Palau Earth Day Committee Announces National Earth Month – April 2026

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Palau Earth Day Committee is proud to announce that His Excellency President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has designated the month of April as Earth Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 26-424.

This year’s 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,” highlights the importance of collective action to protect Palau’s natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Palau Earth Day Committee is made up of members from 16 organizations across different sectors including national government, semi-government, state government, non-governmental organizations, and representatives from partner country governments. In 2026, the Committee is chaired by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).

Throughout April, the Earth Day Committee urges all residents, organizations, and visitors to take part in activities and adopt simple, impactful practices that contribute to environmental protection. These include reducing plastic use, choosing reusable items, properly segregating waste, and participating in community initiatives such as cleanups and tree planting.

Earth Month activities began on Friday, April 10, with the Dive 4 Earth Day event at T-Dock in Meketii from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., organized under the Palau Pledge in partnership with Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. This dive cleanup brought together participants—many of whom became dive-certified through the Palau Pledge Dive Camp—to actively contribute to marine conservation. In the afternoon, the Koror State Government Solid Waste Management team assisted participants in weighing and segregating the collected debris. In total, 159kg (350lbs) of trash was removed.

On the evening of Friday, April 17, the community is invited to gather at Ernguul Park for a vibrant Night Market, co-hosted by the Koror State Government and the Earth Day Committee. Running from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the event will bring together local vendors, families, and environmental advocates in celebration of sustainable living.

Also beginning on April 17 and continuing through April 18, the Bureau of Environment, the Ngerbeched community, and Ngchesar State will lead tree planting initiatives focused on strengthening local ecosystems and fostering community engagement in environmental stewardship.

On Saturday, April 18, the Palau International Coral Reef Center, in partnership with Palau Pacific Resort (PPR), will host a Reef Restoration Day in Ngerkebesang. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute directly to coral reef restoration efforts, supporting one of Palau’s most vital natural resources.

Sons of Sureor will organize a coastal cleanup at KB Bridge on Sunday, April 19. Coastal cleanups are essential for removing marine debris, protecting wildlife, and preventing pollution from entering and damaging Palau’s ocean ecosystems.

Earth Day itself, Wednesday, April 22, will feature special events focused on youth engagement. The Koror State Urban Growers Program will organize a tree planting at Palau High School, while two coral planting activities will be led by PICRC. One with students from Meyuns Elementary School in partnership with PPR, and the other with students from Ngaraard Elementary School in partnership with Ngaraard State Government and The Nature Conservancy. From Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24, all public schools in Palau will take part in the Ocean Stewardship Program. In addition, Airai Elementary School, Angaur Elementary School, and Koror Elementary School will conduct clam planting, tree planting, microplastic surveys, cleanups, and Earth Day roadside campaigns.

These activities aim to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Also on Wednesday, April 22, a Community Closet Clothes Swap will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Civic Center Hall, led by Rengelekel Belau. This event will promote sustainability while fostering community engagement by encouraging the reuse and exchange of clothing. And also on that day, the US Embassy and the Bureau of Environment-Division of Forest, Land, & Water Management will be planting vetiver grass hedges to prevent soil erosion, keeping soil where it belongs in the uplands and out of the ocean. 

On Friday, April 24, Ernguul Park will once again serve as a hub of activity with the Green Fair, hosted by the Palau Visitors Authority from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The fair will showcase sustainability initiatives and include a plant contest highlighting medicinal and ornamental plants.

Throughout the week of April 18 through April 25, Rubekul Belau will coordinate a nationwide community cleanup and Kebeas “Merremia peltata” management campaign. This effort will culminate in a closing celebration in Melekeok on April 25, bringing communities together to recognize their collective contributions to a cleaner environment.

The Palau Earth Day Committee invites everyone across the nation to participate in Earth Month activities and to take meaningful steps toward protecting Palau’s environment. Together, we can invest in our community and safeguard our natural heritage for a cleaner, healthier future.

For more information about these activities, contact Ms. Kliu Basilius at EQPB [email protected] or Mr. Nolan Rebluud at PICRC at [email protected] or by calling 488-6950.