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The effective social and economic development of Pacific Communities is dependent on three essential inputs, namely energy, water and information and communication technologies. The Community Lifelines Programme aims to improve the Pacific Communities’ access to these essential inputs.

Current Issues for Palau

A number of critical issues have been identified by Palau through national and regional mechanisms, many of which are critical to the achievement of Tonga’s longer-term vision and fall within the work programme component areas of the Community Lifelines Programme. In terms of the globally recognised pillars of sustainability, namely environmental, economic and social issues, the relevant identified key issues and concerns are summarised below:

• Large-scale developments and population growth are increasing the burden on water resources, particularly in the Koror area.
• Lack of effective watershed management mechanisms.
• Need to expand water delivery system, ensure efficiency, minimise leakages and prevent water contamination.
• Depletion from the fresh-water lens may cause salt-water intrusion.
• Lack of public awareness on the long-term benefits of efficient water consumption practices.
• Inadequate pollution and waste management mechanisms to address Palau’s requirements.
• Need to evaluate the capacity of existing waste and water infrastructures to meet the demands of the growing population.
• Economic barriers to renewable energy initiatives.
• Lack of technology transfer.

Programme Response

Regionally, Palau’s needs are being addressed along with other South Pacific member countries through:

• The continual assessment of wind development and energy resources, the provision of technical assistance and training of staff in this area, and the provision and maintenance of a database which will assist the decision making and capacity building of concerned and relevant human resources;
• The development of energy resources that incorporate new and related technologies, the improvement of community access to and awareness of these energy resources, in order to ensure sustainable management;
• The development of cost effective and suitable technology such as Geographic Information Systems GIS and Remote Sensing on spatial data for the region that is accessible for relevant stakeholders, regionally and internationally; the development of intranet and internet technologies; relevant support to the government departments concerned, and ensuring the accuracy of available data;
• The provision of technical advice on water and sanitation in the region, its proper management and awareness of waste management; the development of strategies that will reduce member islands’ vulnerability to drought;
• The review of existing policy and legislation in water, energy and relevant information and communication technologies that relate to SOPAC work programmes; representation of Pacific concerns at global forums, and the coordination of regional action plans in these areas.