Koror, Palau – The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched two new projects that will help make communities in Palau more prepared to address the impacts of climate change. Through its Pacific-American Climate Fund (PACAM), USAID awarded a total of US $492,810 in grants to the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) and Hatohobei Organization for People and Environment (HOPE).
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PCS will implement the Reviving Traditional Croplands to Improve Community Climate Resilience project. This project will revive neglected taro patches and the traditional soil conservation and watershed management practices that go with taro cultivation; thus, increasing food, environmental, and economic security of rural communities.
HOPE will implement the Improving Community Climate Resilience in Micronesia project that will enable remote communities on the outer islands of the Republic of Palau and Yap to participate in climate change adaptation activities, by customizing existing adaptation assessment and planning tools to these communities’ needs.
U.S. Ambassador Amy J. Hyatt, who led the launch of the projects today with President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., reaffirmed the American people’s commitment to the well-being of the people of the Pacific Islands. “President Obama has called this century the Pacific Century and under his leadership the United States is building on its long relationship with the region,” Ambassador Hyatt said. She added, “The initiatives we are launching today build upon our strong ties as we promote a hopeful future for the people of Palau—a future where all will be ready to face the adverse effects of a changing climate.”
PCS is Palau’s leading conservation organization. PCS strengthens community capacity to steward biodiversity and natural resources, taking a comprehensive ecosystem approach to conservation.
HOPE is a non-profit organization based in Palau that works to promote the Hatohobei community’s culture, education, social, and ecological welfare through grassroots as well as capacity-building activities.
USAID, through PACAM, is partnering with 12 Pacific Island countries to reduce long-term vulnerabilities associated with climate change. PACAM awards grants to civil society organizations in support of climate change adaptation measures which are mutually beneficial to both direct beneficiaries and the environment, such as livelihoods enhancement, improved health, food security, disaster risk reduction and sustainable natural resources management. [/restriction]