On January 9, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions (R/D) with the Government of the Republic of Palau on the technical cooperation project “Environmentally Sound Transportation System Development Project.
In Palau, the Palau International Airport, constructed in 2003 with the cooperation of JICA, has been utilized for 20 years, and a new terminal opened in May 2022. However, public transportation is still limited, and the main means of transportation for the people in the islands is private vehicles. Soaring oil prices have placed a heavy burden on the people who use private vehicles. In order to achieve sustainable economic growth that balances the development of tourism, which is a major industry, with environmental considerations such as climate change, an alternative means of transportation to the private car is needed that is widely accessible to all, and that takes into account Palau’s unique characteristics as a maritime nation and a tourism destination.
In this context, this project will support the implementation of pilot projects and the development of a master plan on public transport, and will build the capacity of implementing agencies in Palau to plan and implement environmentally friendly public transport systems. (Create a sustainable society), Goal 11 (Create livable cities), and Goal 13 (Take concrete measures to combat climate change).
© Source JICA