Medium-Term Development Strategy 2009 - 2014.

This Medium-Term Development Strategy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Strategy is 5 years between 2009 and 2014. The overall purpose of this Strategy is to achieve a sustained and widespread improvement in general standards of living while preserving cultural and environmental values for Palauans.
Environmental protection will be integrated into key sectors such as forestry, minerals, water, watershed management, and energy to ensure sustainability. Environmental standards will be established for the protection of natural resources. Furthermore environmental awareness will be raised at all levels through education and dissemination of information. A new database will be established to collect as well as ensure access to environmental data. Environmental permit procedures will be carried out in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment. Biodiversity conservation will be developed with a special emphasis on endangered species. Flora and fauna databases will be established and updated through systematic survey to improve planning and monitor effectiveness of management plans. Coastal zone management will be strengthened taking into account sensitive areas. Sustainable fisheries management will be ensured in accordance with the international standards of marine resource, environmental management and sustainable economic development. Fisheries conservation measures will be taken for offshore and inshore fisheries to ensure ecosystem preservation and protection of species and marine resources. Agricultural production will be increased in line with the soil conservation practices. Sustainable management practices will be used to develop productive forests. In order to conserve forests and forest species, measures will be taken against invasive species in consequence of risk assessments.
Pro-poor strategies will be developed and implemented to address the needs of all vulnerable groups. The access to health, education, water and sanitation services will be ensured with a socially equitable manner. Poverty will be reduced by fostering sustainable agricultural and fisheries income opportunities. Fisheries and aquaculture extension services and information exchange will be developed to improve the delivery and efficiency of sound scientific extension and information exchange programs for aquaculture, fisheries and resource management. Fishing cooperatives will be promoted to assist in the sustainable development of the inshore fisheries. Farmer's capacity building will be enhanced through education and awareness-raising campaigns on agriculture and its potential.
Land use planning will be improved with an integrated management approach. National cooperation will be strengthened on resource management, zoning, land use planning and other policies affecting the use of land. Infrastructure will be developed through investments in sanitation, water and energy to support sound environmental management. Tourism sector will be developed to sustain high financial and other benefits with ecosystem approach. Waste control and minimization will be promoted in tourism sector. Economic opportunities from commercial forestry will be maximized. Biosecurity measures will be taken for effective forest conservation. The Bureau of Marine Resources programs for the economic development of subsistence, artisanal and commercial inshore fisheries will be developed and diversified. The economic returns per fish will be increased by improving fish quality through increased product handling and processing. Research will be conducted for feasible and environmentally sound production systems for new crops and fruits. Quality standards will be established for the agricultural products sold in the markets. Furthermore the reliance on imported foods will be reduced by producing those in Palau. A comprehensive and effective water conservation program will be established to sustain water quality.
Climate Risk Management and Adaptation mechanisms will be developed by establishing a national strategic plan for environmental response linked with updated Disaster Management Plan. Management plans will be developed to identify areas at risk from climate change. Water infrastructure will be improved against drought to secure water supply.
In respect of environmental protection and resource management, enforcement capabilities of the relevant institutions will be strengthened and monitoring and inspection performance will be improved. Furthermore environmental protection will be integrated into sector plans.