster The Republic of Palau has been an active Assistance (USAID/OFDA) collaborates, member of the United Nations since December leads, and coordinates the U.S. Government’s 15, 1994. Since its admission, Palau has humanitarian assistance efforts overseas. The developed relations with multiple countries and Office responds to an average of 70 disasters has worked to develop a strong UN presence. in more than 50 countries every year, ensuring that aid reaches people affected by rapid The Permanent Mission of Palau to the UN was 157 established in April 2004. onset disasters, as well as slow-onset crises. The Palau Mission’s primary task is to aid the USAID disaster assistance typically contributes island nation in creating sustainable economy, to the emergency relief efforts of local non- preserve its unequaled environment, and allow governmental organizations and closely future generations to learn, live and work in their coordinates with and complements government homeland.151 relief efforts. In addition to direct disaster relief, Contact for the Permanent Mission of Palau USAID supports a number of initiatives to build 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 575 capacity for disaster response in Pacific Island countries, including Palau, and the larger East New York, New York, 10017 158 Tel:+011-212-813-0310 Asia and the Pacific region. In FY 2019, USAID/ODA provided $818,000 There is also a United Nations Joint Presence to IOM to implement the Palau Emergency in Palau. Additionally, the UN Multi- Preparedness and Enhanced Resilience (PEPER) Country Office covers 14 Pacific Island countries project, which seeks to contribute to the and territories including Palau.152 Ms. Sharon country’s preparedness and response capacity Sakuma is the in-country UN Coordination by strengthening evacuation shelters, training Officer in Palau. Her contact information is:153 community leaders on shelter management, Ms. Sharon Sakuma conducting response exercises, and pre- UN Coordination Office positioning emergency relief commodities. In UN Joint Presence Palau partnership with the Government of Palau (GoP) Tel: +680-488-7270 and the National Emergency Management Office, Email: [email protected] IOM is helping mitigate the effects of disasters by enhancing local capacities and ownership in the Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) following ways: The Belau Association of Non-Governmental • Building Disaster Management Capacity Organizations (BANGO) is a national body in FSM, Palau, and RMI: With $750,000 for non-government organizations, civil in FY 2019 USAID/OFDA funding, the society organizations, and community-based Marshall Islands Red Cross Society (MIRCS), organizations in Palau. 154 BANGO was founded Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS), and in 2018 to serve as an umbrella platform Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS)—supported and coordinating mechanism for the NGOs, by the International Federation of the Red including local groups in Palau.155 Contact Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)— information includes an email: 2018bango@ continue to partner with local government gmail.com. agencies, businesses, and communities to The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provides build awareness of disaster response activities support to Palau. The ADB approved a $15 and cultivate a trained volunteer base for million policy based loan to bolster the strength emergency responses. USAID/OFDA has of Palau’s resilience to disasters by providing a provided nearly $2.2 million since FY 2013 predictable and rapid response source for early to support the preparedness and mitigation activities of MIRCS, MRCS, and PRCS.

36 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance • Supporting Early Warning Systems in U.S. Embassy Koror the Pacific: Since 2009, USAID/OFDA Contact information for the U.S. Embassy in has supported the National Oceanic and the Republic of Palau is located below: Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to deploy chatty beetles—satellite terminals U.S. Embassy Koror that make text messaging possible in areas Omsangel/Beklelachieb with limited connectivity—to disseminate Airai, Palau 96940 weather and hydrometeorological alerts Tel: (680) 587-2920 and information to remote locations. The Fax: (680) 587-2911 messaging system connects emergency managers and hydrometeorological warning authorities to provide basic notification of Participation in International potential hazards to isolated communities Organizations that face limited communication options. Chatty beetles are helping national The Republic of Palau participates in the meteorological and hydrological services following international organizations (not all- and national disaster management agencies inclusive): to disseminate life-saving early warning African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group alerts in Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Palau, RMI, of States (ACP Group), Asian Development , Solomon Islands, , Tuvalu, and Bank (ADB), Alliance of Small Island States . (AOSIS), Food and Agriculture Organization • Improving Logistics Capacity and (FAO), International Atomic Energy Agency Preparedness: In FY 2019, USAID/OFDA (IAEA), International Bank for Reconstruction provided approximately $1 million to support and Development (IBRD), International Civil preparedness activities through the UN Aviation Organization (ICAO), The Institute World Food Program (WFP)-led Pacific of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), Logistics Cluster. Using a capacity-building International Development Association approach to strengthen national logistics (IDA), International Finance Corporation clusters and working groups, WFP assists (IFC), The International Federation of Red in convening national cluster meetings and Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS), providing relevant response and preparedness International Labour Organization (ILO), tools. WFP has also completed logistics International Monetary Fund (IMF), capacity assessments across the Pacific to International Maritime Organization (IMO), provide a baseline of information relevant International Mobile Satellite Organization to the Pacific’s unique logistical challenges. (IMSO), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Additionally, WFP coordinates new response Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency actors, including civil society, faith-based, (MIGA), Oceania Customs Organization (OCO), and private sector organizations. Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical • Supporting Emergency Medical Response Weapons (OPCW), Pacific Islands Chiefs of in the Pacific: In FY 2019, USAID/OFDA Police Conference (PICP), Pacific Immigration provided approximately $1 million to the Directors Development Community (PIDC), UN World Health Organization (WHO) to Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Pacific Island enhance emergency medical coordination Tax Administrators Association, (PITAA), in FSM, Kiribati, Palau, RMI, and Tuvalu. Co-operation Agreement, the Pacific WHO is training and certifying national Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific emergency medical teams (EMTs) in the Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), five countries on EMT coordination and South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic deployment, as well as providing operational (SPARTECA), United Nations (UN), United and technical support to EMT staff. This Nations Conference on Trade and Development program aims to enhance the first responder (UNCTAD), United Nations Educational, capacity of the north Pacific nations to 159 Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), medical emergencies. and the World Health Organization (WHO).160

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• Executive Order 166-99/National Disaster Foreign Disaster Relief and Emergency Plan; Response • Executive Order No. 397/ 2016 Palau National Disaster Risk Management Requests for international assistance will only Framework; be made when the response is beyond national • 2020 Palau National Master Development capabilities or when national resources are not Plan; readily available from the Government, NGO or • Palau Climate Change Policy 2015; private agencies in Palau, and with the approval • The Sendai Framework. The successor of the DEC. instrument to the: The requests can be made two ways. A - Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005- request or appeal for international assistance 2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and can be made by the Government of Palau, by Communities to Disasters; and the appropriate bureau under the Ministry of - Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster State. The second way would be for the President Management Framework for Action to make an appeal to any foreign government - 2005–2015 (Madang Framework) and any directly. successor strategy; Based on assessment reports received, the • Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Chair of the NEC recommends to the DEC the Climate Change 2006-2015; need for international assistance. The activation • Framework for Resilient Development in the of requests for assistance are liaised with the Pacific (FRDP) 2017 -2030; Ministry of State. • Boe Declaration; and When international assistance requirements • Boe Declaration Action Plan. are made known, the Ministry of State will continue direct consultations and contact Palau Constitution with donors. Direct requests to aid agencies/ In line with Article VIII Section 14 of the distribution or diplomatic missions on behalf Palau Constitution, the NEC can recommend of the Government of Palau cannot be made to the President, through the DEC, to declare without the consent of the DEC. a State of Emergency on all, or part thereof, of the affected or potentially affected areas of the The NEC and the Central Control Group are 163 accountable to the aid agencies and donors for Republic of Palau. ensuring that all relief assistance is distributed in accordance with guidelines governing the Executive Order 166-99/National Disaster Plan provision and preparation of an expenditure Palau Disaster Risk Management was and distribution report. Based on the identified originally governed by Executive Order 166-99 disaster relief requirements, the President, as Adoption of National Disaster Management Plan, which adopted the 1998 Palau National head of state, may make an appeal to any foreign 164 government directly. Disaster Plan. The National Disaster Plan The recovery process may take many months 1998 does not have a specific clause establishing or years to complete depending on the severity of NEMO but does so by reference to its role and damage. The NEC with the support and advice of responsibilities under clause 2.4 authorized the Hazard Mitigation Subcommittee (HMSC), involvement of NEMO in all aspects of disaster will coordinate the disaster recovery.161 management acting with the counsel and in consultation with the NEC. It further set out that NEMO is responsible for day to day operation Laws, Policies, and Plans on Disaster associated with disaster management and their responsibilities.165 Management Executive Order No. 397/ 2016 Palau National There are certain documents that support the Disaster Risk Management Framework disaster management framework in Palau and 162 (PNDRMF) the region. They include: Executive Order No.397/2016 adopted the • Republic of Palau Constitution, Article VIII, 2010 Palau National Disaster Risk Management Section 14; Framework repealing Executive Order 166-

38 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 99 and the 1998 National Disaster Plan. In developed and incorporated into programs that 2010, Palau prepared a National Disaster Risk address community development and coping Management Framework.166 mechanisms in times of disasters. In addition, The 2016 amended version of the PNDRMF relevant traditional knowledge and practices builds upon the objectives of the 2010 National are to be included in the disaster risk reduction Disaster Risk Management Framework, by plans. 171 Figure 11 depicts the vision of Palau’s focusing on “the strengthening of national 2020 National Master Development Plan and the disaster risk management structures and link between national development processes and mechanisms to support the improved integration disaster risk management reflecting the guiding of disaster management and climate change principles.172 adaptation to more effectively integrate disaster risk considerations into the national development Palau Climate Change Policy for Climate and planning and budgetary allocation process.” 167 Disaster Resilient Low Emissions Development The National Disaster and Risk Management 2015 (PCCP) Framework 2010 sets out a vision of “safe, In 2015, the government adopted the resilient and prepared communities in Palau”. Palau Climate Change Policy for Climate and The key objectives of the framework include:168 Disaster Resilient Low Emissions Development • Establish organizational arrangements that 2015 (PCCP). Its main objective is to build maximize the use of available resources the resilience of Palau to climate change and to strengthen mitigation, preparedness, disasters. The objectives of the PCCP also response, and relief and recovery planning reiterate and expand on those in the NDRMF. for natural hazards; Additional objectives of the PCCP include:173 • Promote integrated planning and • Enhance adaptation and resilience to the collaboration for disaster risk management expected impacts of global climate change (DRM) across all levels of government, across sectors; departments, sectors, and communities; and • Integrate climate change adaptation and Palau 2020 National disaster management into national and Master Development Plan’s sectoral planning and strategy. VISION The NDRMF 2010 replaced the 1999 National Disaster Plan and was intended to assist the National process of effectively managing both natural Development and human induced hazards and related risks Goals in the Republic of Palau.169 The multiple hazard approach of the 2010 National Disaster Risk National Management Framework is continued in the Strategies 2016 amendments.170 and Key Outcome Targets and 2020 Palau National Master Development Plan Budgetary The aim of disaster risk reduction for Process Palau is to prevent or mitigate the impact of hazards on communities and reduce risks to Key Sector Plans and Strategies development by changing social, economic, (Water, Land, Coastal ...) environmental conditions. At the national Incoporating Disaster Risk Management (DRM) level, this requires that disaster risk reduction programs and activities be incorporated into business plans and budgets. State-level disaster risk reduction programs and activities should include identified priority hazards requiring attention, and measures to deal with them are to DRM Action Plan with Sector & Inter-Sectoral Priorities both at the State/ be incorporated into the local government plans Local Governments and National Levels and budgets. At the community level, disaster risk reduction programs and activities are to be Figure 11: Vision of the 2020 National Master Development Plan

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• Improve Palau’s ability to manage unexpected Recognizes expanded concept of security in the disasters and minimize disaster risk; and Pacific to include human security, humanitarian • Mitigate global climate change by working assistance, prioritizing environmental security, toward low-carbon emission development, and regional cooperation in building resilience to maximizing energy efficiency, protecting disasters and climate change, including through carbon sinks, and minimizing greenhouse gas regional cooperation and support.181 It further emissions. recognizes that the Pacific is faced with a regional security environment confronted with complex The Sendai Framework security challenges framed by an expanded In 2018, Palau was among 10 Pacific states to concept of security, within a dynamic geopolitical launch the Sendai Framework Monitor, a new environment. 182 online tool for measuring disaster losses.174 The Sendai Framework is the global blueprint and Boe Declaration Action Plan fifteen-year plan to build the world’s resilience This Action Plan provides a framework to natural disasters.175 The Sendai Framework for forum members to implement the for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 outlines Boe Declaration on Regional Security, in seven clear targets and four priorities for action collaboration with key regional and international to prevent new and reduce existing disaster stakeholders, as well as set specific, achievable risks. The Sendai Framework is the successor and targeted activities under the relevant instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action strategic focus areas prioritized under the Boe (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Declaration. The Action Plan is positioned in Nations and Communities to Disasters.176 the context of the 2014 Framework for Pacific Regionalism, the Blue Pacific Narrative, and the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security and Climate Change 2006-2015 existing Forum Security Declarations. In 2005 the leaders endorsed the Pacific The Action Plan’s component on engagement Islands Framework for Action on Climate and advocacy is aligned to the 2018 Forum Change. The Framework’s goal is to ensure that International Engagement and Advocacy Pacific Island peoples and communities build Strategy. The Action Plan is supplemented by their capacity to be resilient to the risks and a 12-month activity matrix which is a rolling impacts of climate change with the key objective (organic) document with activities to be reviewed to deliver on the expected outcomes.177 by Forum Members and relevant stakeholders on an annual basis.183 Strategic Focus Areas Framework for Resilient Development in the include Climate Security, Human Security and Pacific (FRDP) 2017 -2030178 Humanitarian Assistance, Environment and FRDP promotes an integrated approach Resource Security and creating an enabling to address climate change and disaster risk environment for implementation including an management. It provides voluntary guidelines appropriate coordination mechanism.184 for the Pacific Islands Region. FRDP is the successor or merger of the approaches to Disaster Management and Climate Change in the Pacific Education and Training which were individually taken under:179 • Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster The NEMO is responsible for ensuring that Management Framework for Action 2006– a National Disaster Management Training Plan 2015; and is developed in collaboration with national, • The Pacific Islands Framework for Action on regional or international training providers Climate Change 2006-2015. and that training materials and programs are developed to support all departments, sectors Boe Declaration and agencies to improve their capabilities relative In 2018, leaders endorsed the Boe Declaration to their designated functions. It is recommended that a training officer should be employed to on Regional Security, which is a call to action 185 for stronger and cohesive regional security strengthen the capacity of the NEMO. cooperation and coordination through the The NEMO, in collaboration with identified partners or training providers, is responsible for assertion of a collective will and collective voice 186 as peoples of the Pacific.180 The Boe Declaration carrying out the following tasks: • Identify training needs and available resources; 40 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance • Develop a national training plan and training materials; Disaster Management Communications • Develop and maintain a national training database; Early Warning Systems • Identify and integrate all related disaster In order to minimize the impact of disasters management and disaster risk reduction on vulnerable individuals and communities and programs into the national training agenda; ensure an effective emergency response, it is • Develop partnerships with national and critical to have reliable and effective warning and regional training providers; and alerting system in place.190 The Government of • Ensure a consistent approach to training Palau’s website posts special weather statements methodology and programs. from the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) in collaboration with the In 2016, NEMO developed a Community- National Weather Service informing the public of Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) toolkit weather related activities and early warnings.191 to guide communities in disaster response. In The national radio station including addition, NEMO has also conducted climate private media services serve as important change vulnerability assessments in eight states. communication links with the community Measures to improve food security due to at large. Outlying states and remote areas are drought include support for a sustainable and warned and or alerted through designated High rehabilitation of projects that were damaged Frequency radios. These links are critical for by typhoons. Evacuation shelters have also the relay of information, and accordingly some been identified in each of Palau’s 16 states to control measures must be introduced to ensure accommodate community members in times of that only essential broadcasts are made during disasters and are being disaster proofed.187 periods of highest threats.192 NEMO launched the CBDRR trainings In 2013, when Typhoon Haiyan hit northern in line with the 2016 National Disaster Risk Palau, there was a lot of messaging going out Management Framework’s vision of “Safe, by text messages to communities. Despite some Resilient and Prepared Communities in Palau”. radio communication cut off during the storm, In the three-day training program, NEMO some mobile networks allowed the communities introduced tools and strategies to participants to stay informed. Mobile networks were with the objective of building their capacity to intermittent but working.193 effectively and successfully identify the types of disasters, early warning signs necessary for Responsible Agencies for Warnings preparedness in the community level, conduct The NEMO is responsible for coordinating risk analysis, and identify unique vulnerabilities the regular assessment and reporting of available to natural disasters. It also equips communities emergency communications and back-up with all the necessary tools to formulate their communication resources for use in national respective community focused disaster risk disasters, including testing and preventive management action plans for better coordination maintenance of these resources on a regular and communication, preparedness, response and 194 188 basis. recovery. It is the responsibility of the NEMO to In July 2018, a Healthy Living Summer collaborate with the relevant agencies, (as Convention for Palauan Youth program took previously depicted in Table 2 in the Lead place. It was implemented by the Palau Red Cross Government Agencies in Disaster Response Society through an Indian Government grant section of this handbook) to activate and with the objective of engaging and educating disseminate national warnings. It is also the Palau’s youth on the topics of health, well- responsibility of the NEMO to ensure that timely being, First-Aid/CPR and disaster preparedness and appropriate messages are broadcasted to strategies. Participants were also educated on the public, advising of the degree of the threat the early warning system bells and disaster 189 and action that should be taken before, during management procedures. and after the impact.195 The National Disaster Coordinator is to ensure that all messages are screened, and only urgent or essential service messages are broadcasted throughout the stages of the activation process.196

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Additionally, Palau utilizes the Chatty Beetle, a (NDMO) website page portable Iridium satellite terminal which permits https://www.palaugov.pw text based alerts and messages of potential Republic of Palau National Government Website weather hazards in remote locations, especially https://www.palaugove.pw where communication options are limited.197 Palau World Food Programme The device is virtually indestructible, built to http://www1.wfp.org/countries/pacific withstand harsh, humid conditions and runs on a wide variety of batteries for ease of use. Palau UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Information http://www. Armed Forces’ Role in Disaster Response unocha.org/pacific/country-profiles/palau The Republic of Palau has no regular military Palau IMF Country Information forces. The Ministry of Justice includes divisions http://www.imf.org/en/Countries/PLW for public security, police functions, and maritime law enforcement. However, under the Palau World Bank Information Compact of Free Association (COFA) between https://data.worldbank.org/country/Palau Palau and the U.S., the U.S. is responsible (until 2044) for the defense of Palau and the U.S. Palau Population Information military is granted access to the islands, but it has http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/ not stationed any military forces there.198 palau-population/

Palau Logistics Capacity Cluster Information Sharing https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/DLCA/ Understanding how to overcome the Palau information challenges that civilian and military agencies experience during a typical disaster International Humanitarian Information response mission is important. Knowing what Sources the available information resources are will assist Joint Task Force leaders and staff during mission ReliefWeb is a service of UNOCHA that planning.199 The sharing of information is consolidates information and analysis from critical because no single responding entity (host organizations, countries and disasters for the government, NGO, international organizations humanitarian community. or assisting country government, including Website: https://reliefweb.int/ foreign military forces) can be the source of all the required information.200 PreventionWeb is provided by UNISDR to Collaboration, Information Sharing (IS) and consolidate disaster risk reduction information networking have been the backbone of successful into an online, easy to understand platform. disaster response and preparation. Disseminating Website: https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ information not only to those in country International Federation of Red Cross and and threatened by disaster but also to those Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s responding to the emergency has been crucial to largest humanitarian network, with over 13.7 timely, efficient and effective disaster response. million volunteers helping to reach 150 million Recent technology has advanced to aid in both people in 192 National Societies, including the prediction and communication, including Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS). IFRC provides when and how to send alerts regarding disasters support to and coordination among national around the world. These advances have resulted societies as needed, working before, during and in improved early warning and evacuation after disasters and health emergencies to meet measures and opportunities to react and prepare the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable for incoming threats to countries. There are people. many resources, stakeholders and components to Website: https://media.ifrc.org/ifrc consider regarding information sharing before, during and after a natural disaster. This section Global Disaster Alert and Coordination will discuss country, humanitarian, regional, U.S. System (GDACS)/Virtual OSOCC is a Government, and DoD informational sources. cooperation framework between the United Nations, the European Commission and Republic of Palau Information Sources disaster managers worldwide to improve alerts, National Emergency Management Office information exchange and coordination in the

