Marine Ecosystem Destruction by Abandoned Waste in Palau, June 2007

Marine Ecosystem Destruction by Abandoned Waste in Palau, June 2007

In the Pacific island nation of Palau, the problem of waste disposal has become increasingly serious with the development of tourism and population growth. On several islands, including the capital city of Maluku, incineration facilities and appropriate landfill sites were inadequately maintained, and waste from households and commercial facilities was being illegally dumped on the beach.

Under these conditions, rainfall causes toxic substances contained in the waste to run off and flow directly into the sea, resulting in pollution. In particular, the components produced in the decomposition process of plastic products and food waste had a negative impact on coral reefs and fish, threatening the local fishing industry and the natural environment as a tourist resource.

Local residents voiced their dissatisfaction and concern about the deterioration of their living environment, complaining that the odor was so bad that tourists constantly complained about it, and that flies attracted by the garbage would even enter their homes. Garbage dumped directly on the coastline was spread into the sea during storm surges and typhoons, causing direct damage to the ecosystem, including accidental ingestion by sea turtles, coral bleaching, and mass fish mortality.

In response to this situation, the NGO "Rice Japan" of Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, in cooperation with the Palauan government and international cooperation organizations, donated a waste incineration facility to the local community. The facility has a processing capacity of 5 tons/day and was designed to be suitable for small municipalities. The donation cost approximately 20 million yen, which was raised by Rice Japan through fundraising in Japan and with the cooperation of local schools and civic groups.

The Palauan government has begun reviewing its waste disposal policy with a focus on the use of incineration facilities. This project has also triggered the start of educational activities on the importance of waste management in the surrounding islands.

This case study reveals the vulnerability of waste disposal in small island countries and the ecological destruction it causes, and at the same time reminds us of the significance of grass-roots international cooperation.

Related Sources

1. National Solid Waste Management Strategy (2017-2026)
The Government of Palau has developed a National Solid Waste Management Strategy to address the risks posed by solid waste to public health and the environment. It aims to establish a sustainable waste management system.

2) JICA and Japanese Government Support for New National Landfill
The Japanese government and JICA are supporting the development of a new national landfill in Palau to reduce the environmental burden through proper waste disposal.

3. marine litter countermeasures by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
Palau has been conducting surveys on marine litter and strengthening its management system, and reducing the impact of plastics on marine ecosystems has been identified as a national issue.