Achieving Resilient Agriculture and Aquaculture.

The Policy for Achieving Resilient Agriculture and Aquaculture is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this policy is 5 years covering the period between 2015 and 2020. The policy introduces the four cornerstones of resilience for achieving sustainable and food secured Palau. The four cornerstones are: institutional resilience, community resilience, ecosystem resilience, and economic resilience. These cornerstones address the different types of stakeholder assets that require strengthening, such as institutional, social, human, intellectual, economic, and natural capital.
This policy aims to create a supportive environment that allows local farmers to pursue local food production as a sustainable profession and livelihood, even in the face of climate change. Institutional capacity will be strengthened for supporting successful local food production. A national food security council will be established for improved communication and coordination on agriculture and aquaculture programs. Data and information will be collected and made available for improved decision-making through institutional networks and partnerships. A transparent, accountable and gender balanced governance and management will be promoted in local food production for achieving sustainable and resilient agriculture and aquaculture sectors in Palau. Effective agency coordination and collaboration will be enabled and efficient and effective response preparedness to extreme events will be strengthened to achieve the increase in local food production and water reserves.
This policy addresses the crucial role of healthy ecosystem services in resilient agriculture and aquaculture. Climate proof state-of-the-art sustainable land management practices, organic practices, increase in local inputs and renewable energy to produce 80% of Palau's food needs will be promoted to increase resilience of aquaculture and agriculture sectors to the impacts of climate change. Resilience building climate change adaptation measures will be taken, including management of saltwater intrusion, increase in propagation and planting of salt tolerant and other climate resilient crops, techniques to reduce impact of solar heat and use of strategic timing in planting calendars to maximize survival and yields. Natural resource management will be strengthened for sustainable management of agricultural and aquaculture farms. Greater support will be provided to community and consumer for local food production and consumption. The surveillance of local food production and consumption will be increased through targeting schools and the hospital to increase consumption of locally produced food, and community awareness will be raised on the importance of food security. Strategic partnerships between the Government, NGOs and private sector will be established and the Government and private sector investments will be enhanced for strengthening entrepreneurialism in local food production in collaboration with technical and financial partners. Economic resilience will be increased through actions including: the development of a flexible financing program for small commercial farmers and start up agriculture and aquaculture businesses; the establishment of a sustainable funding mechanism; incentive programs; financial management services and training as well as other capacity building activities; the establishment of a family agriculture and aquaculture entrepreneurship learning, coaching and resource center; and the establishment of a farmers’ market.