42 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance first phase after major sudden-onset disasters. and related activities. Website: https://vosocc.unocha.org Website: https://www.humanitarianresponse.info The latest alerts can be found here: http://www. gdacs.org/Alerts/default.aspx United Nations Office for the Coordination To subscribe: http://www.gdacs.org/About/ of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) seeks contactus.aspx to optimize the speed, volume and quality Consider other sources of information such as: of humanitarian assistance and coordinates emergency preparedness and response in the Humanitarian Country Teams (HCT) world’s most disaster-prone region in support of The HCT is a strategic and operational national governments. decision-making and oversight forum established and led by the Humanitarian Coordinator UNOCHA’s Regional Office for Asia and the in each country. It is generally comprised of Pacific (ROAP)covers 41 countries partnering representatives from the UN, IOM, international with them for coordinated and effective NGOs, and the International Red Cross and Red international responses to emergency situations. Crescent Movement. During a disaster response, Website: https://www.unocha.org/roap HCT’s often produce a Situation Report, often in conjunction with UNOCHA. Most HCT SitReps For UNOCHA situation reports, click on the can be found through Relief “Subscribe” button on bottom of page. Web: https://reliefweb.int/ UNOCHA’s Office of the Pacific Islands Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) is an (OP), a sub-regional office under ROAP, directly open platform for sharing data across crises and covers the Palau, as well as other Pacific Island organizations launched in 2014 with the goal of states of territories. In 1999, OCHA established centralizing humanitarian data for easy access an office for the Pacific (OP) to mobilize and and analysis. HDX is managed by OCHA’s Center coordinate effective and principled humanitarian for Humanitarian Data in The Hague. action in partnership with national and Website: https://data.humdata.org/ international actors. Regional Information Sources Website: https://www.unocha.org/pacific

Pacific Environment Portal U.S. Government (USG) Information Sources The Pacific Environment Portal provides regional and national data and for environmental Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) datasets to be used for monitoring, evaluating, The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and analyzing environmental conditions and is responsible for leading and coordinating the trends to support environmental planning, U.S. Government response to disasters overseas. forecasting, and reporting requirements at all OFDA responds to an average of 65 disasters levels. This Pacific Environment Portal is part in more than 50 countries every year. OFDA of the Pacific Data Ecosystem, a partnership fulfils its mandate of saving lives, alleviating between Pacific Island Countries, SPREP and human suffering and the reduction of the social SPC. and economic impact to disasters worldwide in website: https://pacific-data.sprep.org/ partnership with USAID functional and regional https://www.sprep.org/news/keeping- bureaus and other U.S. government agencies. environmentally-informed-in-palau-with-the- OFDA works with the international population inform-project to assist countries prepare for, respond to and recover from humanitarian crises.201 Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) USAID/OFDA products are sitreps and maps The Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) was which are available via email mailing lists. established by OCHA in 2008 to ensure that For OFDA updates on a disaster response, ask regional responders work together to deliver the OFDA representative for USINDOPACOM timely and appropriate humanitarian assistance (whose Area of Responsibility includes Palau) to to disaster-affected people across the Pacific. add you to the email list: OCHA acts as the Secretariat of the PHT and • [email protected] provides an online platform to share disaster response and preparedness information called U.S. Agency for International Development Humanitarian Response. It is a platform (USAID) providing the humanitarian community a means USAID is committed to responding to crises to aid in coordination of operational information around the world to help people and places most

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in need. They aim to: APAN has played an integral role in the success • Promote Global Health of disaster responses, such as the 2015 California • Support Global Stability Wildfire Response and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan • Provide Humanitarian Assistance Response in which they provided organizations • Catalyze Innovation and Partnership and militaries a centralized location to share • Empower Women and information, increase situational awareness and decrease response time and duplicated efforts for USAID produces a monthly newsletter called best practices in HADR services.203 USAID Newsletter which is available digitally Website: https://www.apan.org/ at, https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/ newsletter Note: The Multinational Communications More information and updates from USAID is Interoperability Program (MCIP) has an APAN available via their blog, IMPACT at, https://blog. site used in planning exercises and real world usaid.gov/ and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, HADR information sharing.204 and YouTube. Website: https://www.usaid.gov/ Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) Pacific Disaster Center DKI APCSS is a U.S. Department of Defense The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) has institute that addresses regional and global trademarked an early warning and decision security issues, inviting military and civilian support system called DisasterAWARE®. representatives of the U.S. and Asia-Pacific DisasterAWARE® is primarily for disaster nations to its comprehensive program of management practitioners and senior decision executive education and workshops. makers. It supports disaster risk reduction and Website: http://www.apcss.org/ best practices throughout all phases of disaster management from early warning to multi- CFE-DM hazard monitoring. It has scientifically verified, The Center for Excellence in Disaster geospatial, data and modeling tools to assess Management and Humanitarian Assistance hazard risks and impacts. (CFE-DM) is a U.S. Department of Defense The PDC also hosts a public application, organization that was established by U.S. Disaster Alert which is a free, early warning app Congress in 1994 and is a direct reporting unit to to receive customizable map based visual alerts U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. CFE-DM provides of active hazards. The app offers a comprehensive training and education to help U.S. and foreign global notification system covering natural and military personnel navigate complex issues in man-made hazard to the public. It is available on DMHA. They produce country focused disaster both iPhone and Android. There is also a link to management reference handbooks, after action Disaster Alert without the app to view the world reports and disaster management country map documenting 18 hazard types.202 assessments which provide best practices and Website: https://www.pdc.org/ lessons learned for advancement in response https://www.pdc.org/apps/disasteraware/ coordination. CFE-DM also works to improve cross-coordination and reduce duplication of Emergency Operations (EMOPS) system: efforts and promote U.S. involvement in civ-mil (Request account): https://emops.pdc.org/emops/ consultations and dialogues with relevant HADR parties such as the AHA Center, UNOCHA and Department of Defense (DoD) Informational the Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centre Sources (RHCC). CFE-DM provides DMHA resources and updates at its website, as well as via their All Partners Access Network (APAN) Facebook and Twitter accounts.205 APAN is the Unclassified Information Website: https://www.cfe-dmha.org/ Sharing Service (UISS) for the U.S. Department of Defense. APAN provides the DoD and Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) mission partners community space and Joint Typhoon Warning Center provides collaboration tools to leverage information to advanced warning for U.S. Government agencies effectively plan, train and respond to meet their and organizations in relevant areas. business requirements and mission objectives. Website: https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc. Importantly, APAN’s technology team has been html supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations for over 15 years.

44 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance PALAU Infrastructure

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Missionary Aviation (PMA). PMA is based in , in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Infrastructure who provide charter services to outer islands and around Palau if required. 209 Airports Seaports Palau has three airport/airfield facilities throughout the country, as represented in Table 206 The Port of Malakal, located on Malakal Island 4. The main international airport in Palau is and next to Koror Island, is the main port of in Airai State, near Koror, and is operated under Palau. It is the main shipping port which handles Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and approximately 200 containers per month. The U.S. air traffic control. There are also two small port is situated in a protected lagoon area. The airfields located on the islands of Peleliu and port has two main docks, each able to handle Angaur to the South of Babeldoab. Both airfields vessels up to 500 ft in length. Access to the port are managed and operated by their respective is by channels through the outer reef. There are 2 states. The Peleliu airfield is in fair condition and docks of 164m and 154m, with a safe draft of 9m can only be used with some maintenance and and with a self-imposed draft of 7m. Additional clearance activities, due to vegetation inundation ports include Chemiangel Bay, Palau Pacific on the runway. There are no facilities or support Resort Bay, and Peleliu and Ngardamu ancillary infrastructure at the airfield. The Angaur airfield ports.210 infrequently receives tourist charter flights but Malakal port lies adjacent to the fisheries has the capacity to accommodate larger aircraft port, owned and operated by Tan Holdings. such as C130s, should the need arise. Any such This neighbouring dock facility is for the arrangement must be made through the state 207 exclusive purposes of unloading fishing government. vessels and packaging for export, and does not Runway handle general cargo. The shipping companies Airport Name Location Surface Length that service the port include Kyowa, Matson Navigation and PIL/ Mariana Line routes from Palau International Airai Guam and Asia. The port is privately owned and Airport/ State Asphalt/ operated. Freight movement is predominantly Tmetcuhl near Concrete 7200 feet containerized, with 200-400 containers received (Babelthuap/ Koror each month, and approximately 100 metric tons Koror of bulk break cargo per month.211 Angaur Angaur Gravel 7000 feet There are no specialist facilities at the port, Peleliu Peleliu Gravel 6000 feet and the port operates as a basic general container and handler of bulk break goods. The port Table 4: Main Airport and Airfields in Palau only operates ground handling equipment of top loaders and forklifts to move items once The facility was renamed unloaded. There is only one main storage International Airport after 2006. The airport is warehouse at the port which is currently used approximately five miles from Koror and about for bulk goods. However, while the area is small, 15 miles to the , Melekeok. It has one the space is available for the storage of goods in terminal. The site is the base hub for national a disaster as a transit area.212 Photo 5 shows a carrier Palau Airways, but there are several other 213 208 picture of Malakal port. carriers offering flights to the islands of Palau. Palau is serviced by United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and China Airlines through Land Routes international scheduled flights that all land at Palau International Airport. The small aviation Roads sector in Palau relies primarily on tourism. There are approximately 30 flights per week Palau has approximately 85 km of highways into and out of Palau. Charter carriers include and approximately 36 km of unsealed roads. In Smile Airlines providing tourist charters from Palau, driving is on the right and the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph). A small road network also China. Domestic carriers are limited to small 214 tourist charter airlines Belau Air and Pacific exists on Peleliu and Angaur islands. Road conditions in Palau vary. Peleliu has

46 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Photo 5: Port of Malakal in Palau approximately 4 km of sealed road from the port to the main town; however, the remaining roads are unsealed. The main loop road is in excellent condition. Road resurfacing and repair, under the Compact Agreement, was completed in 2018 for the main loop road on Babeldoab. Peripheral roads, are also in good condition and regular maintenance and resurfacing with gravel continues to be undertaken on them. 215 Figure 12 shows Palau’s Road Network.216

Bridges There is a bride connecting Koror Island to Babeldaob Island. It is called the Koror- Babeldaob Bridge (KB Bridge) and referred to as the Palau-Japan Friendship Bridge because it was built with funding from Japan. It is the main artery connecting the country’s two main islands. The original KB Bridge was built in 1977. In September 1996, a horrible accident occurred, and the bridge collapsed, resulting in several fatalities. Besides being the primary means of transportation between the two islands, the bridge carried electrical and water lines from Babeldaob to Koror. The collapse severely disrupted the infrastructure of the city of Koror and affected their daily lives and their tourism industry. The government of Palau installed a floating bridge as a temporary replacement and asked Japan to help build a new bridge. Japan Figure 12: Palau’s Road Network provided grant aid for the construction, and the new bridge was completed in 2002. Photo 6 shows the bridge.217 Railways There are no railways in Palau.

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only college or university in the country is Palau Community College, a public college in the capital of Koror. It has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for the last 36 years.224 It had a total enrollment of 532 as of 2017.225

Disaster Risk Reduction in the Education Sector Palau’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), with the support of the European Union (EU), conducted a series of Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) Photo 6: Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge trainings starting in 2017. The trainings provide individuals at the community level with the skills and Waterways knowledge to assess their communities and develop disaster risk reduction measures to The states of Peleliu and Angaur have their enhance safety and resilience during disasters. own ferry boats for regular inter-island services. Trained skills include effectively identifying The islands of Hatohobi and Sonsorol in the types of disasters and corresponding early South-West are serviced every 3 months by their warning signs necessary for preparedness in the states, who charter a local dive vessel. Local community, as well as conducting a risk analysis private dive companies operate a large variety of their communities and identifying their of boats, from small 10-person skiffs to larger unique vulnerabilities to natural disasters. Palau’s dive vessels. Due to the large tourism industry CBDRR trainings were enabled through the EU in Palau being based around diving, there are a Project, “Building Safety and Resilience in the large number and variety of dive vessels available 226 218 Pacific.” for charter. The US Agency for International Development (USAID)/ Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance Schools (OFDA) is a significant funder of disaster risk reduction education and training in Palau. The education system in Palau is strongly USAID funding goes toward the Palau Red influenced by the U.S. system. Education is Cross Society (PRCS), which is supported by compulsory between the ages of 6 to 17, with IFRC, to enable preparedness and mitigation the languages of instruction being Palauan and activities. Such activities include partnering English.219 The public education system consists with local government agencies, businesses, of approximately 19 elementary schools220 and and communities to build awareness of disaster 221 response activities, and cultivating a trained one high school, not including several private 227 schools. Many public schools are deteriorating, volunteer base for emergency responses. lacking furniture and equipment.222 For the USAID funding also goes toward the 2018-2019 academic year, 1,721 students were International Organization for Migration (IOM), enrolled in public elementary schools, 434 in which is building disaster management capacity private elementary schools, 535 in the public in Palau through their Alii Climate Adaptation secondary school, and 362 in private secondary and Disaster Risk Education (Alii CADRE) schools.223 School funding comes from the U.S. program. The program focuses on improving Department of the Interior and from the U.S. school-based preparedness for disasters, which Office of Education, due to the Compact of Free include contingency planning for typhoons and Association between Palau and the U.S. The facilitating humanitarian assistance and logistics

48 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance training. IOM works in partnership with the Islands. SIM cards are available in Koror from Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, PNCC, with 3G and data options. Connection Department of Public Safety, National Weather via WiFi is available throughout Koror and the Service, National Emergency Management main islands of Palau, including from many hotel Office and Palau Red Cross in order to reinforce and restaurant premises.235 effective disaster risk reduction and management There are no restrictions on the import and between multiple disaster response agencies use of satellite phones, VHF and HF radio in the Republic of Palau. Alii CADRE has equipment. However, permission is needed to successfully supported the development and use VHF and HF systems and frequencies.236 testing of the School Emergency Management In 2017, Palau started commercially operating Planning (SEMP), and evacuation shelter an underwater cable spur connection to the management by assisting supply of emergency Southeast Asia - United States (SEA-US) trans- medical training.228 Pacific undersea fiber optic cable system,237 USAID also supports the UN World Health which passes just north of Palau and connects Organization (WHO) to work with the Ministry Indonesia, the Philippines, Guam, Hawai‘i and of Health in Palau (as well as in Kiribati, RMI, California.238 In 2016, Palau signed for the North FSM, and Tuvalu) to develop national Emergency Pacific Regional Connectivity Investment Project Medical Team (EMT) capacity, and to more loan with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). effectively receive and coordinate support from The funds were lent to the Belau Submarine international EMTs, when required. The program Cable Corporation (BSCC),239 a state-owned focuses on enabling Palau to rapidly deploy public corporation established in 2015 as the trained and equipped clinical and public health implementing agency to own and manage the teams in cases of local emergencies. Activities cable in order to bring broadband internet also support improved use and coordination services to Palau. The BSCC provides a link of incoming international EMTs in larger-scale between Ngeremlengui, Palau and Piti, Guam, events.229 for onward interconnection to global networks. In 2019, BSCC started soliciting contract bids for the Fiber Optic Extension Ngeremlengui - Communications Airai.240 Ngeremlengui State is located on the western side of Palau’s largest island, Babeldaob. The Palau Division of Communications Airai State, located on Babeldaob’s southern (PDoC) provides the regulatory framework for coast, hosts Palau’s main airport. the communication sector. The Palau National Communications Company (PNCC), a semi- government agency advantaged by various Utilities regulatory exemptions,230 is responsible for operating and regulating the main mobile Power network in Palau. Two other companies The Palau Public Utilities Corporation competing in the mobile telecommunication (PPUC) manages and operates the electrical market are Palau Telecoms and the Palau WiFi 231 power of Palau, as the sole energy and water Corporation. provider for the country.241 Electricity in Palau There were 7,204 fixed-telephone is diesel-generated by the state governments. subscriptions, or 40.78 subscriptions per The fuel is a supply priority, which is provided 100 inhabitants in 2015, which was the most by Blue Bay Petroleum in Koror and the outer recent year PNCC had provided data to the 232 islands, and by IT&E in Airai. The generated International Telecommunication Union. As of electricity is 110 volts, based on the U.S. the same year, there were 23,743 mobile-cellular system.242 Residential electricity rates start at telephone subscriptions, or 134.41 subscriptions 243 233 $0.20 per kilowatt. per 100 inhabitants. As of 2015, there were Palau achieved over 99% electrification in 1,224 fixed-broadband subscriptions, or 6.93 th 234 2016, and it had been in the high 90 percentile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. for many preceding years.244 Also in 2016, With mobile services significantly surpassing Palau signed the National Energy Act into law, landlines in market share, the three main facilitating the establishment of an Energy companies offer mobile coverage across the main Administration at the executive level to enforce islands, with both 2-3G cell services throughout better coordination and management of the Babeldoab, Peleliu, Angaur, and Kayangel

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energy sector. The need for such a facility had household wastewater is safely treated, per 2015 been identified in Palau’s 2010 National Energy data. An estimated US$5 million in water-and- Policy. The European Union Ambassador to Fiji sanitation-related official development assistance and the Pacific, H.E. Andrew Jacobs, praised the was disbursed to Palau in 2017, with the majority National Energy Act, saying, “Having a strong of the funding supporting basic drinking water and fully resourced energy administration will supply.255 mean better coordination between Palau and Palau has a low death rate of young children development partners in the energy sector which due to diarrheal illness, which can be a general will in turn help Palau towards achieving its indicator of the water and sanitation situation. energy policy goals, in particular with increasing Approximately 1% of deaths among children the penetration of renewable energy sources.”245 under five in Palau were due to diarrhea in Palau’s ambition for cleaner energy and lower 2016,256 which compares to a worldwide rate of energy consumption is linked to climate change. approximately 8% as of 2017.257 In 2014, Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Palau recently faced extreme water shortage Jr. stated, “Climate Change is a real-life threat issues due to drought affecting Koror, and to us and we, the Small Island Developing other areas. The least recorded rainfall in 65 States are on the front line. We must take action years was experienced and a state of emergency now to protect ourselves from the impacts of was declared March 2016. The drought was climate change.”246 In 2015, the government exacerbated by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation adopted the Palau Climate Change Policy for (ENSO), a recurring climate pattern involving Climate and Disaster Resilient Low Emissions fluctuating ocean temperatures, winds and Development, which aims to: 1) enhance rainfall. Water sources in Koror and Airai were adaptation and resilience, 2) manage disasters severely depleted, resulting in very limited and minimize disaster risk, and 3) mitigate access to safe drinking water. The United States global climate change by working towards low Agency for International Development (USAID) emission development.247 The policy built supported the International Organization for on existing commitments for at least 20% of Migration (IOM) in providing needed water electricity to come from renewable sources and supplies for Koror and Airai by engaging the to achieve a 30% reduction in electrical energy Hawai’i Rural Water Association (HRWA), which consumption by 2020.248 In February 2019, the assisted with assessments, recommendations, PPUC announced it signed an MOU with One setting up leak detection equipment, and training Energy Island Co. Ltd. to collaboratively develop local Palauans to drill for bore water, operate well zero fossil fuel energy systems and support pumps, and install chlorine injection systems.258 Korean enterprises in participating, starting Three-fourths of the population of Palau uses with a pilot project on the island of Peleliu.249 In water from the Ngerikiil River in Airai, which September 2019, Palau participated in the Fourth is treated by the Koror/Airai Water Treatment Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers’ Plant. Groundwater and rainfall are also water Meeting, and agreed on outcomes to reduce sources for the population. Most households the use of fossil fuels and increase renewable have some sort of rainwater catchment system, energy supply in the Pacific.250 In regards to ranging from simple plastic lined 55-gallon steel the Sustainable Development Goal pertaining barrels to imported aluminum 400 gallon tanks to energy, Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, to constructed cement tanks. Competing uses reliable, sustainable and modern energy for on the water supply comes from the tourism all,251 Palau is currently assessed as achieving the industry, which diverts hundreds of thousands affordable and clean energy goal.252 of gallons. Sources of pollution include sedimentation caused by poor erosion controls, Water and Sanitation poor land use practices, poorly maintained The PPUC manages and operates Palau’s septic tanks, leachate from nearby landfills, and water and wastewater systems, in addition to the saltwater intrusion. With more development electrical power.253 Palau provides basic water expected on the larger islands, managing other sources of pollution will continue to be a and basic sanitation services to more than 99% 259 of the population, which uses piped water that challenge. is accessible on premises.254 About 20% of the

