Palau International Coral Reef Center reaches over 700 students during 2024 Education Carnival

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC)’s annual Education Carnival took place over three days from January 23-25, 2024. The Education Carnival runs every year as part of PICRC’s anniversary celebration. This year’s theme was “Navigating Changing Seas”, which acknowledges the transitions that the Center faced over the last few years, the challenging nature of ocean conservation, the Center’s expansion into Palau’s deep open ocean, and the further development of nearshore research and monitoring.

In total, over 700 students, from Grades K to 10, attended the Education Carnival. They came from 12 different schools. These were elementary schools, SDA, George B. Harris, Melekeok, Ngaremlengui, Aimeliik, Ngardmau, Ibobang, Meyuns, Koror, Ngarchelong and Ngaraard, and high school, Belau Modekngei School. Each school received an hour-long program, which included an introduction presentation and visits to four different activities. They also had the option of touring the Palau Aquarium.

The first activity looked at how the seeds, roots, and leaves of mangroves can survive in their unique, coastal environment. The second activity explored how different fishes have adapted to live in the deep ocean. Another activity discussed research into sustainable fisheries. The final activity was run by partner organization, Friends of the PNMS, who talked with the students the importance of different sustainability initiatives.

The Education Carnival also saw the launch of the 2025 Arts & Tides Calendar contest. With the theme “Exploring our Sanctuary”, this year’s contest challenges Palau’s students to think about different ways the Palau National Marine Sanctuary could be explored. Artwork must be submitted by March 29, 2024.

“I would like to thank the Friends of the PNMS, the Ministry of Education Minister, Directors, Chiefs, and all teachers for their partnership on working with us to educate our children about our marine environment and the importance of conserving it and for another successful Education Carnival,” stated PICRC’s Interim CEO, Caryn Lkong Koshiba.