Yap Summit Community Sector - Yap State Government

YAP STATE GOVERNMENT
WELFARE & ENVIRONMENT
Anticipating Upcoming Challenges & Preventing Disruptive Impacts
Extended family erosion and migration trends, as well as environmental challenges will soon have a stronger
impact on the Islands.
Inputs
→ The Committee will discuss the potential of the role of community volunteerism in the effective
implementation of environmental initiatives (i.e. waste management, recycling, etc.). It will also discuss
alternative welfare solutions (i.e. elderly care) acknowledging social changes and suggesting culturally
appropriate initiatives.
SDP Environment Goals
Departments Interviewed: YSPC (#3); APA (all); MRMD (#1, #2, #4, #5, #6, #7, #9), YINS (#1, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8,
#9)
Environment # 1: Mainstream environmental considerations, including climate change, into national policy and
planning as well as in all economic development activities.
being achieved/ strong impediments
Positive aspects towards the achievement of the Goal:
• There is an increased awareness of climate change threats and of the need to formulate policies dealing
with climate change issues and the conservation of the environment as a whole.
• Environment risk mitigation is seen as established and operating well.
• There is the perception that adequate advocacy efforts are in place.
Critical aspects were highlighted that may affect the final achievement of the Goal:
• Presently advocacy attention seems to have geared mainly towards climate change, not targeting the
environment as a whole.
• There is no perception of a policy plan for climate change yet, and also uncertainties on which
environmental considerations to mainstream.
• Funding and personnel are often perceived as the key factor that impedes the implementation of plans.
• Perceived lack of a continuous monitoring system, and of technical skills necessary for a proper evaluation
of complex projects (e.g. solar panels).
• Perceived lack of a of long term project sustainability.
• Perceived lack of distribution of information and sharing of policies amongst stakeholders.
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