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CHC in Ngarchelong, Eastern CHC in Melekeok, Western CHC in Ngaremlengui, and Southern Health CHC in Peleliu – are overseen by the Division of Primary and Preventive Health Services. As of Health Overview 2013 Palau was served by 26 physicians, and as of 2010 there were 120 nurses and midwives.263 As with many Pacific island countries and Although not economically practical to territories, Palau has undergone a shift in seeing decentralize inpatient care, building capacity for an increase in non-communicable diseases. inpatient management on other islands may be Diabetes, heart disease, obesity and kidney explored. With “health for all” as a development failure are posing increasing burdens. Cost priority, the government of Palau aims to staff evaluations are needed for off-island medical outlying dispensaries with sufficient numbers of referrals, hemodialysis and intensive care trained staff.264 Palau’s Ministry of Health (MoH) services.260 is comprised of the following bureaus, divisions While Palau is combating Dengue, and offices:265 Tuberculosis (TB), Measles, Leprosy and communicable diseases, the World Health Bureau of Hospital & Clinical Services Organization (WHO) has lauded Palau as having • Division of Ancillary Services very good communicable disease surveillance • Division of Medical Services systems among Pacific island countries. Palau was recognized as regularly reporting outbreaks Bureau of Public Health Services of infectious disease, with WHO noting that • Division of Primary & Preventive Services the Ministry of Health was able to detect and • Division of Oral Health Services control the outbreak of pandemic influenza A • Division of Environmental Health (H1N1) in 2009. Collaborative initiatives among • Division of Behavioral Health Services principal health officials, health specialists and • Office of Public Health Epidemiology multisectoral community leaders have been a • Office of Public Health Information Systems positive step forward in monitoring events and • Office of Health Promotion & Community communicable disease outbreaks.261 However, Advocacy Palau still grapples with infectious diseases, a • Office of Public Health Finance & challenge which has been exacerbated by the Administration effects of climate change. Palau’s Ministry of Health has set strategic Bureau of Nursing Services priories to: • Clinical Nursing • Provide accessible and high-quality patient- • Public Health Nursing centered hospital services; • Provide accessible and high-quality primary Hospital Administration & Support Services and preventive services; • Office of Human Resource Services • Develop and maintain effective partnerships; • Office of Budget & Finance Services • Create a supportive environment for health • Office of Health Information Systems staff; and Services • Ensure that administrative and support • Office of Facilities & Maintenance Services services are accountable and sustainable.262 Challenges in Health Health Care System Structure As with many Pacific Island countries and Health services are available at the Belau territories, Palau’s challenges in health care National Hospital, four community centers also relate to geographic location, resource and known as super dispensaries, and four additional capacity limitations, and vulnerability to climate satellite dispensaries. Belau National Hospital change. Palau and other Pacific Island countries is the country’s main health facility. The 80- and territories face a triple burden of disease: bed hospital has been upgrading its facilities 1) Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), 2) to mitigate vulnerability to disasters. The four Communicable diseases, and 3) Increased disease community health centers (CHCs) – Northern prevalence resulting from the effects of climate change.

52 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Prevalence of non-communicable diseases and limited funding from various United Nations (NCDs) is high, and is associated with the agencies. However, sustaining the health system’s four main modifiable risk factors (tobacco use, operations in the future will likely depend on the unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and the country’s economic development.268 harmful use of alcohol). Other challenges include Since 1969, U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force gender inequality, availability of a skilled labor small teams have continuously and rotationally force, weak health systems, rapid urbanization deployed to Palau as part of the Civic Action and vulnerability to climate change.266 Team (CAT) program. The CAT detachments arrive in country for six-month long tours and while there, partner with local organizations such Health Cooperation as schools, medical clinics, businesses and non- profit organizations for a variety of construction Palau’s Ministry of Health partners with and community relations projects providing various organizations in support of national engineering, medical, and community outreach health priorities. One of the most significant capabilities.269 external partners is the UN World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO works collaboratively with the Government of Palau Communicable Diseases to help the country pursue its national strategic priorities. Palau’s national health strategic Palau, along with many small island states priorities and corresponding focus areas for in the Pacific, is dealing with an increasing cooperation with the WHO are listed in Table challenge of infectious diseases. Significant 5.267 progress has been made against some diseases, A significant portion of health services such as leprosy and measles. Efforts against are supported by grant funds and technical tuberculosis are still needed, as the prevalence assistance from the U.S. due to the Compact of rate remains relatively high. In addition to this, Free Association, in addition to technical support the challenge from some emerging diseases

Strategic Priorities Main Focus Areas for WHO Cooperation STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: 1.1. Implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control through several key aspects of tobacco control including graphic health To provide accessible and quality warnings, tackling tobacco industry interference, reducing second-hand people-centered preventive, primary smoke and promoting cessation. and hospital services for non- communicable diseases (NCDs) as a 1.2. Establish partnerships between community and primary health care priority services for community-based rehabilitation. 1.3. Work on alcohol harm reduction through restrictions or bans on advertising, marketing and promotions. 1.4. Endorse further “sin taxes” on unhealthy food based on experiences in the tobacco and alcohol areas. 1.5. Conduct NCD surveillance activities. 1.6. Draft traffic accident prevention regulation by 2018. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: 2.1. Increase the number of sponsored course students through Pacific Open Learning Health Network each year and strengthening continuing To effectively manage and support the professional development. health workforce through the existing fellowship and internship programs 2.2. Develop an internship program and conducting a midterm evaluation by for new graduates overseas 2022. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: 3.1. Profile the health situation of individuals and communities, linking people’s health needs to the health system. To strengthen the role of communities as partners in health 3.2. Develop capacities of communities on health planning to ensure health needs and challenges are reflected in national policies strategies and plans. Table 5: Palau-WHO Country Cooperation Strategic Agenda (2018–2022)

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 53 HEALTH

are being exacerbated by the effects of climate likely to have been infected in Palau.”274 While change. This is particularly seen with mosquito- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention borne diseases, such as dengue, of which Palau (CDC) added Palau to interim travel guidance has experienced large outbreaks of in recent related to Zika virus,275 the CDC removed the years. alert level for Palau by November 2017.276 Dengue is also endemic in Palau and the Tuberculosis (TB) is endemic in Palau.277 In risk is present year-round.270 A major outbreak 2018 there were 17 recorded cases of TB, and occurred 2016 – 2017271 and there were 324 cases in 2017 there were 20 recorded cases. These reported from 1 December 2018 to 7 July 2019. numbers of cases yield high incident or case The Palau Ministry of Health alerted the public of rates given Palau’s small population, which the an outbreak of dengue fever following laboratory CDC estimated conservatively for 2017-2018. confirmation of dengue serotype-3 cases. As In 2018, Palau’s TB case rate was 94.4 (per a result, the Ministry of Health activated its 100,000 population),278 and in 2017 the case emergency response team to raise awareness in rate was 111.1. The case rate is calculated as the the community of the outbreak and prevention number of cases notified divided by the number measures, conducting disease surveillance and of cases estimated for that year, expressed as a reporting, strengthening environmental control percentage.279 measures, and ensuring adequate resources are Reported incidence of HIV/AIDS is low, but available to combat the outbreak. Koror and it is difficult to determine the precise status of nearby states (Airai and Aimeliik) were most HIV in Palau as inadequate information has affected by the dengue outbreak. The largest been documented for many key indicators. Since demographic affected were youth less than 19 testing began in 1989, there were 10 reported years of age. Figure 13 shows the demographics cases through 2012, all of whom were ethnically of the 2018-2019 Dengue outbreak. 272 Palauan from Koror state.280 Data from 2016 Palau has had at least one confirmed case indicated five people were reportedly living with of previous Zika virus transmission, another HIV in Palau.281 Sex workers are an identified mosquito-borne disease. The initial case of vulnerable group for HIV risk, but there is Zika virus infection in Palau was confirmed in inadequate data on sex work conditions in Palau. November 2016.273 Palau’s Ministry of Health Leprosy is present in Palau, but both the issued a public health alert confirming the Zika overall prevalence rate and new case detection infection and noting the case “had no recent rate have been slowly declining over the past travel history to any Zika-affected areas and is several decades, as illustrated by the two Demographics Dengue Cases by Gender and Age Group Age range = 0 – 88 years 100 Mean age = 29 years 90 Male Female Median age = 24 years 80 Male:Female ratio= 125:100 70 The majority of cases during 60 this outbreak have been 50 Palauan. 40 # of Cases 30 20 10 0 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ Age Group

Figure 13: Demographics of 2018-2019 Dengue Outbreak in Palau

54 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance remains on measles watch.” The Office of the President has amplified the health ministry’s urging of residents to ensure they have received both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Palau’s MMR vaccine coverage for young children aged 19-35 months is at 96%, and for most adults aged 20 years and older is at 83% coverage.288

Non-Communicable Diseases In Palau, as in other Pacific Island countries and territories, non- communicable diseases (NCDs) are leading causes of death and disability, and is associated with the four main modifiable risk factors, which include tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol.289 As the chart for age-adjusted cause- specific mortality in Figure 15 shows, NCDs have a significant detrimental impact on health in Palau, particularly cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).290 More than half of the population is at risk for NCDs, with high prevalence of raised blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, based Figure 14: Leprosy Prevalence Rate and New Case Detection on a survey conducted 2011-2013. High Rate in Palau blood pressure is more prevalent in men graphs in Figure 14. From a high of a reported than women, with 50% of men, 36% of prevalence rate of 10.3 (cases per 10,000 women, and 44% of adults overall having raised population) in 1991, the leprosy prevalence rate blood pressure. Regarding weight, 31% of the dropped to 3.1 in 2000, 2.9 in 2010, and 0.6 in population were found to be overweight, and 2018.282 46% obese. Among adults 25-64 years of age, There is no reported previous local 20% had raised blood glucose levels or were on transmission of chikungunya virus in Palau, as medication for diabetes, and 26% had above of September 2019.283 There is no malaria risk in the recommended level of cholesterol and were Palau, as of December 2019.284 Mosquitoes are taking cholesterol medication, with rates for both vectors for both malaria and chikungunya. blood glucose and cholesterol increasing with Palau has no reported cases of measles. The age. Regarding behavioral risk factors, betel nut last major measles outbreak in Palau occurred chewing was among the most common, as 61% in 1993 when immunization coverage dipped reported daily use. The prevalence of smokers below 40%, with over 90 cases reported that was 17%, with it occurring significantly higher year. Less than ten cases were reported in 1989, in men (24%) than women (8%). Overall, 37% 1998, and 2003 combined.285 Although Palau were alcohol users, with a higher prevalence in has maintained a measles-free record in recent men (44%) than women (17%), and a higher years,286 due to the large outbreak in the Pacific prevalence (46%) among younger people aged affecting Samoa, Tonga, , and 25-34 years old.291 An estimated 45% of adults Fiji,287 the Ministry of Health issued a press over 18 years of age report physical inactivity per release on 6 December 2019 stating that “Palau 2016 data, with prevalence of inactivity higher in

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 55 HEALTH

Figure 15: Age-Adjusted Cause-Specific Mortality in Palau

women (57%) than men (33%).292 community. A former residency program Palau has laid out its NCD Strategic Plan of accomplished its purpose of training dozens Action, 2015-2020, in order to meet the global of medical officers serving in the Pacific, but goal of a 25% reduction in NCD deaths by 2025. public health training courses remain open to The NCD strategic plan identifies five areas of other providers across the region and have been action: 1) Tobacco control, 2) Reducing harmful adapted for distance education.297 use of alcohol, 3) Improving nutrition, 4) Various healthcare human resource programs Physical activity, and 5) Reducing the prevalence and initiatives serve the Pacific region. The of NCDs.293 Pacific Human Resources for Health Alliance The Palau NCD-Free Club was established in (PHRHA) is the regional body dedicated to September 2016 as a non-profit organization. It identifying and implementing strategic measures is dedicated to promoting exercise, nutrition, and to strengthen human resources for health abstaining from alcohol and smoking in order capacities in the Pacific, bringing together to prevent and reduce NCDs. The organization national governments, international agencies educates the public and promotes public policies and other stakeholders in the health sector.298 that foster healthy lifestyles.294 The College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences of the Fiji National University (FNU) (formerly known as the Fiji School of Medicine) Training for Health Professionals is dedicated to training and education of health professionals, particularly for the South Pacific Palau has 72.8 skilled health workers per region. 299 The Pacific Open Learning Health Net 10,000 population as of 2010 data, with skilled (POLHN) is a joint project providing training health workers defined as physicians, nurses and and continuing education via open and self- midwives.295 Palau has a remarkable rate of 100% 296 directed learning modalities. POLHN offers a skilled birth attendance from 1996-2010. number of resources that are available remotely, The Palau Area Health Education Center which is an important factor for small island (AHEC), of Palau Community College has states spread over vast areas in the Pacific.300 been an important resource for training health professionals, focused on a community health center system of nine sites throughout the

56 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance PALAU Women, Peace and Security

Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 WOMEN, PEACE, AND SECURITY

Women, Peace and Security Palau is traditionally a matrilineal society, The annual Mechesil Belau Conference, or Palau particularly in relation to inheritance of land Women’s Conference, is a gathering of women and titles. However, gender equality continues from across the country every year that was to be a significant social, economic, and political started in the mid-1990s. Conference organizers issue. are legally granted equal regularly invite government ministers and leaders opportunity with men under the constitution, are to appear and hear the women’s suggestions. able to vote, and can participate as candidates in President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. signed a government elections. Although there were no proclamation on 14 September 2018 to honor women in parliament prior to 2008, they have the Mechesil Belau’s contributions regarding since become increasingly involved in national education, traditions, culture, and heritage, level politics. In 2016, 13 female candidates from while marking the group’s 25th anniversary the total of 64 candidates stood in the national celebration.305 According to Kambes Kesolei, legislative elections. Following the elections, four the editor of Palau’s Tia Belau newspaper, the women were elected as members of parliament annual women’s conference is credited with including two in the Senate and two in the House initiating various successful laws including the of Delegates.301 Family Protection Act against domestic violence, Approximately 25% of women in Palau moratorium on turtle hunting, and universal have experienced physical or sexual violence healthcare fund.306 Gabriela Ngirmang, the late by a partner in their lifetime.302 The Family leader of another women’s group, Otil A Beluad Protection Act against domestic violence was (the Anchor of the Land), was instrumental passed in 2012 and includes provisions for in Palau adopting the world’s first nuclear-free stakeholder coordination, establishment of constitution, after seeing the consequences of referral networks and education to strive for U.S. nuclear testing in the RMI. In 1979, 92% of violence free communities. Through the support Palauan people voted for the constitution, which of Pacific Women, Palau participants attended included, but later changed a clause requiring the Regional Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Training 75% of voters to agree before nuclear weapons Program, which included support for male could be brought into Palau.307 advocacy toward ending . Palau signed the Convention of the Pacific Women is also financially supporting Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination the government of Palau by funding a national against Women (CEDAW) on 20 September Gender Analyst position based in the Ministry 2011, but it has not fully ratified it to become a of Culture and Community Affairs to aid state party as have 189 other countries.308 Palau development and implementation of a gender has not yet developed a National Action Plan for mainstreaming policy.303 Pacific Women started implementing United Nations Security Council at the 2012 meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace (PIF) Leaders. The program commits up to and Security (WPS). Passed in 2000, UNSCR $320 million over 10 years in 14 PIF countries, 1325 was the first resolution where the Security and aims to support all women to participate Council addressed the disproportionate effect fully, freely and safely in political, economic and of conflict on women and girls, and emphasized social life. Pacific Women supports countries to the importance of women’s participation in meet the commitments they made in the 2012 conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and relief and Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration recovery. As of November 2019, 83 out of 193 (PLGED). UN member states had adopted National Action Recommendations by the Mechesil Belau, Plans.309 There is no data for Palau in the 2017 or the association of women’s chiefs, are said to be 2018 Global Gender Gap Report, which covers given high consideration in legislative matters.304 149 countries.310

58 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance PALAU Conclusion

Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 CONCLUSION

Conclusion Pacific Island nations are among the most ensure that departments, sectors, agencies and vulnerable in the world due to severe weather communities are aware of potential hazards and natural disasters, strong dependence on and prepared to effectively respond.319 In 2016, natural resources and limitations in economic Palau amended their National Disaster Risk diversity. With approximately 55% of the Pacific’s Management Framework320 which provides population living less than 1km from the sea, the for the strengthening of national disaster risk importance of protecting not only the land and management structures and mechanisms to surrounding bodies of water, but also the people support improved disaster and emergency drives efforts to secure a healthy and prosperous preparedness, response and recovery, and future. Additionally, with the impact of climate integration of disaster risk considerations into change already affecting the availability of food, the national development planning and budget.321 water, and the productivity of ecosystems and In order to minimize the impact of disasters breeding groups, reefs and fisheries, 311 Palau’s on vulnerable individuals and communities and conservation efforts are leading the way. ensure an effective emergency response, the Palau has a long history of acting to secure Government of Palau works the national Weather the protection of its environment and continues Service to provide reliable and effective warning the tradition of conservation via historical and alerting system in place.322 Additionally, activism and legal protections of its lands. 312 USAID/OFDA is a significant funder of disaster Palau has taken proactive conservation measures risk reduction education and training in Palau. to protect coastal and marine resources, USAID funding goes toward the Palau Red including implementing permit fees and visitor Cross Society (PRCS), which is supported by conservation agreements and time limits for IFRC, to enable preparedness and mitigation frequented areas, placing a moratorium on activities. Such activities include partnering mangrove clearing to protect coastal habitat, and with local government agencies, businesses, developing marine protected areas to preserve and communities to build awareness of disaster fisheries habitat and resources.313 Additionally, response activities, and cultivating a trained Palau is the first country in the world to ban sun volunteer base for emergency responses.323 cream that is harmful to corals and sea life.314 Economically, the country is very healthy.324 The country also deal with major However, termination of the Compact Review environmental issues and threats related to Agreement (CRA) expiring at the end of FY2024 climate change. Palau’s participation in climate is expected to significantly impact Palau’s assessments and developed adaptation strategies economy in spite of continued post-funding have also drastically increased in recent years.315 provided from distributions. There is ongoing Additionally, while the islands of Palau are uncertainty over the continuation of the many fairly protected by its extensive coral reefs,316 the federal programs and services the country country is still susceptible to natural hazards currently benefits from that are provided through such as typhoons and droughts that threaten lives annual Congressional appropriations. 325 and livelihood.317 Since 1945, Palau has had 68 As with many Pacific island countries and recorded typhoons, tropical storms or tropical territories, Palau has undergone a shift in seeing depressions come within 200 nautical miles an increase in non-communicable diseases.326 (nmi) of its islands or reefs.318 The country grapples with infectious diseases, The National Emergency Management Office a challenge which has been exacerbated by the (NEMO) is responsible for the coordination effects of climate change. Significant progress and implementation of preparedness, response has been made against leprosy and measles. But, and the immediate relief arrangements, and tuberculosis and dengue are still a challenge to working closely with all stakeholders to care providers in Palau. 327

