On Thursday, December 10, 2020, His Excellency, KARASAWA Akira, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Palau, formally handed over a brand new 25-foot boat to Northern Reef Fisheries Cooperative (NRFC). The handing over ceremony for “The Project for Procurement of Boat for Northern Reef Fisheries Cooperative” was held at NRFC Office in Ngarchelong, and was attended by officials from Ngarchelong and Kayangel States and members of NRFC.
The boat and the trailer were purchased in the total cost of $51,394, through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
The Cooperative has been promoting a sustainable management conservation of marine and terrestrial resources of Ngarchelong and Kayangel States as one of their activities but they could not do it sufficiently since they did not own their boat. In addition, the Cooperative was unable to provide a transportation for the fishermen of Kayangel State to bring their catch. Therefore they have to travel a long distance from their fishing spots to the Cooperative’s office in Ollei and they could not make much income by fishing as their livelihood. Hence, The Embassy of Japan has decided to provide the Cooperative with a brand new 25-foot boat to improve the situation.
In the ceremony, Ambassador Karasawa stated that this grant will be utilized to not only increase the total catch of fish and members’ income, but also contribute to sustainable management of Palau’s blessed marine resources combined with various technical assistance gained through JICA’s cooperation project. He also hoped this boat, an early Christmas gift, will benefit everyone in the community.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. As of December 10, 2020, the Embassy has signed 83 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, health care and environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan for GGP in order to contribute to sustainable development of Palau. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan’s GGP website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html .