Strengthening Biosecurity Capacity Of Palau

This publication documents the accomplishments of Project TCP/PLW/3601/C1 “Strengthening Biosecurity Capacity of Palau”. These include: (i) preparation of the draft Aquatic Biosecurity Regulations for Aquatic Organisms (plus Annexures) and the draft Biofouling Management Regulations; (ii) the convening of a National Consultation, held 28 March 2017 in Koror, with some 30 participants representing government, the private sector and academe to discuss the draft regulations; (iii) the conduct of a Biosecurity Database Development Training Course, held 24/27 March 2017 at the National Capitol; and (iv) the preparation of a Framework for a Biosecurity Database. The report presents several lists of recommendations arising from the various project activities, the most urgent of which is that: “Recent introductions and transfers of live aquatic animals (both legal and illegal) are highly unsafe and have unnecessarily put future aquaculture development and local biodiversity at risk due to the possibility of introducing serious exotic pathogens and the possible genetic and ecological impacts of introduced and transferred species. The Government of Palau should take immediate steps to correct these practices. All introductions and transfers of live aquatic animals should be prohibited until such time as the draft Aquatic Biosecurity Regulations have been enacted and such species have been considered through the mechanisms contained therein”.

The Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) 2022 annual progress report captures the key achievements of the FVC, both in terms of its role as a pooled fund for non-earmarked and softly earmarked contributions from resource partners and the implementation of development initiatives through FVC subprogrammes. The report provides a comprehensive understanding of the FVC's role within the Organization, the contribution of FVC-funded work to the achievements of FAO's four betters and their respective Programme Priority Areas (PPAs), and the future direction of the FVC based on experiences in 2022. The report comprises six sections: (1) Introduction, (2) Achievements of the FVC as a fund, (3) Achievements of FVC programmes (the four betters), (4) Key FVC principles, (5) Challenges and lessons learned, and (6) Conclusions and future actions.

The Multicountry Programming Framework for the Pacific Islands (Pacific CPF) 2023–2027 is a strategic plan designed by the FAO to drive agrifood systems transformation and rural development in the Pacific Islands. It builds upon the achievements and lessons learned from the previous 2018–2022 Pacific CPF, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, programmatic approach, and sustainability. Derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Pacific Islands (Pacific UNSDCF) 2023–2027, the Pacific CPF aligns with FAO's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and focuses on key SDGs such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Life below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15). By leveraging partnerships and prioritizing sustainable practices, this framework aims to address the unique challenges faced by the Pacific Islands and contribute to their long-term development.

In response to the call of the 48th World Health Assembly for a substantial revision of the International Health Regulations, this new edition of the Regulations will enter into force on June 15, 2007. The purpose and scope of the Regulations are "to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade." The Regulations also cover certificates applicable to international travel and transport, and requirements for international ports, airports and ground crossings.