AGP Executive Report
Last update: 10 hours agoRegional Cooperation: Israel has been accepted into the Pacific Islands Forum’s sectoral partnership stream, with planned cooperation on water management, desalination, agriculture, climate adaptation and innovation. Leaders approved the move at a meeting in Palau; the partnership’s priorities and progress measures are still to be set. Recycling: Palau lawmakers are considering expanding the deposit-refund program to food cans, fuel and oil containers, and cleaning-product packaging. Senate Bill 12-86 proposes a 10-cent deposit on eligible containers to divert more waste from landfills. Housing and Construction: A separate bill would direct 2% of unrestricted local revenue to housing programs from the end of fiscal 2027, supporting affordable construction and home repairs. Senators raised questions about costs, oversight and tax exemptions on building materials. Air Quality: Palau’s months-long haze is traced mainly to smoke from forest and peat fires in Southeast Asia and nearby regions, rather than local land clearing, according to atmospheric monitoring. The smoke has obscured skies and ocean views, with potential consequences for residents and the environment.
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