60 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance PALAU Appendices

Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 APPENDICES

Exercise Pacific Wave (PacWave), September- November 2018 Appendices Palau regularly participates in this annual Pacific tsunami drill involving dozens of Recent DoD Engagements in Palau countries throughout the Pacific Ocean and Pacific Rim. Recently, in September-November Commemoration of 75th Anniversary of the 2018, Palau was one of 40 participating Battle of Peleliu & U.S. military Civic Action countries in the mock tsunami scenario Teams: October 2019 exercise, involving the U.S.’ Pacific Tsunami The 75th anniversary of Battle of Peleliu was Warning Center in Hawaii, Japan’s Northwest a significant commemoration for Palau and Pacific Tsunami Advisory Center, and China’s the U.S., as the battle was one of the bloodiest South China Sea Tsunami Advisory Center. military conflicts of the Pacific during World War UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic II. Commission sponsors this exercise through its Also commemorated in 2019 was the 50th Intergovernmental Coordination Group of the anniversary of the partnership of the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System military’s Civil Action Team with Palau. (ICG/PTWS).333 Currently deployed from the 84th Engineer Battalion in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, CAT 84- Koa Moana: November 2018 06 regularly conducts civic action engagements A multilateral training exercise aimed at in Palau, including WWII monument repair, improving security cooperation engagements school and other construction projects.328The between the U.S. and partner nations in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy’s Civic Action teams Indo-Pacific and South Pacific regions, Koa also periodically deploy to Palau, providing Moana (“ocean warrior” in Hawaiian) engaged construction, medical assistance, community Palau in November 2018. Officers across Palau’s relation activities and subject matter expert Ministry of Justice, including customs officials, exchanges.329 participated in trainings regarding firearms, defensive tactics, crime scene and evidence Exercise Palau: April 2019 collection, and other areas.334 Exercise Palau uses civic action and training to demonstrate that the U.S. is committed to the Operation Christmas Drop: December 2018 long-term security of Palau in accordance with Personnel from Andersen Air Force Base, the Compact of Free Association. The exercise Guam and Yokota Air Base, Japan, participated from 13-19 April 2019 marked the largest U.S. in Operation Christmas Drop. This included Army presence on Palau in three decades, donations of toys, clothing, fishing equipment, and was part of Pacific Pathways.330 Activities sporting goods, food items, tools and other included community and animal health outreach materials to support residents of Chuuk, Palau, services at several sites including Koror, Peleliu Yap, Marshall Islands, and commonwealth of the and Angaur; security cooperation operations Mariana Islands.This event is held annually. with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Operation Christmas Drop is the Department 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian Division; and repair and widening of a local road airlift operation. The tradition began during leading to a training site for the Palauan Security the Christmas season in 1952 when a B-29 Force’s future use.331 Superfortress aircrew saw islanders waving at them from the island of Kapingamarangi, COPE North 2019: February-March 2019 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. In the spirit The U.S., Japan and participated in of Christmas the aircrew dropped a bundle of COPE North 2019 (CN19) at Andersen Air Force supplies attached to a parachute to the islanders Base, Guam, Feb. 18 - Mar. 8, 2019. The exercise below, giving the operation its name. Today, air was a week-long HADR training event designed drop operations include more than 50 islands to increase readiness among the allied nations. throughout the Pacific. The exercise’s focus on HADR provided critical Operation Christmas Drop is a PACAF event training to U.S. and allied forces that has a direct which includes a partnership between the 374th impact on the militaries’ ability to support the Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan; the 36th region, including FSM and Palau.332 Wing, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; 734th

62 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Air Mobility Squadron, Andersen AFB of the Center and health clinics in Ngaremlengui, 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing, Joint Base Melekeok, Ngerchelong and Peleliu. They Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; the University provided health screenings to nearly 900 patients, of Guam; and the ‘Operation Christmas Drop’ dental care to more than 200 patients and private organization which leads the fundraising optometry support to more than 350 patients. and donations for the operation. Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 worked Utilizing the Denton Program, which allows alongside the community at George B. Harris private U.S. citizens and organizations to use Elementary School to re-painting buildings to space available on U.S. military cargo planes to reflect heat, expand a walkway, and construct transport humanitarian goods to countries in overhead canopies along the school’s most need, the C-130J Super Hercules crews airdrop heavily-trafficked walkways.337 food, supplies, educational materials, and toys A previous Pacific Partnership mission to islanders throughout the Commonwealth also engaged Palau in August 2016. Medical of the Northern Marianas, Federated States of engagements included both dental and medical Micronesia, and Republic of Palau. exchanges including examinations, minor Each year, the Christmas drops serve as a direct care and pharmaceutical support of proving ground for the techniques used and several hundred patients. Engineering projects shared with regional partners in preparation for conducted renovation and repairs at Belau response to natural disasters all too common National Hospital, and Koror across this region. The event provides readiness Elementary School, including painting and training to participating aircrew, allowing them facility reconstruction. Sporting events, cultural to gain experience in conducting airdrops while exchanges, and volunteer opportunities engaged providing critical supplies to 56 Micronesian hundreds of Palau citizens.338 islands impacting about 20,000 people.335 Oceania Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Pacific Partnership: March 2018, August 2016 Exercise and Exchange (PR DREE): August 2016 Led by the U.S. Navy, Pacific Partnership is The DREE, is a civil-military disaster the largest annual multilateral humanitarian preparedness and response initiative featuring assistance and disaster relief preparedness table-top and field training exercises focused mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, on national readiness to all hazard situations in aiming to improve interoperability among the Oceania region and provides a framework partner nations. for civil and military authorities to present best More than 800 military personnel aboard practices, engage in collaborative dialogue, the USS Brunswick and the hospital ship USNS exercise plans and procedures, and enhance Mercy, along with host nation civilians and response readiness. nongovernment organization participants during The 2016 Oceania PR DREE was a civil- Pacific Partnership’s 2018 mission in Indonesia, military disaster preparedness and response Malaysia, Palau, Sri Lanka, Thailand, initiative between the Governments of FSM, and Micronesia. The USS Brunswick is specially Vanuatu, Australia, , Papua New configured for HADR operations and is currently Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, New capable of accommodating a robust multi- Caledonia, , RMI, Kiribati, , specialized team of medical, engineering and Palau, Samoa, and the U.S. civic assistance personnel to support the Pacific This exercise is part of a continued annual Partnership mission.336 engagement with these country partners. The In Palau in March 2018, a maritime search Oceania PR DREE is anchored on HADR and rescue exercise was conducted during a operations and it practices how militaries humanitarian assistance and disaster relief event support civilian authorities during disaster with the Palau Department of Maritime Law situations, the reception and dissemination of Enforcement, Palau Maritime Rangers, U.S. Navy, foreign humanitarian assistance and the strategic U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, and multinational communication required to execute emergency personnel. A medical team of audiologists, management plans.339 veterinarians, primary care physicians, medical technicians, dentists, dental technicians 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit: 2012-2016 and nurses conducted community health The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) engagements at the Ngarachamayong Cultural conducted certified exercises in Palau and Guam

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 63 APPENDICES

to evaluate the efficiency of the team on mission remained a steadfast ally of Taiwan, despite the unit may be tasked to execute as the Marine the Chinese government in November 2017 Corps Crisis Response Force for the Asia Pacific ordering tour operators to stop selling package Region. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is tours to Palau else face fines. China uses such scheduled to participate in certification exercises bans as “part of a larger toolkit for compelling on the islands of Guam, Tinian and Palau from behavior,” according to a Stratfor analyst. The Aug. 10-19.340 China ban was preceded by a boom in tourism, with Chinese tourists in Palau increasing exponentially from 634 arrivals (1% of visitors) International/Foreign Relations in 2008 to more than 91,000 arrivals (54% of visitors) in 2015.349 After the ban, Chinese tourist Following World War II, Palau was part of arrivals fell to 50,000 by 2018. However, the the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific, China ban coincided with Palau considering along with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, the the environmental impact of excessive tourism, Marianas, and the Carolines, and administered 341 resulting in the Palau Pledge campaign. It was by the U.S. from 1947 to 1986. In 1978 Palau the first in the world to ask visitors to sign a began the process of independence, gaining it 342 declaration in their passports to protect the on 1 October 1994. Palau joined the United environment and culture, gaining positive press Nations on 15 December 1994. coverage and winning numerous international Upon being recognized as an independent marketing and public relations awards.350 state, Palau and the U.S. agreed upon a Compact As with many Pacific island states, Palau of Free Association (COFA). Under the COFA is on the front line in fighting against illegal, the U.S. is responsible for Palau’s defense through unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, 2044, though Palau is a sovereign nation and which devastates fisheries, destabilizes marine conducts its own foreign relations. The U.S. resources, and threatens livelihoods. Enforcing military is granted access to Palau, but it has 343 fishing rules in its territorial waters is challenging not stationed any military forces there. The given the resources needed to patrol vast ocean U.S. and Palau signed the Compact Review areas. Australia, the U.S., and Japan assist Palau Agreement in 2010, allowing a wide range of 344 in dealing with IUU fishing. Palau’s only patrol federal programs to continue until 2024. boat was provided by Australia through its In 2009, Palau agreed to accept up to 17 ethnic Pacific Patrol Boat Program,351 with the U.S Uyghurs (minority Turkish ethnic group) from assisting with operating costs. Palau is exploring China’s Xinjiang region who had previously been satellite and drone options for maritime held by the U.S. military at Guantanamo Bay, monitoring and surveillance by seeking public with six of the men agreeing to be transferred and private partnerships.352 to Palau.345 The year 2019 saw commemorative th Palau is also active in Pacific regional activity by the U.S. of the 75 anniversary of organizations. It became a member of the Pacific the Battle of Peleliu, which was fought from Community in 1983, which is the principal September to November 1944 between the scientific and technical organization in the U.S. and Japan, during the Mariana and Palau Pacific region.353 Palau also joined the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Palau has a high Islands Forum (PIF) in 1995.354 Recently, PIF coincidence of votes with the U.S. in the United 346 significantly adopted the Boe Declaration in Nations General Assembly. 2018,355 which expands the concept of security Palau is one of only 15 countries in the world to include human security in order to deal with that diplomatically recognizes Taiwan instead of the threats facing the Pacific, including from China. With China increasing pressure in recent climate change.356 Palau will host the 7th “Our years on Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies, Ocean Conference” from 17-18 August 2020, the Pacific region saw the Solomon Islands and which will focus on actions and results of prior Kiribati sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan to 347 commitments to protect the oceans, organized establish them with China in September 2019. around six areas of action: climate change, This leaves Palau as one of four countries in the marine pollution, marine protected areas, Pacific that recognize Taiwan, along with the 348 sustainable fisheries, sustainable blue economy, Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu. Palau and maritime security.357

64 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance to rough. If driving, it is advisable to carry spare Force Protection/Pre-Deployment tires, fuel, tools, flares and flashlights. Information Cyclones: The official cyclone season is November through April. The Fiji Meteorological The following information is provided for Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning pre-deployment planning and preparations. Center in Nadi, serving the Southwest Pacific Visit www.travel.state.gov prior to deployments Region. for further up-to-date information. Embassy Curfew: Koror State, where most tourist requirements to enter Palau are listed in the facilities are located, may enforce a curfew Foreign Clearance Guide at www.fcg.pentagon. between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., Monday mil through Thursday, and between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., Friday to Sunday, and on national holidays. Passport/Visa LGBTI & Disabled: There are no legal Travelers to Palau will need a U.S. Passport restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the valid for at least six months from the time of organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender entry, containing at least one blank page per and intersex (LGBTI) events in Palau. Palau’s stamp. A tourist visa is not required for U.S. constitution defines marriage as between a man citizens visiting for one year or less. and a woman. Palau’s overall accessibility for the If visiting from an area affected by cholera or disabled is very limited. While many buildings yellow fever, then vaccines are required for those have ramps to facilitate persons with disabilities, diseases. others do not. There is no public transportation Every international airline is required to equipped to transport persons on wheelchairs, include a $100 environmental fee in the price of and sidewalks around Palau are limited. the ticket into Palau sold on or after 1 January Firearms: Firearms of any kind are strictly 2018, as part of the small island nation’s effort prohibited in Palau. The penalty for possession to promote high value tourism and first-rate of a firearm or ammunition is up to 15 years tourism hospitality. Diplomats and transit imprisonment. Palau customs authorities may passengers are exempt from the $100 Palau enforce strict regulations concerning temporary Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) and can be importation into or export from Palau of certain given a cash refund upon arrival or departure. other items. Contact the Embassy of Palau in Washington, D.C., for specific information Safety and Security regarding customs requirements. Crime: The crime rate in Palau is relatively low, but risks for visitors can include petty and Emergency Contact Information sometimes violent crime. It is recommended that Victims of assault should contact the local you stay alert for personal safety and to protect police at 911 or the hospital emergency room at valuables. 488-2558. UXO: Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from U.S. citizen victims of assault, after contacting World War II remains a problem in Palau. local police, should also contact the U.S. Although the majority of the land-based UXO is Embassy: found on the island of Peleliu, UXO can be found U.S. Embassy in Koror, Palau almost on any island in Palau. Underwater UXO In Airai State, in an area known as Omsangel (no may also present a threat. Tourists are advised to street address) heed all warnings on areas that might be affected. P.O. Box 6028, Koror, Palau 96940 Road Conditions: Drunken drivers are a Telephone: +680-587-2920/2990 late-night hazard in Palau, especially on pay Emergency after-hours telephone: +680-775- day weeks. Many roads in Koror, where the 6150 vast majority of the population lives, are in fair Fax: +680-587-2911 condition but have no sidewalks and little or no Email: [email protected] shoulder on the side of the road. The roadway known as the “Compact Road” that loops around Local authorities are responsible for the large island of Babeldaob is in fairly good investigating and prosecuting crimes. condition. Secondary roads connecting villages to the Compact Road vary in quality from good

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Currency Information For protection against ticks and mosquitoes: The unit of currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). Use a repellent that contains 20 percent or If entering or exiting the country with more more DEET for protection that lasts up to several than 10,000 USD, the amount must be declared. hours.

For protection against mosquitoes only: Products with one of the following active Travel Health Information ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. The CDC provides the following Higher percentages of active ingredient provide recommendations for travel to Palau. The longer protection. information in Table 6 is taken directly from the • DEET CDC website.358 • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin) OUTBREAK ALERT: There is a dengue • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para- outbreak in Palau, as of the time this book went menthane-diol (PMD) to print (January 2020). Travelers should prevent • IR3535 mosquito bites – information on which can be • 2-undecanone found at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/ If you are bitten by bugs: avoid-bug-bites • Avoid scratching bug bites and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases reduce the itching. The following diseases are possible risks with • Check your entire body for ticks after traveling to Palau: outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks • Dengue – Dengue is a risk in many parts of properly. Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of Eat and Drink Safely the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Food and water standards in Palau are similar Islands can protect themselves by preventing to those in the United States. Most travelers mosquito bites. Palau is among the countries do not need to take special food or water listed that are reporting higher-than-usual precautions beyond what they normally do at numbers of dengue cases, and travelers home. However, travelers visiting rural or remote visiting Palau may be at increased risk. areas that are served by unregulated water sources such as private wells should take special Prevent Bug Bites precautions to ensure the safety of their drinking Insects (such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) water. can spread a number of diseases in Palau. Many Unclean food and water can cause travelers’ of these diseases cannot be prevented with a diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits. taking steps to prevent bug bites. Take Medicine To prevent bug bites: Talk with your doctor about taking • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you shirts, long pants, and hats. on your trip in case you get sick. • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below). Always use insect repellent as Safety and Security directed. As a first step in planning any trip abroad, • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear check the Travel Advisories for your intended (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do destination. not use permethrin directly on skin. Note that conditions can change rapidly in a • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened country at any time. To receive updated Travel rooms. Advisories and Alerts for the countries you • Use a bed net if the area where you are choose, sign up at step.state.gov. sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

66 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Routine Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines (for all vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, travelers) varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot. When traveling to Palau, travelers should ensure updateto date MMR vaccine before travel as follows: • Infants (6 through 11 months old): 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as the first dose in the routine childhood vaccination series. Measles (all • People 12 months old or older, with no evidence of immunityor no written travelers) documentation of any doses: 2 doses of MMR vaccine before travel. The 2 doses must be given 28 days apart. • People 12 months old or older who have written documentation of 1 dose and no other evidence of immunity: 1 additional dose before travel, at least 28 days after the previous dose. Hepatitis A (for CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through most travelers) contaminated food or water in Palau, regardless of where you are eating or staying. You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Palau. CDC Typhoid (for recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying most travelers) with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. Hepatitis B (for You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood some travelers) products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a or piercing, or have any medical procedures. Table 6: CDC Travel Health Information (Palau)

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Sendai Framework The Sendai Framework is the global blueprint and fifteen-year plan to build the world’s resilience to natural disasters.359 The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 outlines seven clear targets and four priorities for action to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks:

The Seven Global Targets include: • Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower average per 100,000 global mortality rates in the decade 2020-2030 compared to the period 2005-2015. • Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, aiming to lower average global figure per 100,000 in the decade 2020 -2030 compared to the period 2005-2015. • Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. • Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, among them health and educational facilities, including through developing their resilience by 2030. • Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020. • Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation of this Framework by 2030. • Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to the people by 2030.360

The Four Priorities of Action include: • Understanding disaster risk; • Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk; • Investing in disaster reduction for resilience; and • Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Sendai Framework aims to achieve the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries over the next 15 years. It was adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan in 2015.361 The Sendai Framework is the successor instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters.362 In 2018, Palau was among 10 Pacific states to launch the Sendai Framework Monitor, a new online tool for measuring disaster losses. In March 2018, the Sendai Framework Monitor training in was attended by senior disaster managers and statistics officers from Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, FSM, Palau, /RMI, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. These countries all have a high level of disaster risk associated with climate change, including sea level rise and the growing intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods, heatwaves and drought.363 Figure 16 shows the Sendai DRR Framework.364

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Decision-making to be Decision-making and risk-informed inclusive while using a multi-hazard approach Substantially increase the increase Substantially to and access of availability warning early multi-hazard risk and disaster systems and assessments information 2030 to people by

Priority 4 Priority Support from developed developed from Support to and partners countries to be countries developing to needs according tailored by and priorities as identified them response, and to «Build Back Better» in Back to «Build and response, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction rehabilitation recovery, Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective effective for preparedness Enhancing disaster Experience indicates that disaster preparedness preparedness disaster that indicates Experience effective more for to be strengthened needs in place capacities are and ensure response also have Disasters recovery. effective for rehabilitation the recovery, that demonstrated to be which needs phase, and reconstruction is an opportunity the disaster, ahead of prepared integrating through Better» Back to «Build and Women measures. reduction risk disaster lead with disabilities should publicly persons and universally gender-equitable and promote and the response during approaches accessible phases reconstruction Empowerment of local of Empowerment authorities and communities resources, through and decision- incentives as making responsibilities appropriate Substantially enhance enhance Substantially cooperation international countries to developing and adequate through to sustainable support national their complement of implementation for actions 2030 by framework this

