Palau
Support for Mine Action
The Republic of Palau has a problem of unexploded ordnance dating from World War II. Many of the remnants are either unexploded or partially exploded. They are present both on land and underwater, thus posing a serious threat to the population, tourists, and the environment.
In 2016, two donors—Australia and the United States (US)—contributed some US$900,000 million to address the threat of UXO.[1]
In comparison, in 2015, Palau received $1.8 million from three donors—Japan, the US, and Australia—to support clearance and capacity-building activities.[2]
International contributions: 2016[3]
|
Donor |
Sector |
Amount (national currency) |
Amount (US$) |
|
Australia |
Clearance |
A$580,000 |
431,810 |
|
US |
Clearance |
US$505,000 |
505,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
936,810 |
Between 2012 and 2016, international assistance toward mine action activities in Palau totaled approximately $9.6 million. Since 2014, there was a continuous decline in international funding to mine action in Palau, with contributions decreasing from $2.3 million in 2014 to less than $1 million in 2016 (a 59% decrease).
Summary of international contributions: 2012–2016[4]
|
Year |
Amount (US$) |
|
2016 |
936,810 |
|
2015 |
1,762,986 |
|
2014 |
2,276,405 |
|
2013 |
1,965,074 |
|
2012 |
2,649,013 |
|
Total |
9,590,288 |
[1] Australia, Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Report, Form J, 30 April 2017; and email from Steve Costner, Deputy Office Director, Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State, 30 October 2017.
[2] Australia, Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Report, Form J, 30 April 2016; Japan, Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Report, Form J, April 2016; and email from Steve Costner, US Department of State, 30 October 2017. Average exchange rate for 2015: A$1=US$0.7522, ¥121.05=US$1. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 4 January 2017.
[3] Average exchange rate for 2016: A$1=US$0.7445. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 4 January 2017.
[4] See previous Monitor reports. The totals for international support in 2014 and 2013 have been rectified as a result of revised US funding totals.