Building water security and resilience to climate change in Palau

Abstract

The current trends of climate change under the uncertainty of the future has brought great challenges for the water resources of Palau. This research aims to provide the basic characteristics of water supply and use; identify factors that undermine water security and resilience and heighten vulnerability; develop a framework based on literature review and results of the various applications of methodologies; test the framework on the water resource of Palau; then put forward recommendations for increased sustainability and resilience in Palau's water resources. The results collected by the research showed that Palau's water resource is highly vulnerable to increased risk of drought, typhoon, sea-level rise, and shifts in precipitation patterns. The most vulnerable areas to the effects of climate change are the low-lying and coastal areas of Palau. The research also found that the effects of climate change on water resources also pose cascading effects that are felt by the realms of social, economic and ecosystem of Palau. For instance, during a recent drought in Palau, there was water rationing and people were forced to use water for limited hours during the day. The economy suffered as small businesses were forced to shut down, agricultural production was low, and tourism was threatened. The environment experienced low levels of water and extreme dryness. Other results indicate that most of the identified water-related agencies and organizations had influence over water management at a level lower than expected. This research introduces a water security and resilience to climate change framework that is derived from the findings of this research and includes solutions and recommendations to the current issues of the water sector.