09 May 2023 – Australian support through Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) over the past 2 years and 7 months has resulted in a dedicated Palauan unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance team and land released through the Palauan National Safety Office for the benefit of livelihoods, agriculture and development.
During the period, the Australian funded clearance team has cleared and released over 164,000 square metres of land through the National Safety Office across areas in Aimeliik, Airai, Melekeok and Ngatpang. This effort has resulted in the location and destruction of 4,804 unexploded ordnance, abandoned ordnance and small arms ammunition left in Palau after World War II.
The land cleared is in support of agricultural and pastoral use, forested areas to support hiking, foraging and picnicking, and land for critical infrastructure projects such as the Solar Project, road and housing development. Such activities directly benefits 856 men, women, girls and boys and indirectly 3,458 residents and citizens.
Australia is proud to continue partnering with Norwegian Peoples Aid and the Palauan National Safety Office to reduce the risk of World War II UXOs on the environment and people in Palau.
Further information
Please call 488-4628 or koror.embassy@dfat.gov.au.
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