The quality of global of The quality partnership and international to be effective, cooperation meaningful and strong Priority 3 Priority for resilience for Substantially increase the increase Substantially with countries of number and local disaster national by strategies reduction risk 2020 all State of engagement Full an executive institutions of at nature and legislative and local levels national Investing in disaster risk reduction reduction risk in disaster Investing Public and private investment in disaster risk risk in disaster investment and private Public structural through and reduction prevention to essential are measures and non-structural social, health and cultural the economic, enhance countries persons, communities, of resilience the environment. as well assets, as their and and growth innovation, of These can be drivers cost-effective are measures Such job creation. and prevent lives, to save and instrumental and recovery effective losses and ensure reduce rehabilitation «Build Back Better» for for Better» Back «Build the creation preventing existing, and reducing of, risk disaster Goal Targets Guiding Principles Priorities for Action for Priorities Engagement from all of all of from Engagement society Expected outcome Scope and purpose Scope Substantially reduce reduce Substantially to critical damage disaster and disruption infrastructure among basic services, of them health and educational through including facilities, by resilience their developing 2030 2015-2030 Priority 2 Priority Addressing underlying risk underlying risk Addressing cost-effectively factors versus investment through on post- primarly relying and response disaster recovery response and recovery, and thus strengthen resilience thus strengthen and and recovery, response to manage disaster risk disaster to manage development at all levels as well as within and across all sectors within and across as well as all levels at development Strengthening disaster risk governance risk disaster Strengthening Reduce direct disaster disaster direct Reduce loss in relation economic domestic to global gross 2030 by (GDP) product persons and of Protection while promoting assets their all human and protecting to the right including rights development Disaster risk governance at the national, regional regional the national, at governance risk Disaster of the management to vital is and global levels in all sectors and ensuring reduction risk disaster frameworks and local national of the coherence that, and public policies regulations laws, of responsibilities, guide, roles and defining by the public and private and incentivize encourage risk disaster action and address take to sectors Accounting of local and of Accounting specific characteristics when risks disaster of to determining measures risk reduce social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries persons, businesses, communities assets of and environmental social, cultural and biological hazards and risks. It aims to guide the multi-hazard management of disaster risk in risk disaster of management the multi-hazard to guide aims and risks. It and biological hazards The present framework will apply to the risk of small-scale and large-scale, frequent and infrequent, sudden and sudden infrequent, and frequent large-scale, and small-scale of risk the to apply will framework present The slow-onset disasters, caused by natural or manmade hazards as well as related technological environmental, The substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, physical, economic, the in and health and livelihoods lives, in losses and risk disaster of reduction substantial The economic, inclusive and integrated of implementation the through risk disaster existing reduce and new Prevent structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational, environmental, technological, political measures and that prevent and institutional reduce hazard exposure and vulnerability to disaster, increase preparedness for Substantially reduce the reduce Substantially people affected of number to aiming 2030, by globally global the average lower between 100,000 per figure to compared 2020-2030 2005-2015 responsibility Shared central between and national Government authorities, sectors and as appropriate stakeholders circumstances to national Chart of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction Reduction Risk Disaster for the Sendai Framework Chart of Priority 1 Priority There is a need for focused action within and across sectors by States at local, national, regional and global levels in the following four priority areas. priority four following the in and global levels regional local, national, at States sectors by within and across action focused for is a need There Understanding disaster risk disaster Understanding Coherence of disaster risk risk disaster of Coherence and sustainable reduction policies, plans, development and mechanisms, practices sectors different across Disaster risk management needs to be based needs management risk Disaster in all its risk disaster on an understanding of of exposure capacity, vulnerability, dimensions of the and characteristics persons and assets, hazard environment www.preventionweb.net/go/sfdrr www.unisdr.org [email protected] Substantially reduce global reduce Substantially 2030, by mortality disaster per average to lower aiming global mortality 100,000 2020-2030 between to 2005-2015 compared responsibility Primary to prevent States of disaster and reduce through risk, including cooperation Figure 16: UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030

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Hyogo Framework for Action Country Progress Report The predecessor to the Sendai Framework for DRR 2015-2030 was the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015, which was adopted as a guideline to reduce vulnerabilities to natural hazards. The HFA assists participating countries to become more resilient and to better manage the hazards that threaten their development. The levels of progress of the 2011-2013 results of the HFA for the Republic of Palau are represented in Figure 17 and Table 7. Table 8 provides an Figure 17: HFA Level of Progress Achieved overview of the overall challenges and the future outlook statement from the HFA report. The2011-2013 is the most recent HFA report available for Palau.365

Priority for Action #1: Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation. Core Indicator Description Level of Progress Indicator* Achieved National policy and legal framework for disaster risk reduction exists with 1 decentralized responsibilities and capacities at all levels. 2 Dedicated and adequate resources are available to implement disaster risk 2 reduction plans and activities at all administrative levels. 2 Community Participation and decentralization is ensured through the 3 delegation of authority and resources to local levels. 3 A national multi sectoral platform for disaster risk reduction is 4 functioning. 3 Priority #2: Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning Core Indicator Description Level of Progress Indicator* Achieved National and local risk assessments based on hazard data and vulnerability 1 information are available and include risk assessments for key sectors. 3 Systems are in place to monitor, archive and disseminate data on key 2 hazards and vulnerabilities. 3 Early warning systems are in place for all major hazards, with outreach to 3 communities. 3 National and local risk assessments take account of regional / trans- 4 boundary risks, with a view to regional cooperation on risk reduction. 4 Table 7: National Progress Report on the Implementation of the HFA

70 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Priority #3: Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels Core Indicator Description Level of Progress Indicator* Achieved Relevant information on disasters is available and accessible at all levels, to 1 all stakeholders (through networks, development of information sharing 3 systems, etc.). School curricula, education material and relevant trainings include 2 disaster risk reduction and recovery concepts and practices. 3 Research methods and tools for multi-risk assessments and cost benefit 3 analysis are developed and strengthened. 2 Countrywide public awareness strategy exists to stimulate a culture of 4 disaster resilience, with outreach to urban and rural communities. 2 Priority #4: Reduce the underlying risk factors Core Indicator Description Level of Progress Indicator* Achieved Disaster risk reduction is an integral objective of environment related 1 policies and plans, including for land use natural resource management 3 and adaptation to climate change. Social development policies and plans are being implemented to reduce 2 the vulnerability of populations most at risk. 3 Economic and productive sectorial policies and plans have been 3 implemented to reduce the vulnerability of economic activities. 2 Planning and management of human settlements incorporate disaster 4 risk reduction elements, including enforcement of building codes. 1 Disaster risk reduction measures are integrated into post disaster recovery 5 and rehabilitation processes. 2 Procedures are in place to assess the disaster risk impacts of major 6 development projects, especially infrastructure. 2 Priority #5: Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels Core Indicator Description Level of Progress Indicator* Achieved Strong policy, technical and institutional capacities and mechanisms for 1 disaster risk management, with a disaster risk reduction perspective are in 3 place. Disaster preparedness plans and contingency plans are in place at all 2 administrative levels, and regular training drills and rehearsals are held to 3 test and develop disaster response programs. Financial reserves and contingency mechanisms are in place to support 3 effective response and recovery when required. 2 Procedures are in place to exchange relevant information during hazard 4 events and disasters, and to undertake post-event reviews. 3 Table Notes: *Level of Progress: 1 – Minor progress with few signs of forward action in plans or policy 2 – Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment 3 – Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial 4 – Substantial achievement attained but with recognized limitations in key aspects, such as financial resources and/ or operational capacities 5 – Comprehensive achievement with sustained commitment and capacities at all levels Table 7: National Progress Report on the Implementation of the HFA (cont.)

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Future Outlook Area 1: The more effective integration of disaster risk considerations into sustainable development policies, planning and programming at all levels, with a special emphasis on disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and vulnerability reduction. Planning department and sector agencies do not see disaster risk reduction as a priority, or do not understand the linkages. Absence of legislation supporting implementation of the NDRM Framework. Absence of a multi-stakeholder Challenges: forum that includes strong representation from civil society. Weak coordination and dissemination of information by the National Emergency Management Organization. The National Disaster Risk Management Framework is being effectively implemented through the development of supporting legislation, improved Future Outlook Priorities: coordination and the integration of disaster risk reduction into sectoral, agency and state master plans.

Future Outlook Area 2: The development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities at all levels, in particular at the community level, that can systematically contribute to building resilience to hazards. Limited technical capacity of NEC and HMCS in DRM planning. Weak Challenges: capacity at sub-national levels – State and Community levels. Limited use of available technical agencies. Increased capacity for effective disaster risk reduction planning through training and capacity building of relevant institutions such as the NEC, Future Outlook Priorities: the Hazard Mitigation Sub-Committee, and State level players, as well as development of appropriate tools and systems for DRR, and improved use of existing technical agencies, such as PALARIS.

Future Outlook Area 3: The systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the design and implementation of emergency preparedness, response and recovery programs in the reconstruction of affected communities. Weak systems for conducting post-disaster damage assessments and analysis Challenges: and integration of lessons learned. State and community level programs for emergency preparedness, response and Future Outlook Priorities: recovery are strengthened including improved coordination between different levels of government.

Future Outlook Area 4: Please identify what you would consider to be the single most important element of the post-2015 Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2025). Response: To integrate climate change adaptation into the post-2015 DRM framework. Table 8: HFA Country Progress Report Future Outlook Areas, Palau

72 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Country Profile Elevation: Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m The information in the Country Profile section is sourced directly from the CIA World Highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m Fact book. Additional numbers on country comparison to the world can be found by going 366 Natural resources: Forests, minerals (especially directly to the CIA website. gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals Background: Background: After three decades as Land use: part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Agricultural land: 10.8% (2011 est.) opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. Arable land: 2.2% (2011 est.) / permanent crops: A Compact of Free Association with the US was 4.3% (2011 est.) / permanent pasture: 4.3% (2011 approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It est.) entered into force the following year when the islands gained independence. Forest: 87.6% (2011 est.)

Geography Other: 1.6% (2011 est.) Geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 30 E Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Area: Population distribution: Most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island Total: 459 sq km of Babelthuap. Land: 459 sq km Natural hazards: Typhoons (June to December) Water: 0 sq km Environment - current issues: Country comparison to the world: 198 Inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; Threats to the marine ecosystem from sand Area - comparative: Slightly more than 2.5 times and coral dredging, Illegal and destructive the size of Washington, DC fishing practices, and overfishing; Climate change contributes to rising sea level and coral Land boundaries: 0 km bleaching; & Drought. Coastline: 1,519 km Environment - international agreements: Maritime claims: Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Territorial sea: 12 nm Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Protection, Wetlands, Whaling Contiguous zone: 24 nm Signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Continental shelf: 200 nm Geography - note: Westernmost archipelago in Climate: Tropical; hot and humid; wet season the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups May to November totaling more than 300 islands; includes World Terrain: Varying topography from the high, War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, world-famous Rock Islands. coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs

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PEOPLE AND SOCIETY Median age: Population: Total: 33.6 years (2018 est.) 21,516 (July 2018 est.) Male: 32.8 years Country comparison to the world: 219 Female: 35.3 years Nationality: Country comparison to the world: 92 Noun: Palauan(s) Population growth rate: Adjective: Palauan 0.4% (2018 est.) Ethnic groups: Palauan (Micronesian with Country comparison to the world: 162 Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 73%, Carolinian 2%, Asian 21.7%, Caucasian 1.2%, Birth rate: other 2.1% (2015 est.) 11.3 births/1,000 population (2018 est.) Languages: Palauan (official on most islands) 65.2%, other Country comparison to the world: 173 Micronesian 1.9%, English (official) 19.1%, Filipino 9.9%, Chinese 1.2%, other 2.8% (2015 Death rate: 8.2 deaths/1,000 population (2018 est.) est.) Note: Sonsoralese is official in Sonsoral; Tobian is Country comparison to the world: 85 official in Tobi; Angaur and Japanese are official in Angaur. Net migration rate: Religions: 0.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2018 est.) Roman Catholic 45.3%, Protestant 34.9% (includes Evangelical 26.4%, Seventh Day Country comparison to the world: 66 Adventist 6.9%, Assembly of God .9%, Baptist .7%), Modekngei 5.7% (indigenous to Palau), Population distribution: Muslim 3%, Mormon 1.5%, other 9.7% (2015 Most of the population is located on the southern est.) end of the main island of Babelthuap. Age structure: Urbanization: 0-14 years: 19.37% (male 2,149 /female 2,019) Urban population: 80.5% of total population (2019) 15-24 years: 16.4% (male 1,768 /female 1,760) Rate of urbanization: 1.77% annual rate of 25-54 years: 45.74% (male 6,016 /female 3,826) change (2015-20 est.) 55-64 years: 9.99% (male 765 /female 1,384) Major urban areas - population: 65 years and over: 8.5% (male 464 /female 1,365) 277 Ngerulmud (capital) (2018) (2018 est.)

74 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Sex ratio: Rural: 14% of population At birth: 1.06 male(s)/female Total: 4.7% of population (2011 est.) 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female Current Health Expenditure: 10.6% (2015) 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female Density of physicians: 25-54 years: 1.57 male(s)/female 1.19 physicians/1,000 population (2014) 55-64 years: 0.55 male(s)/female Hospital bed density: 4.8 beds/1,000 population (2010) 65 years and over: 0.34 male(s)/female Sanitation facility access: Total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2018 est.) Improved: Infant mortality rate: Urban: 100% of population (2015 est.) Total: 10.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2018 est.) Rural: 100% of population (2015 est.) Male: 11.8 deaths/1,000 live births Total: 100% of population (2015 est.) Female: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births Unimproved: Country comparison to the world: 133 Urban: 0% of population (2015 est.) Life expectancy at birth: Rural: 0% of population (2015 est.) Total population: 73.6 years (2018 est.) Total: 0% of population (2015 est.) Male: 70.4 years HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: Female: 77 years NA Country comparison to the world: 136 HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: Total fertility rate: NA 1.7 children born/woman (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: Country comparison to the world: 171 NA Drinking water source: Obesity - adult prevalence rate: Improved: 55.3% (2016) Urban: 97% of population Country comparison to the world: 3 Rural: 86% of population Education expenditures: NA Total: 95.3% of population Unimproved: Urban: 3% of population

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Literacy: which women would communally gather to offer fermented angelfish to the gods Definition: age 15 and over can read and write (2015 est.) Administrative divisions: 16 states: Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Total population: 96.6% Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Male: 96.8% Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol Female: 96.3% (2015 est.) Independence: 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN School life expectancy (primary to tertiary trusteeship) education): National holiday: Total: 17 years Constitution Day: 9 July (1981), day of a Male: 16 years national referendum to pass the new constitution Independence Day: 1 October (1994) Female: 18 years (2013) Constitution: GOVERNMENT History: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January Country name: 1981 Conventional long form: Republic of Palau Amendments: proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years Conventional short form: Palau with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution Local long form: Beluu er a Belau adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval Local short form: Belau by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election; Former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, amended 1992, 2004, 2008 (2017). Palau District Legal system: Etymology: from the Palauan name for the Mixed legal system of civil, common, and islands, Belau, which likely derives from the customary law. Palauan word “beluu” meaning “village” International law organization participation: Government type: Presidential republic in free Has not submitted an International Court of association with the U.S. Justice jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the International Criminal Court. Capital: Citizenship: Name: Ngerulmud Citizenship by birth: no Geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 37 E Citizenship by descent only: at least one parent Time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of must be a citizen of Palau Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Etymology: the Palauan meaning is “place of Dual citizenship recognized: no fermented ‘mud’” (‘mud’ being the native name for the keyhole angelfish); the site of the new Residency requirement for naturalization: note - capitol (established in 2006) had been a large no procedure for naturalization hill overlooking the ocean, Ngerulmud, on

76 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Suffrage: Judicial branch: This entry includes three 18 years of age; universal subfields. The highest court(s) subfield includes the name(s) of a country’s highest level court(s), Executive branch: Chief of state: President the number and titles of the judges, and the types Tommy Remengesau (since 17 January 2013); of cases heard by the court, which commonly Vice President Raynold Oiluch (since 19 January are based on civil, criminal, administrative, 2017); note - the president is both chief of state and constitutional law. A number of countries and head of government have separate constitutional courts. The judge Head of government: President Tommy selection and term of office subfield includes the Remengesau (since 17 January 2013); Vice organizations and associated officials responsible President Raynold Oiluch (since 19 January for nominating and appointing, 2017) Highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president chief justice and 3 associate justices organized with the advice and consent of the Senate; also into appellate trial divisions; the Supreme Court includes the vice president; the Council of organization also includes the Common Pleas Chiefs consists of chiefs from each of the states and Land Courts) who advise the president on issues concerning Judge selection and term of office: justices traditional laws, customs, and their relationship nominated by a 7-member independent body to the constitution and laws of Palau consisting of judges, presidential appointees, and Elections/Appointments: president and vice lawyers and appointed by the president; judges president directly elected on separate ballots by can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65 absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if Subordinate courts: National Court and other needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second ‘inferior’ courts term); election last held on 1 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020) Political parties and leaders: Election results: Tommy Remengesau reelected None president; percent of vote - Tommy Remengesau (independent) 51.3%, Surangel Whipps, International organization participation: ACP, Jr.(independent) 48.7%; Raynold Oiluch elected ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, vice president IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, Legislative branch: Bicameral National UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO Congress, or Olbiil Era Kelulau, consists of: Senate (13 seats; members directly elected in Diplomatic representation in the US: single-seat constituencies by majority vote to Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November serve 4-year terms) 1997) House of Delegates (16 seats; members directly Chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite elected in single-seat constituencies by simple 300, Washington, DC 20036 majority vote to serve 4-year terms) Telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814 FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281 Elections: Consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam) Senate - last held on 1 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020) Diplomatic representation from the US: House of Delegates - last held on 1 November Chief of mission: Ambassador Amy HYATT 2016 (next to be held in November 2020) (since 9 March 2015) Telephone: [680] 587-2920 Election results: Embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai, Palau Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 96940 13; composition - men 11, women 2, percent of Mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Koror, Republic women 15.4% of Palau 96940 House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats FAX: [680] 587-2911 - independent 16; composition - men 14, women 2, percent of women 12.5%; note - total National Congress percent of women 13.8%

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Flag description: Country comparison to the world: 217 Light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the hoist side; the blue color represents the GDP (official exchange rate): ocean, the disk represents the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time $292 million (2017 est.) for human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility. GDP - real growth rate: National symbol(s): -3.7% (2017 est.) Bai (native meeting house); National colors: blue, yellow 0% (2016 est.) National anthem: 10.1% (2015 est.) Name: “Belau rekid” (Our Palau) Lyrics/Music: multiple/Ymesei O. Ezekiel Country comparison to the world: 215 Note: adopted 1980 GDP - per capita (PPP): ECONOMY $14,700 (2017 est.) Economy - overview: The economy is dominated by tourism, fishing, $15,200 (2016 est.) and subsistence agriculture. Government is a major employer of the work force relying on $15,200 (2015 est.) financial assistance from the US under the Compact of Free Association (Compact) with Note: data are in 2017 dollars the US that took effect after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994. The US provided Country comparison to the world: 115 Palau with roughly $700 million in aid for the first 15 years following commencement of the Gross national saving: Compact in 1994 in return for unrestricted access to its land and waterways for strategic 48.7% of GDP (2016 est.) purposes. The population enjoys a per capita income roughly double that of the Philippines 50.1% of GDP (2015 est.) and much of Micronesia. Business and leisure tourist arrivals reached a Country comparison to the world: 2 record 167,966 in 2015, a 14.4% increase over the previous year, but fell to 138,408 in 2016. Long- GDP - composition, by end use: run prospects for tourism have been bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the Household consumption: 60.5% (2016 est.) rising prosperity of industrial East Asia, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure Government consumption: 27.2% (2016 est.) development. Proximity to Guam, the region’s major destination for tourists from East Asia, and Investment in fixed capital: 22.7% (2016 est.) a regionally competitive tourist infrastructure enhance Palau’s advantage as a destination. Investment in inventories: 1.9% (2016 est.) GDP (purchasing power parity): Exports of goods and services: 55.2% (2016 est.) $264 million (2017 est.) Imports of goods and services: -67.6% (2016 est.)

$274.2 million (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: $274.1 million (2015 est.) Agriculture: 3% (2016 est.) Note: data are in 2017 dollars Industry: 19% (2016 est.)

