KOROR (Palau Horizon) — The government has asked the Environmental Quality Protection Board to expedite its review of commercial aquaculture projects.
“We are concerned about this—EQPB needs to move expeditiously because any delay may cause losses in investments,” according to Roman Yano, special assistant to the president on agriculture and aquaculture development.
Yano said the government needs the full cooperation of EQPB since the projects are considered crucial for Palau’s economic development.
“The role of EQPB is to help to prevent environmental damage. But it has to be also supportive of projects like these,” Yano said.
He expects that the agency will also support the administration’s call for aquaculture development.
“That is my expectation. EQPB will adhere to that and balance its approach,” he said.
EQPB said the projects are among its top priorities along with other national government undertakings.
Yano said the government is considering two commercial aquaculture projects in Ngiwal and Ngatpang.
“We have made some progress in the Ngiwal joint venture. It is a project between Tai-Tung investors and the people of Ngiwal. We are just waiting for EQPB’s approval of the environmental impact assessment,” Yano said.
In Ngatpang, Yano said there is a proposed milkfish farm project and the government is currently waiting the approval from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
“We have engaged the leaders of Ngatpang and Marine Resources and the project is being supported by this administration,” Yano said.
