Japan and JMAS Renew Support to Safeguard Palau’s Marine Environment from ERW

  On December 12, 2024, Embassy of Japan's Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mr. ONO Shunsuke, and Mr. SHIMADA Masato, Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) Palau Representative, signed a new grant contract for the "Disposal Works, Technical Transfer and Safety Support for Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) in the Republic of Palau" project in the presence of Ms. Esichang Ubedei, Ministry of State’s Chief of Division of Asia Pacific, and other guests.
 
  This agreement marks the beginning of the thirteenth year of Japan's support in safeguarding the island nation’s people and marine environment from the dangers of ERW. The signing follows a series of recent key visits by JMAS officials to Palau. On October 31, 2024, JMAS Chairman Mr. KISHIKAWA Kimihiko met with President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Palau's ongoing ERW disposal efforts. During their visit, the JMAS delegation engaged with Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro and Koror State Governor Eyos Rudimch to discuss plans for 2025, focusing on strengthening local capabilities and enhancing safety measures to protect Palau’s communities and its vital coastal resources.
 
  Active in Palau since 2012, JMAS has successfully removed underwater depth charges from the Helmet Wreck, monitored and disposed of leaking oil from the sunken Amatsu Maru in West Malakal Anchorage, and carried out extensive ERW clearance operations. Most recently, JMAS helped address the discovery of an unexploded World War II ordnance (UXO) in Malakal Bay, where they are actively working to ensure public safety and neutralize the threat in collaboration with the Koror State Rangers and Norwegian People’s Aid.

   “The grant aims to protect Palau’s marine environment and the safety of its people. This can only be truly achieved by completing the transfer of technical expertise from JMAS to the Koror State Government rangers to establish a sustainable ERW management system in Palau, and I am confident that we can build such system together,” said Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mr. Ono.

  JMAS resumed operations immediately following the contract signing, continuing its efforts to remove ERW and support the Government of Palau’s long-term safety initiatives.