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PICRC’s 24th anniversary theme—Resilient Ocean, Resilient Community—highlights Palau’s connection to the sea
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) will celebrate its 24th anniversary on January 23rd, 2025. The theme for the upcoming Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner, ‘Resilient Ocean, Resilient Community’, highlights the interconnectedness between healthy ocean ecosystems and the wellbeing of Palauan people.
“All the work we do, whether research, outreach, communications, or management recommendations, is for the community, to create a resilient future in the face of change,” stated PICRC’s CEO, Roxanne Siual Blesam. “The ‘Resilient Ocean, Resilient Community’ theme encompasses this goal.”
Over the last year, PICRC’s research has continued to focus on projects that are directly connected to the people and future of Palau. There had been a strong emphasizes on understanding the impacts of climate change on Palau’s coral reefs and how the reefs can be safeguarded. This involves the study of heat resilient corals, coral bleaching surveys, ocean acidification monitoring, fisheries research, clam aquaculture and engaging local communities in reef restoration projects. Another aspect of PICRC’s research is focusing on how the degradation of mangrove ecosystems are impacting the health of adjacent coral reefs.
Researchers have also ventured offshore and expanded the focus into pelagic environments through projects like the investigation of the reproductive dynamics and movement of tuna in the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) and determining the baseline biodiversity within the PNMS.
PICRC has a strong emphasis on effective communications and education. All of the research is linked with ongoing outreach to empower ocean stewardship. PICRC will continue to strive to communicate the research findings and engage the local community and schools in various outreach events.
The Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner is PICRC’s largest fundraising event and the money raised through ticket sales and donations go on to fund all its activities. Tickets for the anniversary will soon be on sale at $100.00 each and the formal event will entail a sit-down dinner, full table service, live entertainment, and fine dining.