This is part of a Japan-funded, Pacific-wide waste improvement program.
Palau is among the 14 countries and territories that have adopted the Regional Cooperative Framework on solid waste management.
Under the program, Pacific island countries and territories, with the help of Japan, will adopt cost-effective and self-sustaining solid waste management systems to protect the environment, promote a healthy population and encourage economic growth.
JICA resident representative to Palau Taiji Usui signed the plan with Minister Jackson Ngiraingas of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce.
Japan will help develop Palau’s final landfill site and capacity building, and focus on improving recycling, composting and school-based recycling programs.
“We want to help Palau keep abreast with the latest technology in solid waste management and help it tackle its waste problems more effectively,” said Usui.
The financial value of the plan was not disclosed, but it is expected to include equipment as well as technical assistance.
JICA has been an active advocate for Palau’s solid waste management efforts since the 2002 technical cooperation project involving the rehabilitation of the M-Dock Landfill.
