IWMI Launches Climate Prediction-Based Water Level Forecasting Model Development for Ngerimel Dam to Strengthen Palau’s Water Security

From March 12 to 13, 2026, the Integrated Watershed Management Institute (IWMI) conducted key stakeholder visits and an initial field survey in Palau for the project “Development of Climate Prediction-Based Water Level Forecasting Technology for Ngerimel Dam.”

This field survey was carried out in collaboration with the APEC Climate Center (APCC). The main objective was to collect essential baseline data for developing a customized forecasting model that can strengthen Palau’s water security and support proactive drought preparedness.

The joint IWMI–APCC survey team visited major water resources and disaster management institutions in Palau to establish a strong technical cooperation framework.

Key Field Visits and Survey Activities

Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) and Weather Service Office (WSO) The team reviewed water quality protection regulations related to the Ngerimel Dam watershed and examined the quality control status of historical meteorological observation data, including rainfall and temperature, which are essential for hydrological modeling.

Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) The team visited the Ngerimel Dam site to measure the geographic coordinates of key dam structures, including the intake and spillway. Discussions were also held on improving data management systems, including the potential digitization of dam operation records.

Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation Through discussions with the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), the team explored how forecasting information developed by IWMI could be integrated into Palau’s existing Drought Action Plan as a practical decision-support tool.

Based on the topographic, soil, hydrological, and dam operation data collected during the field survey, IWMI will begin the full-scale development, calibration, and validation of the water level forecasting model.

At the interim reporting meeting scheduled for June, IWMI plans to propose a user-friendly dashboard designed for local practitioners in Palau. IWMI will also continue to support technical knowledge transfer to help strengthen Palau’s independent water resources management capacity.