78 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Services: 78% (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: Agriculture - products: 66.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.) , cassava (manioc, tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish, pigs, chickens, eggs, bananas, Country comparison to the world: 6 papaya, breadfruit, calamansi, soursop, Polynesian chestnuts, Polynesian almonds, Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): mangoes, taro, guava, beans, cucumbers, squash/ pumpkins (various), eggplant, green onions, 8.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.) kangkong (watercress), cabbages (various), radishes, betel nuts, melons, peppers, noni, okra. Country comparison to the world: 3 Industries: Public debt: Tourism, fishing, subsistence agriculture 24.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Industrial production growth rate: NA 21.6% of GDP (2015) Labor force: Country comparison to the world: 179 11,610 (2016) Fiscal year: Country comparison to the world: 216 1 October - 30 September Labor force - by occupation: Inflation rate (consumer prices): Agriculture: 1.2% 0.9% (2017 est.) Industry: 12.4% -1% (2016 est.) Services: 86.4% (2016) Country comparison to the world: 46 Unemployment rate: Market value of publicly traded shares: 1.7% (2015 est.) NA 4.1% (2012) Current account balance: Country comparison to the world: 15 -$53 million (2017 est.) Population below poverty line: -$36 million (2016 est.) 24.9% NA (2006) Country comparison to the world: 79 Household income or consumption by percentage share: Exports: Lowest 10%: NA $23.17 billion (2017 est.) Highest 10%: NA $14.8 million (2015 est.)

Budget: Country comparison to the world: 69 Revenues: 193 million (2012 est.) Expenditures: 167.3 million (2012 est.)

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Exports - partners: ENERGY Japan 51.3%, US 15.8%, India 13.8%, Guam 8% Electricity access: (2017) Electrification - Total population: 99.3% (2016) Exports - commodities: Electrification - Urban areas: 99.6% (2016) Shellfish, tuna, other fish (many species) Electrification - Rural areas: 97.2% (2016) Imports: COMMUNICATIONS $4.715 billion (2018 est.) Telephones - fixed lines: $4.079 billion (2017 est.) Total subscriptions: 7,204 Country comparison to the world: 134 Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (July 2016 Imports - commodities: est.) machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; Country comparison to the world: 201 foodstuffs Imports - partners: Telephones - mobile cellular: US 33.4%, Guam 15.8%, Japan 15.7%, China Total subscriptions: 24,000 13.5%, South Korea 5.3% (2017) Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 112 (July 2016 est.) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: Country comparison to the world: 208 $0 (31 December 2017 est.) Telephone system: $580.9 million (31 December 2015 est.) General assessment – Well-developed mobile Country comparison to the world: 193 sector recently boosted by satellite network capacity upgrades; 3G services available with Debt - external: satellite; lack of telecom regulations; (2018) Domestic – Fixed-line: 34 per 100; and Mobile- $18.38 billion (31 December 2014 est.) cellular services: 112 per 100 persons (2018) International – Country code: 680; Satellite $16.47 billion (31 December 2013 est.) earth station: 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); SEA-US submarine cable landing in Palau Country comparison to the world: 94 Broadcast media: Stock of direct foreign investment - at home: No broadcast TV stations; a cable TV network covers the major islands and provides access to (31 December 2009 est.) 4 local cable stations, rebroadcasts (on a delayed basis) of a number of US stations, as well as Exchange rates: access to a number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio stations (1 The U.S. dollar is used government-owned) (2019) Internet country code: .pw Internet users: Total: 7,650

80 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Percent of population: 36% (July 2016 est.) Ports and terminals: Country comparison to the world: 210 Major seaport(s): Koror MILITARY AND SECURITY TRANSNATIONAL ISSUES Military and security forces: No regular military forces; the Ministry of Justice Disputes - international: Maritime delineation includes divisions/bureaus for public security, negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia police functions, and maritime law enforcement. (2019) Military - note: Under a 1994 Compact of Free Association between Palau and the U.S., the U.S. until 2044 is responsible for the defense of Palau and the U.S. military is granted access to the islands, but it has not stationed any military forces there. (2019) TRANSPORTATION National air transport system: Number of registered air carriers: 1 (2015) Inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 (2015) Airports: 3 (2013) Country comparison to the world: 196 Airports - with paved runways: Total: 1 (2017) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2017) Airports - with unpaved runways: Total: 2 (2013) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2013) Roadways: Total: 125 km (2018) Paved: 89 km (2018) Unpaved: 36 km (2018)

Country comparison to the world: 205

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Acronyms and Abbreviations Acronym Definition ACP Group African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States ADB Asian Development Bank Alii CADRE Alii Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Education (IOM program) AOSIS Alliance of Small Island States APAN All Partners Access Network APCSS Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies BANGO Belau Association of Non-Governmental Organizations BSCC Belau Submarine Cable Corporation CADRE Climate Adaptation Disaster Risk Reduction and Education Program CAT Civic Action Team CBDRR Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction trainings in Palau CCA climate change adaptation CCG Central Control Group CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women CFE-DM Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance CIA Central Intelligence Agency COFA Compact of Free Association COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease CRA Compact Renewal Agreement CSO Chief Secretary’s Office CVD Cardiovascular disease DMHA Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance DMLE Division of Marine Law Enforcement DoD Department of Defense DOS U.S. Department of State DRM Disaster Risk Management DRR Disaster Risk Reduction EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EMOPS Emergency Operations EMT Emergency Medical Team EOC Emergency Operations Center EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal EPA Environmental Protection Agency EU European Union FAA Federal Aviation Administration FDIC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

82 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Acronym Definition FNU Fiji National University FPTF Fisheries Protection Trust Fund FSM The Federated States of Micronesia FY Fiscal Year GDACS Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System GDP Gross Domestic Product GHeL Global Health eLearning Center GRI Global Risk Index HADR humanitarian assistance and disaster response HCT Humanitarian Country Teams HDX Humanitarian Data Exchange HFA Hyogo Framework for Action HMP Standard Hazard Mitigation Plan HMSC Hazard Mitigation Subcommittee IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization ICP Incident Command Post ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross ICRM The Institute of Certified Records Managers IDA International Development Association IDRL International Disaster Response Law IFC International Finance Corporation IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies IHR International Health Regulations ILO International Labour Organization IMF International Monetary Fund IMO International Maritime Organization IMSO International Mobile Satellite Organization IOM International Organization for Migration (a UN related organization) IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union ITC International Trade Centre ITU International Telecommunication Union IUU Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency JTWC Joint Tsunami Warning Center KASP I Koror-Airai Sanitation Project Phase I MCO Multi-Country Office

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Acronym Definition KB Bridge Koror-Babeldaob Bridge MANA Pacific Monitoring Alliance for NCD Action MDG Millennium Development Goals MIGA Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency MMR Measles, mumps, and rubella MNRET Palau Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism MoH Ministry of Health MPIIC Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce MT Metric tons NCD non-communicable disease NDC National Disaster Coordinator NDMO National Disaster Management Organization NDMP National Disaster Management Plan NDRMF National Disaster and Risk Management Framework NEC National Emergency Committee NEMO National Emergency Management Office NEMS National Environmental Strategy NEOC National Emergency Operations Center NEPC National Environmental Protection Council NGOs non-governmental organizations NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NTFIAS National Task Force on Invasive Animal Species OCHA The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OLE Oil of lemon eucalyptus PACT Pacific Association for Clinical Training Palau AHEC Palau Area Health Education Center PCCP Policy for Climate and Disaster Resilient Low Emissions Development PDC The Pacific Disaster Center PHT Pacific Humanitarian Team PIF Pacific Islands Forum PIHOA Pacific Islands Health Officers’ Association PLGED Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration PNCC Palau National Communications Company PNMDP Palau 2020 National Master Development Plan PNMS Palau National Marine Sanctuary PNMS Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act POLHN Pacific Open Learning Health Net PPP public-private partnership PPUC Palau Public Utilities Corporation

84 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Acronym Definition PRCS Palau Red Cross Society PREL Pacific Resources for Education & Learning RMI Republic of the Marshall Islands ROAP UNOCHA’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific SPC STPAP Sustainable Tourism Policies and Action Plan U.S. United States UISS Unclassified Information Sharing Service UN United Nations UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNDP UN Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund USAID/OFDA U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance USO United States Ordnance UXO Unexploded Ordnance WHO World Health Organization

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18 PreventionWeb. Secretariat of the Pacific Community Endnotes (SPC). Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC). National consultations on the post-2015 DRR 1 U.S. Embassy in Palau. Policy and History. https:// framework in the Republic of Palau. No date. https://www. pw.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history/ preventionweb.net/events/view/30342 2 U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Civic Aviation Team Palau 19 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Conducts Transfer of Authority. John Wagner PO1, 19 Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. August, 2019 https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News- palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- Article-View/Article/1937925/civic-action-team-palau- NDRMF_2016.pdf conducts-transfer-of-authority/ 20 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management 3 U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. COPE North 2019 Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. Strengthens Partnerships, Sharpens Lethality, Improves palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- Interoperability. February 14, 2019. https://www.pacom. NDRMF_2016.pdf mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1758417/ 21 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. cope-north-2019-strengthens-partnerships-sharpens- October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management lethality-improves-interopera/ Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ 4 UN Women. Palau. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/ policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 countries/fiji/co/palau 22 Republic of Palau National Assessment Report. Ministry 5 Discover the Real Micronesia and Palau. Ben Cook, of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://www. Michael Gall, Chad Lathe, Christy Lejkowski, Richard sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf Lejkowski, Lorry Marvin, Megan McCrea. 2010. 23 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. ISBN#978-0-9822619-3-4. cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ 6 Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan ps.html Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September 24 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf ps.html 7 USAID. Helping Communities Access Safe Drinking 25 DFAT. Palau country brief. https://dfat.gov.au/geo/palau/ Water in Palau. March 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ Pages/palau-country-brief.aspx default/files/documents/1866/USAID-DCHA_Success_ 26 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. Story_-_Helping_Communities_Access_Safe_Drinking_ cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ Water_in_Palau.pdf ps.html 8 Republic of Palau National Assessment Report. Ministry 27 DFAT. Palau country brief. https://dfat.gov.au/geo/palau/ of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://www. Pages/palau-country-brief.aspx sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf 28 State Department. A Guide to the United States’ History 9 INFORM Global Risk Index for 2020. (excel sheet-Palau of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations data). December 11 2019. https://data.humdata.org/ by Country since 1776: Palau. https://history.state.gov/ dataset/country-risk-profiles-for-191-countries countries/palau 10 DFAT. Aid Investment Plan Republic of Palau 2016-2017 29 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. to 2018-2019. https://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/ cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ Pages/aid-investment-plan-aip-palau-2016-17-to-2018-19. ps.html aspx 30 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. 11 UN Women. Palau. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/ cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ countries/fiji/co/palau ps.html 12 Borgen Project. Six things to know about poverty in 31 GHDX. Palau Population, Housing and Agriculture Palau. Casie Wilson. 2 March 2017. https://borgenproject. Census 2015. http://ghdx.healthdata.org/record/palau- org/things-know-poverty-in-palau/ population-housing-and-agriculture-census-2015 13 UN Women. Palau. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/ 32 DFAT. Aid Investment Plan Republic of Palau 2016-2017 countries/fiji/co/palau to 2018-2019. https://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/ 14 International Monetary Fund. Republic of Palau: Pages/aid-investment-plan-aip-palau-2016-17-to-2018-19. 2016 Article IV Consultation Press Release. 19 October aspx 2016. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/ 33 UN Women. Palau. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/ Issues/2016/12/31/Republic-of-Palau-2016-Article-IV- countries/fiji/co/palau Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement- 34 Britannica. Palau. Donald Raymond Shuster, Sophie by-44344 Foster. 2019. https://www.britannica.com/place/Palau 15 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. Ministry 35 Pacific Islands Report. Erosion Exposes Unexploded of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://www. Ordnance at Palau Hospital. 9 March 2016. http://www. sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf pireport.org/articles/2016/03/09/erosion-exposes- 16 UNDP: About Palau. Development Status. https://www. unexploded-ordnance-palau-hospital pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/countryinfo/ 36 U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Palau. Current Issues. palau.html https://pw.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history/ 17 DFAT. Aid Investment Plan Republic of Palau 2016-2017 current-issues/ to 2018-2019. https://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/ 37 Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau. Pages/aid-investment-plan-aip-palau-2016-17-to-2018-19. Ben Cook, Michael Gall, Chad Lathe, Christy Lejkowski, aspx Richard Lejkowski, Lorry Marvin, Megan McCrea. 2010. ISBN #978-0-9822619-3-4.

86 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 38 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. 61 World Atlas. Religious Beliefs in Palau. Oishimaya Sen cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ Nag. 12 November 2018. https://www.worldatlas.com/ ps.html articles/religious-beliefs-in-palau.html 39 Palau Portrait of Paradise. Mandy Thijssen. 1997. ISBN 62 WHO. Environmental health in emergencies and #0-9637875-0-0 disasters: a practical guide. 2002. http://www.who.int/ 40 Weekend Traveler. , Palau. http://3. environmental_health_emergencies/vulnerable_groups/en/ bp.blogspot.com/-gaQHJU8K-Ew/UiLYqXVs-AI/ 63 Borgen Project. Six things to know about poverty in AAAAAAAAAgU/uNlf2j7v6pI/s1600/P8260197.JPG Palau. Casie Wilson. 2 March 2017. https://borgenproject. 41 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. Ministry org/things-know-poverty-in-palau/ of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://www. 64 Borgen Project. Six things to know about poverty in sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf Palau. Casie Wilson. 2 March 2017. https://borgenproject. 42 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. Ministry org/things-know-poverty-in-palau/ of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://www. 65 Palau International Coral Reef Center. Mechesil Belau sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf and PICRC Strengthen Partnership. 23 October 2018. 43 Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau. http://picrc.org/picrcpage/2018/10/23/mechesil-belau-and- Ben Cook, Michael Gall, Chad Lathe, Christy Lejkowski, picrc-strengthen-partnership/ Richard Lejkowski, Lorry Marvin, Megan McCrea. 2010. 66 UN Women. Palau. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/ ISBN #978-0-9822619-3-4. countries/fiji/co/palau 44 UNDP: About Palau. Development Status. https://www. 67 UN Women. Palau. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/ pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/countryinfo/ countries/fiji/co/palau palau.html 68 Humanium. Children of Palau. https://www.humanium. 45 NOAA. Pacific RISA. Palau 2019. https://www.pacificrisa. org/en/palau/ org/places/republic-of-palau/ 69 The World Bank. Palau. https://data.worldbank.org/ 46 Republic of Palau National Assessment Report. Ministry country/palau of Resources and Development in Partnership with other 70 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. Ministry Ministries, Agencies, and Organizations. June 2004. https:// of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://www. www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf 47 World Population Review. 2015. http:// 71 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. worldpopulationreview.com/countries/palau-population/ cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ 48 Republic of Palau. Economic Review FY2018. July ps.html 2019. http://www.pitiviti.org/news/wp-content/uploads/ 72 International Monetary Fund. Republic of Palau: downloads/2019/07/Palau_FY18_EconReview_web.pdf 2016 Article IV Consultation Press Release. 19 October 49 World Population Review. Palau Population 2019. 2016. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/ http://www.worldpopulationreview.com/countries/palau- Issues/2016/12/31/Republic-of-Palau-2016-Article-IV- population/ Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement- 50 World Atlas. Religious Beliefs in Palau. 2019 https:// by-44344 www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-beliefs-in-palau. 73 Republic of Palau. Economic Review FY2018. July html 2019. http://www.pitiviti.org/news/wp-content/uploads/ 51 World Atlas. What Type of Government does Palau downloads/2019/07/Palau_FY18_EconReview_web.pdf Have? Benjamin Elisha Sawe. 1 August 2017. https://www. 74 The World Bank. Palau. https://data.worldbank.org/ worldatlas.com/articles/what-type-of-government-does- country/palau palau-have.html 75 Borgen Project. Hurdling over causes of poverty in Palau. 52 GHDX. Palau Population, Housing and Agriculture Smriti Krishnan. 6 October 2017. https://borgenproject. Census 2015. http://ghdx.healthdata.org/record/palau- org/causes-of-poverty-in-palau/ population-housing-and-agriculture-census-2015 76 World Bank. Country – Palau. http://siteresources. 53 World Population Review. Palau Population 2019. worldbank.org/INTPACIFICISLANDS/Resources/E- http://www.worldpopulationreview.com/countries/palau- PALAU.pdf population/ 77 World Bank. Country – Palau. http://siteresources. 54 Email communication from Ms. Aleyda Valdes, Palau worldbank.org/INTPACIFICISLANDS/Resources/E- Country Project Coordinator, UNDP, 9 Jan 2020. PALAU.pdf 55 World Atlas. What Type of Government Does Palau 78 Republic of Palau. Economic Review FY2018. July Have? 2019. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what- 2019. http://www.pitiviti.org/news/wp-content/uploads/ type-of-government-does-palau-have.html downloads/2019/07/Palau_FY18_EconReview_web.pdf 56 Australian Government. DFAT. Palau country brief. 79 International Monetary Fund. Republic of Palau: https://dfat.gov.au/geo/palau/Pages/palau-country-brief. 2016 Article IV Consultation Press Release. 19 October aspx 2016. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/ 57 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. Issues/2016/12/31/Republic-of-Palau-2016-Article-IV- cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement- ps.html by-44344 58 The World Bank. Palau Country Summary. http:// 80 International Monetary Fund. Republic of Palau: siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPACIFICISLANDS/ 2016 Article IV Consultation Press Release. 19 October Resources/E-PALAU.pdf 2016. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/ 59 World Population Review. Palau Population 2019. Issues/2016/12/31/Republic-of-Palau-2016-Article-IV- http://www.worldpopulationreview.com/countries/palau- Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement- population/ by-44344 60 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. Ministry of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://www. sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Palau/6.pdf Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 87 APPENDICES

