Asia-Pacific

Palauans Concerned Over Safety, Environment as US Military Development Continues

Published

By Alex Chen/Tiffany Wong

Open in App

Taiwan's geographically closest ally, Palau, will be the site of the US military's biggest overseas construction next year. Projects include rebuilding a major port, installing radar tower systems, and expanding a remote airstrip for military use. But locals worry the increase in military operations could make their home a target for conflict, and are seeking protection for themselves and their environment. Conservationists fear the critically endangered dugongs could be affected by upcoming construction.

Aquamarine waters... and coral reefs alive with colorful fish... the small Pacific country of Palau is famous for its natural beauty. Tourists flock to the archipelago for diving and locals call it the “pristine paradise.”

But that paradise could soon be lost... as the US ramps up its military presence in the region as it competes with China.

Several projects... including a 500-million US dollar re-build of its main port in Palau's commercial center, Koror, are in the works.

And residents are worried about what that could mean for their home.

MADELSAR NGIRAINGAS, PALAUN COMMUNITY MEMBER (Koror, Palau)

If war broke out here or if something were to happen in Palau where would Palauans go? Who would be in charge or responsible for taking care of them?

The US and Japan fought a fierce battle on Palau’s southern island of Peleliu during World War II... and locals worry an increase in US military presence could draw them into a future conflict.

Palau gives military access to the US as part of a compact of free association... but a tenth of the population recently signed a petition asking lawmakers to call for a better deal with protection assurances.

And it’s not just their homes at stake. Some worry that these projects, which could take years to complete, could also disrupt the local ecosystem as well... including the critically endangered dugongs who live in the UNESCO World Heritage site nearby.

RON LEIDICH, MARINE BIOLOGIST (Koror, Palau)

So if we can stay to that timeline and that's the only disturbance, what I would expect potentially is that we might lose the concentration of dugongs for that two-year period.

Other US projects in the country, including a radar tower system and an expanded airstrip for military use have also raised environmental concerns.

As military activity in Palau increases, residents hope that their safety... and their environment... are taken into consideration.