PICRC’s Education Carnival engages over 700 students across Palau

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) wrapped up its annual Education Carnival on January 30, 2025, drawing around 730 students from across the nation to celebrate this year’s theme: “Resilient Ocean, Resilient Community.” The three-day event, held from January 28–30, highlights PICRC’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of ocean health and its critical connection to the well-being of Palau’s people.

Students from 13 schools, spanning grades K through 12, took part in the event. These schools included Koror Elementary School, Seventh Day Adventist, Melekeok, Ngardmau, Ibobang, Ngaraard, Meyuns, Ngarchelong, George B. Harris, Ngeremlengui, Airai, as well as high schools Palau Mission Academy and Palau High School.

Each group experienced an engaging hour-long program featuring a PICRC introductory presentation and visits to five interactive activity stations. The stations offered students the chance to explore topics like the mysteries of the deep sea, the impacts of coral bleaching, and the importance of sustainable practices in protecting marine ecosystems. Key partners from Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (FPNMS), Palau Conservation Society (PCS), and Palau Community College-Cooperative Research & Extension (PCC-CRE), joined PICRC in delivering these hands-on learning experiences.

At PICRC’s booths, students explored mangrove ecosystems and their importance in protecting coastlines and supporting marine biodiversity, as well as coral bleaching and how researchers monitor its effects. They also learned about deep-sea exploration through the Lebuu’s Voyage expeditions and interacted with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which is used to explore the ocean’s depths. Friends of the PNMS shared insights on marine conservation and the Palau Pledge, featuring initiatives like the “Kick the Butts and Cap the Waste” challenge and their annual dive camp. PCS introduced students to Palau’s diverse ecosystems, man-made habitats, and taught them how to use the iNaturalist app, a citizen science tool that helps communities track biodiversity. PCC-CRE highlighted the link between sustainable farming and marine conservation, explaining how responsible agriculture supports the protection of coral reefs. After engaging with the activity stations, students toured the Palau Aquarium, further deepening their understanding of the island’s rich marine environment.

“This event underscores the importance of engaging our community, especially young people, in conversations about ocean resilience,” said PICRC CEO Roxanne Siual Blesam. “We are grateful for the support of our partners and schools in making this event a success. Together, we are fostering a generation that values and protects our marine environment.”

The Carnival also marked the launch of the 2026 Arts & Tides Calendar contest, themed “Adapting to our changing islands”. Students from K to 12th grade are encouraged to submit artwork showcasing ways to adapt to our changing ocean by March 19, 2025.

For more information about the contest or upcoming events, please visit www.picrc.org and follow us on our social media channels.