Palau like many island countries is experiencing the acute impacts of climate change. These include rising temperatures, varying rainfall patterns and changes in the frequency of droughts. These impacts exacerbate the vulnerability of local communities to water and vector-borne diseases as well as water scarcity and food security. The Palau National Climate Change Policy 2015 and Palau Bureau of Public Health Strategic Plan identified health and water security as areas requiring priority action.

Focusing on the people and communities living in the five states of Aimeliik, Airai, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang and Ngardmau on the island of Babeldaob, the project will adopt a participatory and inclusive approach that addresses the vulnerabilities and the rights of all residents, whilst paying special attention to the most vulnerable. Skills in climate resilience will be enhanced, particularly for state government officers and community leaders.

The project will scale up the existing school supplementary water storage system programme to include community evacuation shelters in the five states. A water quality training and monitoring programme will be established to help households and state agencies control the spread of vectors, such as mosquitoes, and monitor and maintain the supplementary water storage systems to ensure the availability of quality drinking water.

The capacity of the National Radio Station will be enhanced to facilitate live broadcasts from communities throughout the country to share information and experiences about ways they are working to create healthy, climate resilient communities. Specific activities will include the training of teachers and students to monitor and address coastal pollution issues.