81 Republic of Palau. Economic Review FY2018. July 101 Lonely Planet. Milky Way. 2017. https://www. 2019. http://www.pitiviti.org/news/wp-content/uploads/ lonelyplanet.com/palau/rock-islands/activities/milky- downloads/2019/07/Palau_FY18_EconReview_web.pdf way/a/-act/1523550/362824 82 Republic of Palau. Economic Review FY2018. July 102 World Bank. Arable Land Palau. 2019. https://data. 2019. http://www.pitiviti.org/news/wp-content/uploads/ worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.ARBL.ZS downloads/2019/07/Palau_FY18_EconReview_web.pdf 103 PRI. Climate Change Brings a New Wrinkle to life on 83 Republic of Palau. Economic Review FY2018. July Palau’s Islands. Ari Daniel. 3 January 2014. https://www. 2019. http://www.pitiviti.org/news/wp-content/uploads/ pri.org/stories/2014-01-03/climate-change-brings-new- downloads/2019/07/Palau_FY18_EconReview_web.pdf wrinkle-life-palaus-islands-fear-sea 84 International Monetary Fund. Republic of Palau: 104 Government of Palau. Division of Marine Law 2016 Article IV Consultation Press Release. 19 October Enforcement. https://www.palaugov.pw/executive-branch/ 2016. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/ ministries/justice/division-of-marine-law-enforcement/ Issues/2016/12/31/Republic-of-Palau-2016-Article-IV- 105 Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). Nauru Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement- Agreement Introduction. 2020. https://www.ffa.int/nauru_ by-44344 agreement 85 World Atlas. What Type of Government Does Palau 106 PNA. About Us. http://pnatuna.com/about-us Have? 2019. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what- 107 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. type-of-government-does-palau-have.html Ministry of Resources and Development. January 2005. 86 Britannica. Palau. Donald Raymond Shuster, Sophie https://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/ Foster. 2019. https://www.britannica.com/place/Palau Palau/6.pdf 87 Palau.Gov. About Palau. 2019. https://www.palaugov.pw/ 108 CFE-DM Palau DM Reference Handbook about-palau/ 2016. https://www.cfe-dmha.org/LinkClick. 88 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. aspx?fileticket=BY6k6Au4FgU%3d&portalid=0 cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ 109 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. ps.html Ministry of Resources and Development. January 2005. 89 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. https://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/ cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ Palau/6.pdf ps.html 110 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. 90 PEW. Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Sept 2015. cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ https://www.pewtrusts.org/-/ ps.html media/assets/2017/07/palau_update2017_v6 111 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. .pdf?la=en&hash=4743F4F5B5593533FA12DB9E24FAFAF cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ 1F598802F ps.html 91 PEW. Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Sept 2015. 112 NOAA. Pacific RISA. Palau. 2019. https://www. https://www.pewtrusts.org/-/ pacificrisa.org/places/republic-of-palau/ media/assets/2017/07/palau_update2017_v6 113 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. .pdf?la=en&hash=4743F4F5B5593533FA12DB9E24FAFAF Ministry of Resources and Development. January 2005. 1F598802F https://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/ 92 Palau.Gov. Palau Environmental Quality Protection Palau/6.pdf Board. 2019. https://www.palaugov.pw/eqpb 114 Discover the Real Micronesia and Palau. Ben Cook, 93 Marine Spatial Planning. Palau. 2019. https:// Michael Gall, Chad Lathe, Christy Lejkowski, Richard marineplanning.org/projects/pacific-islands/palau/ Lejkowski, Lorry Marvin, Megan McCrea. 2010. 94 Republic of Palau. Economic Review FY2018. July ISBN#978-0-9822619-3-4. 2019. http://www.pitiviti.org/news/wp-content/uploads/ 115 Reliefweb. ADB Support to Boost Palau’s Resilience to downloads/2019/07/Palau_FY18_EconReview_web.pdf Natural Disasters. 16 October 2018. Asian Development 95 International Monetary Fund. Republic of Palau: Bank. https://reliefweb.int/report/palau/adb-support- 2016 Article IV Consultation Press Release. 19 October boost-palaus-resilience-natural-disasters 2016. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/ 116 USAID. Helping Communities Access Safe Drinking Issues/2016/12/31/Republic-of-Palau-2016-Article-IV- Water in Palau. March 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement- default/files/documents/1866/USAID-DCHA_Success_ by-44344 Story_-_Helping_Communities_Access_Safe_Drinking_ 96 DFAT. Overview of Australia’s aid program to Palau. Water_in_Palau.pdf https://dfat.gov.au/geo/palau/development-assistance/ 117 NOAA. Pacific RISA. Palau. 2019. https://www. Pages/development-assistance-in-palau.aspx pacificrisa.org/places/republic-of-palau/ 97 BBC. Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. 1 118 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. January 2020. http://www.palauhealth.org/files/PALAU%20 Ministry of Resources and Development. January 2005. NCD%20STEPS%20REPORT.PDF https://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/ 98 Britannica. Palau. Sophie Foster, Donald Raymond Palau/6.pdf Shuster. https://www.britannica.com/place/Palau 119 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. 99 CIA Factbook. Palau. 19 November 2019. https://www. Ministry of Resources and Development. January 2005. cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ https://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/ ps.html Palau/6.pdf 100 Milky Way Palau 2008030818_4778 by LuxTonnerre 120 Republic of Palau. National Assessment Report. Creative Commons. March 15, 2008. Ministry of Resources and Development. January 2005. https://flickr.com/photos/luxtonnerre/2346948493/in/ https://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/ album-72157604176682719/ Palau/6.pdf

88 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 121 Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan 138 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 122 Coral Reef Research Foundation, Palau. A Summary 139 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. of Palau’s Typhoon History 1945-2013. December 2014. October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management https://coralreefpalau.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ CRRF-Palau-Typhoon-History-2014-1.pdf policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 123 Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan 140 Palau Government. National Emergency Management Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September Office. Mission. Page last update 2019. https://www. 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- palaugov.pw/executive-branch/vice-president/the-national- documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf emergency-management-office/ 124 USAID. Helping Communities Access Safe Drinking 141 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Water in Palau. March 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. default/files/documents/1866/USAID-DCHA_Success_ palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- Story_-_Helping_Communities_Access_Safe_Drinking_ NDRMF_2016.pdf Water_in_Palau.pdf 142 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. 125 USAID. Republic of Palau. Page last updated March 13, October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/crisis/palau Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ 126 USAID. Republic of Palau. Page last updated March 13, policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/crisis/palau 143 Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan 127 OCHA. Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Situation Report Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September No. 2. November 8, 2013. https://reliefweb.int/ 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf OCHAPhilippinesTyphoonHaiyanSitrepNo.2.8 144 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. November2013_corrigendum.pdf October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management 128 OCHA. Humanitarian Bulletin. Philippines. Issue 29. Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ 1-31 October 2014. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/ policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 files/resources/OCHAPhilippinesHumanitarian 145 IFRC. Climate change a priority for newest Red Cross BulletinNo.29.31October2014.pdf societies. Accessed 15 December 2019. https://media.ifrc. 129 Coral Reef Research Foundation, Palau. A Summary org/ifrc/press-release/climate-change-priority-newest-red- of Palau’s Typhoon History 1945-2013. December 2014. cross-societies/ https://coralreefpalau.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ 146 IFRC. Retrieved 30 April 2018. Who we are. http://www. CRRF-Palau-Typhoon-History-2014-1.pdf ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/ 130 Reliefweb. Building capacity to manage emergency 147 IFRC. Introduction to the Guidelines for the domestic operations in Palau. August 28, 2014. https://reliefweb. facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief int/report/palau/building-capacity-manage-emergency- and initial recovery assistance. https://www.ifrc.org/ operations-palau PageFiles/125652/1205600-IDRL%20Guidelines-EN- 131 ABC News. Typhoon Haiyan devastates northern island LR%20(2).pdf of Palau. November 8, 2013. https://www.abc.net.au/ 148 PRCS. Accessed 17 January 2020. http://palauredcross. news/2013-11-08/an-typhoon-haiyan-devastates-northern- org/about-us.html island-of-palau/5080598 149 Palau Red Cross Society, About Us, accessed 19 132 ABC News. Typhoon Haiyan devastates northern island December 2019. http://palauredcross.org/about-us.html of Palau. November 8, 2013. https://www.abc.net.au/ 150 International Organization for Migration. news/2013-11-08/an-typhoon-haiyan-devastates-northern- Palau 2018. Humanitarian Compendium. https:// island-of-palau/5080598 humanitariancompendium.iom.int/appeals/palau-2018 133 Reliefweb. Building capacity to manage emergency 151 UN Permanent Mission of Palau. https://palauun.org/ operations in Palau. August 28, 2014. https://reliefweb. 152 UN Women. Fiji Multi-Country Office. https:// int/report/palau/building-capacity-manage-emergency- asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/countries/fiji operations-palau 153 UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji/ Safeguarding the bio- 134 USAID/OFDA Program Summary. Federated States of diversity-rich landscapes of Palau. 6 July 2018. https:// Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Palau. www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/ April 5, 2013. https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/ presscenter/pressreleases/2018/07/06/safeguarding-the- usaidofda-program-summary-fsm-rmi-and-palau biodiversity-rich-landscapes-of-palau.html 135 INFORM Global Risk Index for 2020. (excel sheet- 154 Island Times. Palau. The Belau Association of Non- Palau data). December 11 2019. https://data.humdata.org/ Governmental Organizations. December 14, 2019. dataset/country-risk-profiles-for-191-countries http://islandtimes.us/the-belau-association-of-non- 136 INFORM Global Risk Index for 2020. (excel sheet- governmental-organizations/ Palau data). December 11 2019. https://data.humdata.org/ 155 BANGO Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/ dataset/country-risk-profiles-for-191-countries pg/Belau-Assocation-of-Non-Government-Organisation- 137 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management BANGO-108182300600370/about/?ref=page_internal Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. 156 Reliefweb. ADB Support to Boost Palau’s Resilience to palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- Natural Disasters. 16 October 2018. Asian Development NDRMF_2016.pdf Bank. https://reliefweb.int/report/palau/adb-support- boost-palaus-resilience-natural-disasters

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157 USAID/OFDA Program Summary. Federated States of 174 UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Pacific islands Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Palau. launch Sendai Framework Monitor. 28 March 2018. https:// July 29, 2015. https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/ www.unisdr.org/archive/57654 documents/1866/palau_program_summary_07-29-2015. 175 PreventionWeb.net. Chart of the Sendai Framework pdf for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. http://www. 158 USAID. Republic of Palau. Page last updated March 13, preventionweb.net/files/44983_sendaiframeworkchart.pdf 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/crisis/palau 176 UNISDR. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk 159 Information provided via email correspondence with Reduction. https://www.unisdr.org/we/coordinate/sendai- USAID OFDA Team 1.19.20 framework 160 Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. 177 SPREP. Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Australia-Oceania-Palau. Page last updated December 6, Change 2006-2015. https://www.sprep.org/climate_change/ 2019. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- PYCC/documents/PIFACC_001.pdf factbook/geos/ps.html 178 Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific: 161 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. An Integrated Approach to Address Climate Change and October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management Disaster Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ Risk Management (FRDP) 2017 – 2030. Published in 2016. policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 http://gsd.spc.int/frdp/assets/FRDP_2016_Resilient_Dev_ 162 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management pacific.pdf Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. 179 Email communication with Meiapo Faasau, IFRC palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- Disaster Law Manager, Country Cluster Support Team – NDRMF_2016.pdf Pacific. 163 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management 180 Pacific Islands Forum. Boe Declaration Action Framework 2010. October 2010. https://reliefweb.int/sites/ Plan. 2019. https://www.forumsec.org/wp-content/ reliefweb.int/files/resources/National%20Disaster%20 uploads/2019/10/BOE-document-Action-Plan.pdf Risk%20management%20Framework%202010.pdf 181 Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Boe Declaration on 164 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Regional Security. 2018. https://www.forumsec.org/boe- Framework 2010. October 2010. https://reliefweb.int/sites/ declaration-on-regional-security/ reliefweb.int/files/resources/National%20Disaster%20 182 Pacific Islands Forum. Boe Declaration Action Risk%20management%20Framework%202010.pdf Plan. 2019. https://www.forumsec.org/wp-content/ 165 Email communication with Meiapo Faasau, IFRC uploads/2019/10/BOE-document-Action-Plan.pdf Disaster Law Manager, Country Cluster Support Team – 183 Pacific Islands Forum. Boe Declaration Action Pacific. Plan. 2019. https://www.forumsec.org/wp-content/ 166 PreventionWeb. Secretariat of the Pacific Community uploads/2019/10/BOE-document-Action-Plan.pdf (SPC). Applied Geoscience and Technology Division 184 Email communication with Meiapo Faasau, IFRC (SOPAC). National consultations on the post-2015 DRR Disaster Law Manager, Country Cluster Support Team – framework in the Republic of Palau. No date. https://www. Pacific. preventionweb.net/events/view/30342 PreventionWeb. Secretariat of the Pacific Community 167 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management (SPC). Applied Geoscience and Technology Division Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. (SOPAC). National consultations on the post-2015 DRR palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- framework in the Republic of Palau. No date. https://www. NDRMF_2016.pdf preventionweb.net/events/view/30342 168 Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 169 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 NDRMF_2016.pdf 170 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- NDRMF_2016.pdf documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf 171 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. Framework 2010. October 2010. https://reliefweb.int/sites/ October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management reliefweb.int/files/resources/National%20Disaster%20 Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ Risk%20management%20Framework%202010.pdf policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 172 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan Framework 2010. October 2010. https://reliefweb.int/sites/ Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September reliefweb.int/files/resources/National%20Disaster%20 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- Risk%20management%20Framework%202010.pdf documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf 173 Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf NDRMF_2016.pdf

90 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management 201 USAID. https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/ Framework 2010. October 2010. https://reliefweb.int/sites/ organization/bureaus/bureau-democracy-conflict-and- reliefweb.int/files/resources/National%20Disaster%20 humanitarian-assistance/office-us Risk%20management%20Framework%202010.pdf 202 USAID. https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/ 185 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management documents/1861/FS_EarlyWarningCapacityDevelopment_ Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. PDC_Eng.pdf palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- 203 APAN. About Us. https://www.apan.org/ NDRMF_2016.pdf 204 Email communication from Thomas Grant, 186 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Communications Interoperability Analyst Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. USINDOPACOM, J651, MCIP. November 20, 2018. palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- 205 CFE-DM. About CFE-DM. Website last updated 2019. NDRMF_2016.pdf https://www.cfe-dmha.org/ 187 Asian Development Bank. Proposed Policy-Based Loan 206 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November Republic of Palau: Disaster Resilience Program. September 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ 2018. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project- DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure documents/52018/52018-001-rrp-en.pdf 207 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November 188 Republic of Palau Government. NEMO Launches 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Training DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure Program. August 4, 2017. https://www.palaugov.pw/ 208 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November nemo-launches-community-based-disaster-risk-reduction- 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ training-program/ DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure 189 Republic of Palau Government. President Remengesau 209 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November Encourages the Youth to Participate in First-Aid/CPR and 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ Disaster Preparedness Training. July 31, 2018. https://www. DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure palaugov.pw/president-remengesau-encourages-the-youth- 210 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November to-participate-in-first-aid-cpr-and-disaster-preparedness- 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ training/ DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure 190 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management 211 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure NDRMF_2016.pdf 212 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November 191 Republic of Palau. Special Weather Statement: October 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ 13, 2017. https://www.palaugov.pw/special-weather- DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure statement-october-13-2017/ 213 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November 192 Republic of Palau. Special Weather Statement: October 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ 13, 2017. https://www.palaugov.pw/special-weather- DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure statement-october-13-2017/ 214 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November 193 ABC News. Typhoon Haiyan devastates northern island 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ of Palau. November 8, 2013. https://www.abc.net.au/ DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure news/2013-11-08/an-typhoon-haiyan-devastates-northern- 215 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November island-of-palau/5080598 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ 194 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. 216 DLCA Log Cluster. Palau. Last updated November palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ NDRMF_2016.pdf DLCA/2+Palau+Logistics+Infrastructure 195 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management 217 JapanGov.com. Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. 2014. Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. https://www.japan.go.jp/tomodachi/2014/autumn2014/ palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- japan-palau_friendship_bridge.html NDRMF_2016.pdf 218 Logistics Capacity Assessment Tool, WFP. DLCA 196 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Log Cluster. Palau Waterways. Last Modified November Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. 28, 2018. https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/ palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- DLCA/2.5+Palau+Waterways NDRMF_2016.pdf 219 Education Encyclopedia. Palau. Accessed 14 December 197 Information provided via email correspondence with 2019. https://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1152/ USAID OFDA Team 1.19.20 Palau.html 198 Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. 220 Palau Education System and Policy Handbook. Australia-Oceania-Palau. Page last updated December 6, International Business Publications. 2010 p. 95. 2019. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- 221 An In Depth Look at Education in Palau. The Borgen factbook/geos/ps.html Project. 25 August 2019. https://borgenproject.org/update- 199 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & on-education-in-palau/ Humanitarian Assistance. Humanitarian Assistance 222 Improvements to Education in Palau Needed as Schools Response Training (HART) Module: HA/DR Information. Deteriorate. Borgen Magazine. 13 November 2017. https:// September 2018. www.borgenmagazine.com/education-in-palau/ 200 Joint Publication 3-29. Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. January 3, 2014. http://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/ Documents/Doctrine/pubs/jp3_29.pdf

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223 Republic of Palau. Education Statistics. Accessed 14 241 Palau Public Utilities Corporation. Website. Accessed 26 December 2019. https://www.palaugov.pw/executive- November 2019. http://www.ppuc.com/ branch/ministries/finance/budgetandplanning/education- 242 Logistics Capacity Assessment: Palau, Version 4. Global statistics/ Logistics Cluster. 26 April 2019. p. 139. https://logcluster. 224 Palau Community College. About PCC. Accessed 14 org/dlca/Palau-v4-20190426_1129.pdf December 2019. http://pcc.palau.edu/about/ 243 Palau Public Utilities Corporation. News Flash. 20 225 U.S. News and World Report. Education: Community February 2019. http://www.ppuc.com/february-2019- Colleges – Palau Community College. Accessed 14 newsletter/ December 2019. https://www.usnews.com/education/ 244 Macrotrends. Electricity Access by Country: Palau. community-colleges/palau-community-college-CC06624 Accessed 21 November 2019. https://www.macrotrends. 226 Government of Palau. NEMO Launches Community- net/countries/ranking/electricity-access-statistics Based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Program. 3 245 The Pacific Community. News: Republic of Palau signs August 2017. https://www.palaugov.pw/nemo-launches- Energy Act into Law. 16 February 2016. https://www.spc. community-based-disaster-risk-reduction-training- int/updates/news/2016/02/republic-palau-signs-energy- program/ act-law 227 USAID. Pacific Islands: Disaster Risk Reduction. 246 Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center. Accessed 27 November 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/ Pacific Islands Report: Palau Launches Climate Change pacific-islands/working-crises-and-conflict Policy, Action Plan Process. 1 December 2014. http://www. 228 International Organization for Migration. The Republic pireport.org/articles/2014/12/01/palau-launches-climate- of Palau IOM Country Strategy 2017-2020. https:// change-policy-action-plan-process publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/country_strategy_ 247 Government of Palau. Palau Climate Change Policy palau.pdf for Climate and Disaster Resilient Low Emissions 229 USAID. Pacific Islands: Disaster Risk Reduction. Development. 2015. p. 6-7. http://ccprojects.gsd.spc.int/ Accessed 27 November 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/ wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2.-Palau-Climate-Change- pacific-islands/working-crises-and-conflict Policy.pdf 230 Palau Telecomm Landscape & Fiber Optic Cable Project. 248 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Energy Pacific Update Conference. 19 July 2016, Suva, Fiji.http:// Transition Initiative – Islands. Energy Snapshot: Palau. devpolicy.org/Events/2016/Pacific%20Update/6a%20 June 2015. p. 1. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/64291. ICT/6a_Rhinehart%20Silas_Palau%20NTC_2016%20 pdf Pacific%20Update%20Conf.pdf 249 Palau Public Utilities Corporation. News Flash. 20 231 Logistics Capacity Assessment: Palau, Version 4. Global February 2019. http://www.ppuc.com/february-2019- Logistics Cluster. 26 April 2019. p. 122-123. https:// newsletter/ logcluster.org/dlca/Palau-v4-20190426_1129.pdf 250 The Pacific Community. News: Pacific Energy and 232 International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Transport Ministers’ commit to renewables and shift away Statistics: Country ICT Data (Until 2018): Fixed-telephone from fossil fuels. 25 September 2019. https://www.spc. subscriptions. Accessed 18 November 2019. https://www. int/updates/news/media-release/2019/09/pacific-energy- itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/statistics/2019/ and-transport-ministers-commit-to-renewables-and The Fixed_tel_2000-2018_Jun2019_revised_27082019.xls conference’s 32 outcomes listed at: http://www.spc.int/ 233 ITU. Statistics: Country ICT Data (Until 2018): Mobile- DigitalLibrary/Get/n9mdr cellular subscriptions. Accessed 18 November 2019. 251 Sustainable Development Goals. https:// https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/ sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/ statistics/2019/Mobile_cellular_2000-2018_Jun2019.xls transformingourworld 234 ITU. Statistics: Country ICT Data (Until 2018): Fixed- 252 Bertelsmann Stiftung and Sustainable Development broadband subscriptions. Accessed 18 November 2019. Solutions Network. Sustainable Development Report 2019. https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/ p. 344. https://s3.amazonaws.com/sustainabledevelopment. statistics/2019/Fixed_broadband_2000-2018_Jun2019_ report/2019/2019_sustainable_development_report.pdf revised27082019.xls 253 Palau Public Utilities Corporation. Website. Accessed 26 235 Logistics Capacity Assessment: Palau, Version 4. Global November 2019. http://www.ppuc.com/ Logistics Cluster. 26 April 2019. p. 123. https://logcluster. 254 WHO & UNICEF. Joint Monitoring Programme org/dlca/Palau-v4-20190426_1129.pdf for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene. Accessed 26 236 Logistics Capacity Assessment: Palau, Version 4. Global November 2019. https://washdata.org/data/household#!/ Logistics Cluster. 26 April 2019. p. 123. https://logcluster. plw org/dlca/Palau-v4-20190426_1129.pdf 255 United Nations. UN-Water SDG 6 Portal. Accessed 26 237 Belau Submarine Cable Corporation. Main website. November 2019. https://www.sdg6data.org/country-or- Accessed 21 November 2019. https://belaucable.com/ area/Palau 238 Winston Qiu. SEA-US Cable System Ready for Service. 256 UNICEF. Estimates of child cause of death, Diarrhoea. Submarine Cable Networks. 12 August 2017. https://www. February 2018. https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/ submarinenetworks.com/systems/trans-pacific/sea-us/sea- uploads/2018/02/CoD_Diarrhoea_Feb-2018_WHO_ us-cable-system-ready-for-service MCEE_234.xlsx 239 Palau Secures ADB Loan To Build Submarine Fiber 257 UNICEF. Website - Diarrhoeal disease. October 2019. Optic Cable. Pacific Islands Report, Pacific Islands https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/diarrhoeal- Development Program, East-West Center. 15 March disease/ 2016. http://www.pireport.org/articles/2016/03/15/palau- 258 International Organization for Migration. The Republic secures-adb-loan-build-submarine-fiber-optic-cable of Palau IOM Country Strategy 2017-2020. p. 7, 12. https:// 240 Belau Submarine Cable Corporation. Procurement. publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/country_strategy_ Accessed 21 November 2019. https://belaucable.com/ palau.pdf procurement

