German funded initiatives in Palau

Solar water heater system

The grand opening of the ‘Palau Tourism & Hospitality School of Excellence’ took place in Koror, Republic of Palau earlier this month. The German government, through the small-scale project scheme of the German Embassy in Manila, supported the initiative by funding the solar water heater system of the hotel school with around 9,000 US$. Two solar panels are installed on the roof of the institution and provide hot water to the kitchen, restaurant and hotel suites.

Countries like China and Australia also helped realize the project. With tourism and the hospitality industry being a major source of income for Palau’s economy, the school aims to give Palauans an opportunity to improve the student’s training and skills in the field of hotel and hospitality management.

Demining activities

The German government has funded a demining project in Palau with a total of roughly 210,000 Euros (about 270,000 US$) so far. The project, implemented through Cleared Ground Demining in cooperation with the government of Palau, was initially approved in October 2010 and its second phase, which specifially targeted the island of Peleliu, was concluded in February 2012 Enlarge image

During World War II Palau was a fierce battle ground when the US fought the Japanese military. One of the bloodiest battles took place on Peleliu island in 1944. According to US military records, Palau was bombarded with 2,200 tons of shelling and another 600 tons of bombs dropped on Palau. Many remnants of the conflict can still be seen all over the islands - on land as well as underwater - and pose a serious threat to the population, tourists and the environment due to leaking of the chemicals. Many bombs are unexploded or partially exploded and therefore need to be defused and disposed properly Enlarge image Detection equipment (© German Embassy Manila)

With its demining project Germany has funded a national risk awarenenss campaign, surveys, the purchase of metal detection equipment and dive gear. Human security of the local population as well as tourists are improved and help stabilize their source of income. 

14 May 2012

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