Palau National Environmental Management Strategy 2022-2030.

The National Environmental Management Strategy is a framework document that defines Palau’s environmental priorities and actions. It implements and is consistent with existing national policies that promote sustainable development and environmental conservation. The goal of the Strategy is to achieve a resilient Pacific environment that sustains livelihoods and natural heritage in harmony with cultures. The Strategy prescribes environmental management actions in eleven sectors including climate change; land management and food security; nearshore marine management; offshore marine management; freshwater management; biodiversity conservation; waste management; chemical management; built environment; culture, heritage, and awareness; and environmental governance.
The strategy emphasizes the need for adaptation to climate change impacts, transition to renewable energy, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and ozone depleting substances. It also highlights the importance of climate finance mechanisms and international advocacy for climate justice. Adaptation, resilience, disaster risk, and mitigation plans will be developed, with a special emphasis on the most vulnerable.
Land management will be strengthened through integrated land use planning and zoning, increased access to land and water resources, and sustainable land management practices. Local sustainable organic food production will be enhanced to increase organic certified foods, farms, and products. Agrobiodiversity conservation will be ensured through best farming practices. Biosecurity measures will be taken to prevent new invasive species and control existing ones to boost fruit production. Productive soils will be maintained and increased through the protection of high-quality agricultural soils, soil enhancement, and erosion control. The strategy also focuses on forest management, protection of water supplies, and expansion of the Protected Areas Network (PAN).
The Strategy focuses on improving the status and value of nearshore fisheries, enhancing marine spatial planning, and expanding marine protected areas (MPAs). It emphasizes data collection and sharing, sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, and coral reef conservation. The strategy also includes managing mangroves, promoting tourism outside of Koror, and improving the management of Koror’s World Heritage Site. The goal is to ensure sustainable use and protection of nearshore marine resources through integrated and adaptive management practices.
The Strategy addresses sustainable management and protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Key actions for offshore marine management include strengthening cross-sector coordination, ensuring sustainable domestic pelagic fisheries, preventing IUU fishing, reducing bycatch, protecting marine species, and maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The strategy emphasizes the importance of marine spatial planning, sustainable financing, and effective regulation and enforcement to achieve these goals.
Freshwater management will be strengthened by ensuring sustainable management and protection of freshwater catchments, managing freshwater supplies to meet the needs of the population, carrying out regular monitoring of freshwater quality according to international guidelines, protecting estuarine habitats and maintaining populations of indicator species, and protecting and managing Palau’s freshwater lakes within the Protected Areas Network (PAN).
The Strategy stresses on protecting endangered species, managing invasive species, expanding the Protected Areas Network (PAN), and mainstreaming biodiversity conservation. Key actions for biodiversity conservation include developing species management plans, conducting comprehensive biological inventories, and enhancing local and national awareness of biodiversity priorities. The strategy emphasizes adaptive management, regular environmental reporting, and integrating biodiversity conservation into tourism, cultural site protection, and development to ensure sustainable practices and the preservation of Palau’s rich biodiversity.
The Strategy focuses on improving the management of solid and hazardous wastes, enhancing national waste management systems, improving landfill operations, increasing recycling and composting rates, and managing hazardous and disaster waste. The strategy underlines the importance of reducing marine plastic pollution and ensuring sustainable waste practices to protect Palau’s environment.
Traditional knowledge and practices around agriculture, fisheries, agroforestry, forestry, biodiversity, and conservation will be disseminated, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of traditional knowledge and genetic resources will be ensured.
The Strategy emphasizes the importance of leadership and good governance in environmental management. It highlights the need for collective responsibility and the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern practices. It aims to enhance coordination and accountability across sectors, ensuring that environmental actions are well-managed and sustainable. It underscores the necessity of comprehensive datasets and integrated plans to guide decision-makers effectively.