PICRC joins Earth Month Celebrations throughout Palau

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) proudly joined communities, partner organizations, and government agencies throughout April in celebration of Earth Month activities across the Republic of Palau.

In recognition of Earth Day, the Palau Earth Day Committee announced that His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr. officially designated the month of April as Earth Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 26-424.

This year’s Earth Month theme, “Investing in Our Community: Safeguarding Our Investments for a Cleaner Future, Kaukledem el Kirel a Ungil Omengereomel el mo Klungiolel a Ungil Klukuk er Kid,” emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting Palau’s natural resources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Palau Earth Day Committee is composed of representatives from 16 organizations spanning national and state governments, semi-government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. In 2026, the Committee is chaired by PICRC.

“Earth Month is an opportunity to bring communities together and highlight the small actions each of us can take to protect Palau’s environment,” said PICRC CEO Roxanne Siual Blesam. “Through education, outreach, and collaboration, we can inspire lasting change and encourage stewardship of our oceans, reefs, and islands for future Palauan generations.”

Communications and Outreach Officers Sara Vicente and Lucy Dickie represented PICRC at the Earth Day Committee booth during the Night Market at Ernguul Park on Friday, April 17. The event, co-hosted by the Koror State Government and the Earth Day Committee, featured participation from organizations including the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB), Palau Conservation Society, Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, Rengelekel Belau, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Services. PICRC’s interactive activities focused on the bioaccumulation of plastics within the marine food chain and introduced practical mitigation measures through waste segregation activities.

On Friday, April 24, the annual Green Fair hosted by the Palau Visitors Authority once again featured an Earth Day Committee booth. PICRC representatives continued their outreach activities and encouraged students to write environmental pledges on postcards, promoting personal commitments to protecting Palau’s environment.

Earth Month celebrations concluded on Saturday, April 25, with a community event in Melekeok hosted by Rubekul Belau. The event marked the completion of a weeklong cleanup and weed management competition between states. PICRC representatives engaged children and families through educational games and creative activities, including reusable bag decorating and a marine protected areas board game.

As Chair of Earth Day 2026, PICRC extends its sincere appreciation to all partner organizations, volunteers, and community members who contributed to the success of Earth Month activities throughout Palau and congratulate everyone who took part by contributing, in both small and meaningful ways, to the protection of our environment and beautiful Palau.

“Protecting our environment requires collaboration across communities, organizations, and generations,” stated Communications and Outreach Officer, Lucy Dickie. “It has been inspiring to see so many people come together this month to celebrate and care for Palau’s natural heritage.”