92 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 259 The Pacific Community. Water, Sanitation Program 276 CDC. Zika Virus in Palau. 27 November 2017. https:// – Geoscience Division. Website accessed 12 December wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/zika-virus-palau 2019. http://www.pacificwater.org/pages.cfm/country- 277 IAMAT. Palau – Tuberculosis. Accessed 14 December information/republic-of-palau.html 2019. https://www.iamat.org/country/palau/risk/ 260 World Health Organization. Palau–WHO Country tuberculosis Cooperation Strategy 2018–2022. https://apps.who.int/ 278 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:// iris/bitstream/handle/10665/259923/WPRO-2017-DPM- www.cdc.gov/tb/statistics/surv/surv2018/images/Slide7. 018-plw-eng.pdf PNG 261 World Health Organization. Country Health 279 World Health Organization. Tuberculosis: DOTS Information Profile: Palau. 2011. http://www.wpro.who. case detection rate. https://www.who.int/whosis/ int/countries/plw/24PALpro2011_finaldraft.pdf whostat2006TuberculosisDOTSDetectionRate.pdf 262 Republic of Palau. Ministry of Health Strategic Plan 280 Karen McMillan, Martin Hansen, and Heather Worth. 2014-2018. http://www.nationalplanningcycles.org/sites/ Risky Business Palau: Hostessing, sex work and HIV default/files/planning_cycle_repository/palau/palau_moh_ prevention in Koror. International HIV Research Group, strategic_plan_2014-2018.pdf School of Public Health and Community Medicine, 263 Rural Health Information Hub. Republic of Palau. University of New South Wales. p. 4. https://www. Accessed 13 December 2019. https://www.ruralhealthinfo. stigmaindex.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Pacific- org/states/palau Regional-SI-Report-2018.pdf 264 World Health Organization, Western Pacific 281 Fiji Network for People Living with HIV (FJN+). Region. Palau-WHO Country Cooperation Strategy Overview Report of the People Living with HIV Stigma 2018-2022. p. 2. https://iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/ Index: Study in Seven Countries in the Pacific. p. 3. https:// handle/10665.1/13952/WPRO-2017-DPM-018-plw-eng. www.stigmaindex.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ pdf Pacific-Regional-SI-Report-2018.pdf 265 Republic of Palau, Ministry of Health, Website – List of 282 World Health Organization. Leprosy Profile in Western Programs and Services. Accessed 2 December 2019. http:// Pacific Region: Palau. Accessed 14 December 2019. https:// www.palauhealth.org/MOHpages/MOHServices1.aspx wpro.shinyapps.io/leprosy_dashboard/ 266 World Health Organization, Western Pacific Region. 283 CDC. Chikungunya virus: Geographic distribution. 17 WHO Country Cooperation Strategy for Palau: September 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/ 2013-2017. p. 3. https://iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/ index.html handle/10665.1/7895/CCS_PLW_2013-2017_eng. 284 CDC. Traveler’s Health: Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria pdf;sequence=3 Prophylaxis Information, by Country. https://wwwnc. 267 World Health Organization, Western Pacific cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/preparing-international- Region. Palau-WHO Country Cooperation Strategy travelers/yellow-fever-vaccine-and-malaria-prophylaxis- 2018-2022. p. 3. https://iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/ information-by-country/palau handle/10665.1/13952/WPRO-2017-DPM-018-plw-eng. 285 World Health Organization. Palau: Country Profile - pdf Measles Elimination. May 2016. http://www.wpro.who. 268 World Health Organization. Country Health int/immunization/documents/measles_country_profile_ Information Profile: Palau. 2011. p. 311. http://www.wpro. may2016_plw.pdf who.int/countries/plw/24PALpro2011_finaldraft.pdf 286 José E. Hagan, MD; Jennifer L. Kriss, PhD; Yoshihiro 269 Dvids. 84th Engineer Civic Action Team Deploys Takashima, MD, PhD; Kayla Mae L. Mariano; Roberta to Palau for 50th Anniversary https://www.dvidshub. Pastore, MD; Varja Grabovac, MSc; Alya J. Dabbagh, PhD; net/news/334655/84th-engineer-civic-action-team- and James L. Goodson, MPH. Progress Toward Measles deploys-palau-50th-anniversary Elimination — Western Pacific Region, 2013–2017. 270 IAMAT. Palau - Dengue. Accessed 14 December 2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Vol. 67, No. https://www.iamat.org/country/palau/risk/dengue 17, 4 May 2018. p. 492. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/ 271 Republic of Palau, Ministry of Health. Situation Update: volumes/67/wr/pdfs/mm6717a3-H.pdf Dengue Outbreak. 26 June 2017. http://www.palauhealth. 287 Outbreak News Today. Measles in the Pacific update: org/files/Dengue%20Oubtreak%20Situation%20 Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa and Fiji. 11 December Update%20for%20partners_20170626.pdf 2019. http://outbreaknewstoday.com/measles-in-the- 272 Palau Health Org. Dengue 3 Outbreak, Palau December pacific-update-samoa-tonga-american-samoa-and- 2018- July 2019. 9 July 2019. www.palauhealth.org/ fiji-38390/ dengueFiles/Dengue%20Outbreak%20SitRep_31_ 288 Republic of Palau, Office of the President. Facebook Palau_20190709.pdf page. 6 December 2019. https://hi-in.facebook.com/ 273 Sue Lee. Zika infection confirmed in Palau. Pacific Daily PalauPresident/posts/1477222342429860 News. 8 November 2016. https://www.guampdn.com/ 289 World Health Organization, Western Pacific Region. story/news/2016/11/07/confirmed-case-zika-infection- WHO Country Cooperation Strategy for Palau 2013-2017. palau/93459562/ https://iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/handle 274 Republic of Palau, Ministry of Health. Public Health /10665.1/7895/CCS_PLW_2013-2017_eng. 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291 Republic of Palau Ministry of Health & World Health 309 Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Organization. Republic of Palau NCD Risk Factors Who Implements – Member States. Accessed 13 December STEPS Report. p. 9-10. http://www.palauhealth.org/files/ 2019. https://www.peacewomen.org/member-states PALAU%20NCD%20STEPS%20REPORT.PDF 310 World Economic Forum. The Global Gender Gap 292 World Health Organization. Noncommunicable Report 2018. http://reports.weforum.org/global-gender- Diseases (NCD) Country Profiles 2018 – Palau.https:// gap-report-2018/ www.who.int/nmh/countries/2018/plw_en.pdf 311 SPC. The Pacific Community (SPC) and climate 293 Republic of Palau. Healthy Communities Healthy Palau change: Building resilient communities in the 2015-2020: Non-communicable disease prevention and Pacific. 12 December 2019. https://spccfpstore1. control strategic plan of action. http://www.palauhealth. blob.core.windows.net/digitallibrary-docs/files/b5/ org/files/FinalDraft-PalauNCDPlan_complete%20pages- b5abefd371a63fa61ac6c12f1d01be72.pdf?sv=2015-12- dc%20(Low%20Res).pdf 312 PEW. Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Sept 2015. 294 Rhealyn C. Pojas. Island Times. A walk with the Palau https://www.pewtrusts.org/-/media/assets/2017/07/ NCD-Free Club. Notated as “2 years ago”; accessed 13 palau_update2017_ December 2019. http://islandtimes.us/a-walk-with-the- v6.pdf?la=en&hash=4743F4F5B5593533 palau-ncd-free-club/ FA12DB9E24FAFAF1F598802F 295 World Health Organization, Western Pacific 313 NOAA. Pacific RISA. Palau. 2019. https://www. Region. Palau-WHO Country Cooperation Strategy pacificrisa.org/places/republic-of-palau/ 2018-2022. p. 5. https://iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/ 314 BBC. Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun screen. handle/10665.1/13952/WPRO-2017-DPM-018-plw-eng. 1 January 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/world- pdf asia-50963080 296 World Health Organization. Country Profiles: Palau. 315 NOAA. Pacific RISA. Palau. 2019. https://www. 2015. https://hiip.wpro.who.int/portal/portals/0/ pacificrisa.org/places/republic-of-palau/ CountryProfiles/PDF/PLW_Palau2015.pdf 316 Discover the Real Micronesia and Palau. Ben Cook, 297 Palau Area Health Education Center. Accessed 13 Michael Gall, Chad Lathe, Christy Lejkowski, Richard December 2019. https://www.ahec.hawaii.edu/palau/ Lejkowski, Lorry Marvin, Megan McCrea. 2010. 298 Global Health Workforce Alliance. Pacific Human ISBN#978-0-9822619-3-4. Resources for Health Alliance. Accessed 13 December 317 Reliefweb. ADB Support to Boost Palau’s Resilience to 2019. https://www.who.int/workforcealliance/members_ Natural Disasters. 16 October 2018. Asian Development partners/member_list/phrha/en/ Bank. https://reliefweb.int/report/palau/adb-support- 299 World Health Organization. WHO Country boost-palaus-resilience-natural-disasters Cooperation Strategy for Palau 2013-2017. p. 18. https:// 318 Coral Reef Research Foundation, Palau. A Summary iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665.1/7895/ of Palau’s Typhoon History 1945-2013. December 2014. CCS_PLW_2013-2017_eng. https://coralreefpalau.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ pdf;jsessionid=2FC65A7017181F CRRF-Palau-Typhoon-History-2014-1.pdf 093ADFAF5839FFC674?sequence=3 319 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. 300 Pacific Open Learning Health Net. Accessed 13 October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management December 2019. https://polhn.org/ Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ 301 Pacific Women in Politics: Palau. Accessed 13 December policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 2019. https://www.pacwip.org/country-profiles/palau/ 320 Republic of Palau. National Disaster Risk Management 302 Pacific Women. Palau. Accessed 12 December 2019. Framework 2010 (amended 2016). https://www. http://pacificwomenreport.org/progress-by-location/palau/ palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FINALIZED- 303 Pacific Women. Pacific Women Report: Annex NDRMF_2016.pdf B. http://pacificwomenreport.org/pacific-women- 321 Prevention Web. Government Republic of Palau. activities/#1511041473534-6cf9a2c2-dff2 October 2010. Palau: National Disaster Risk Management 304 UN Women. Asia and the Pacific: Palau. Accessed 12 Framework 2010. https://www.preventionweb.net/english/ December 2019. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/ policies/v.php?id=60116&cid=130 countries/fiji/co/palau#down_anc1 322 Republic of Palau. Special Weather Statement: October 305 Rhealyn Pojas. Mechesil Belau Conference begins today. 13, 2017. https://www.palaugov.pw/special-weather- Notated as “1 year ago”; accessed 13 December 2019. statement-october-13-2017/ http://islandtimes.us/mechesil-belau-conference-begins- 323 USAID. Pacific Islands: Disaster Risk Reduction. today/ Accessed 27 November 2019. https://www.usaid.gov/ 306 Noe Tanigawa. Women in Palau: The Velvet Glove. pacific-islands/working-crises-and-conflict Hawaii Public Radio. 20 January 2016. https://www. 324 The World Bank. Palau. https://data.worldbank.org/ hawaiipublicradio.org/post/women-palau-velvet- country/palau glove#stream/0 325 International Monetary Fund. Republic of Palau: 307 The Pacific Community. 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94 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 327 Republic of Palau. Ministry of Health Strategic Plan 342 U.S. Department of State. Palau. Accessed 13 December 2014-2018. http://www.nationalplanningcycles.org/sites/ 2019. https://history.state.gov/countries/palau default/files/planning_cycle_repository/palau/palau_moh_ 343 CIA World Factbook. Palau: Military and Security. strategic_plan_2014-2018.pdf Accessed 13 December 2019. https://www.cia.gov/library/ 328 2nd Lt. Joanna Curci. Progress Through Partnership: publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ps.html Remembering World War II in the Republic of Palau. Stars 344 U.S. Department of State. U.S. Relations with Palau. and Stripes Guam. 12 October 2019. https://guam.stripes. https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-palau/ com/community-news/progress-through-partnership- 345 Radio Free Asia. Six More Uyghurs Freed. 31 October remembering-world-war-ii-republic-palau 2009. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/ 329 Master Sgt. JT May. Civic Action Team Cements Palau palau-10312009165019.html Bond through Training, Partnership. U.S. Indo-Pacific 346 United Nations General Assembly. Overall Command. 27 September 2017. https://www.pacom. Votes. https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/ mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1327300/ organization/82642.pdf civic-action-team-cements-palau-bond-through-training- 347 Randy Mulyanto. Taiwan weighs options after partnership/ diplomatic allies switch allegiance. Al Jazeera. 330 Wyatt Olson. US Soldiers Return to Palau for Exercise 25 September 2019. https://www.aljazeera.com/ after 37-Year Hiatus. Stars and Stripes. 8 April 2019. news/2019/09/taiwan-weighs-options-diplomatic-allies- https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/04/08/us- switch-allegiance-190925070254771.html soldiers-return-palau-exercise-after-37-year-hiatus.html 348 Republic of China (Taiwan), Ministry of Foreign 331 Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Houston. U.S. Indo-Pacific Affairs. Diplomatic Allies. Accessed 13 December Command. Exercise Palau 2019 Marks Largest U.S. Army 2019. https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/AlliesIndex. Presence on Palau In Three Decades. 16 April 2019. aspx?n=DF6F8F246049F8D6&sms=A76B7230ADF29736 https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/ 349 Kate Lyons. ‘Palau against China!’: the tiny island Article/1815934/exercise-palau-2019-marks-largest-us- standing up to a giant. 7 September 2018. https://www. army-presence-on-palau-in-three-decades/ theguardian.com/global-development/2018/sep/08/palau- 332 U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. COPE North 2019 against-china-the-tiny-island-defying-the-worlds-biggest- Strengthens Partnerships, Sharpens Lethality, Improves country Interoperability. February 14, 2019. https://www.pacom. 350 Raini Hamdi. Palau Campaign Stands Tough on mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1758417/ Environment Despite Hit to Tourism. Skift. 4 January 2019. cope-north-2019-strengthens-partnerships-sharpens- https://skift.com/2019/01/04/palau-campaign-stands- lethality-improves-interopera/ tough-on-environment-despite-hit-to-tourism/ 333 UNESCO. Eighth Pacific Tsunami Drill set for 351 Nautilus Institute. Pacific Patrol Boat Program. Accessed September to November 2018. 20 September 2018. https:// 13 December 2019. https://nautilus.org/publications/ en.unesco.org/news/eighth-pacific-tsunami-drill-set- books/australian-forces-abroad/pacific-islands/pacific- september-november-2018 patrol-boat-program/ 334 Rhealyn Pojas. Koa Moana military exercise to begin 352 Aaron Orlowski. Palau tackles IUU fishing with November 23. Island Times. Accessed 12 December 2019. innovative technologies and partnerships. Seafood Source. http://islandtimes.us/koa-moana-military-exercise-to- 11 August 2017. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/ begin-november-23/ supply-trade/palau-tackles-iuu-fishing-with-innovative- 335 Anderson Air Force Base. Operation Christmas Drop. technologies-and-partnerships https://www.andersen.af.mil/ocd/ 353 The Pacific Community. Members: Palau. http://www. 336 US Embassy in FSM. Pacific Partnership 2018 Begins spc.int/our-members/palau/details in Micronesia. March 31, 2018. https://fm.usembassy.gov/ 354 Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Members.https:// pacific-partnership-2018-begins-micronesia/ www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ 337 Lt. John Drdek and Lt. Clyde Shavers. U.S. Indo-Pacific geos/ps.html Command. Pacific Partnership 2018 Concludes in Palau, 355 Forty-Ninth Pacific Islands Forum. Yaren, Nauru. 3–6 Heads to Malaysia. 16 April 2018. https://www.pacom.mil/ September 2018. Forum Communiqué. https://www. Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1494593/pacific- un.org/humansecurity/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/49th- partnership-2018-concludes-in-palau-heads-to-malaysia/ Pacific-Islands-Forum-Communiqu%C3%A9.pdf 338 Pacific Partnership 2016 After Action Report, August 356 Murray Ackman, Anna Naupa, and Patrick 2016. Tuimalealiifano. Boe Declaration: navigating an uncertain 339 U.S. Army. Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Pacific. The Lowy Institute. 3 October 2018.https:// Exercise and Exchange kicks off in , Vanuatu. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/boe-declaration- Capt. Chad Cooper. August 3, 2016. https://www.army. navigating-uncertain-pacific mil/article/172754/pacific_resilience_disaster_response_ 357 Our Ocean. Welcome to Our Ocean 2020. Accessed 21 exercise_and_exchange_kicks_off_in_port_vila_vanuatu November 2019. https://www.ourocean2020.pw/ 340 Stars and Stripes Guam Expeditionary Marines to train 358 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Health on Guam, Tinian, Palau http://guam.stripes.com/news/ Information for travelers to Palau. Accessed 3 December expedtionary-marines-train-guam-tinian-palau 2019. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/ 341 Encyclopedia Britannica. Trust Territory of the Pacific none/palau?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001 Islands. Accessed 13 December 2019. https://www. 359 PreventionWeb.net. Chart of the Sendai Framework britannica.com/place/Trust-Territory-of-the-Pacific- for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. http://www. Islands preventionweb.net/files/44983_sendaiframeworkchart.pdf

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360 UNISDR. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. https://www.unisdr.org/we/coordinate/sendai- framework 361 PreventionWeb.net. Chart of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. http://www. preventionweb.net/files/44983_sendaiframeworkchart.pdf 362 UNISDR. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. https://www.unisdr.org/we/coordinate/sendai- framework 363 UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Pacific islands launch Sendai Framework Monitor. 28 March 2018. https:// www.unisdr.org/archive/57654 364 PreventionWeb.net. Chart of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. http://www. preventionweb.net/files/44983_sendaiframeworkchart.pdf 365 PreventionWeb. HFA. National Progress Report on the Implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (2011-2013). https://www.preventionweb.net/files/29472_ mhl_NationalHFAprogress_2011-13.pdf 366 Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. Palau. Page last updated December 18, 2019. https://www.cia.gov/ library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rm.html

96 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 20200127v2.0

Palau Disaster Management Reference Handbook | January 2020 97 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 456 Hornet Avenue, Building 76, Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam, Hawaii 96860-3503 Telephone: (808) 472-0518 https://www.cfe-dmha.org