President of Palau, the Australian Embassy, and the Embassy of Japan to co-host PICRC’s 23rd Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) will celebrate its 23^rd anniversary with a fundraising gala dinner on January 18, 2024. With the theme Navigating Changing Seas, PICRC’s 23rd anniversary will acknowledge 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.

For the second year in a row, President Surangel Whipps, Jr. will co-host the event, alongside Ambassador Orikasa Hiroyuki of the Embassy of Japan and Ambassador Richelle Turner of the Australian Embassy.

“Coming from an island country, we appreciate the responsibility and complexity of managing a large and diverse marine jurisdiction”, said Ambassador Turner, “Research entities such as PICRC are critical to informing the protection and management practices of our marine environments to ensure the enormous environmental, cultural, social and economic significance of our coasts, oceans and water resources are realised. We are delighted to partner with PICRC.”

PICRC would like to thank Ambassador Turner for the generous donation of $25,000 to support PICRC’s research and outreach activities. PICRC’s annual operational costs are supported by multiple funding sources, including grants, the national budget, facility rentals and donations from supporters and partners but the anniversary fundraising gala dinner remains PICRC’s primary platform for the donations that fund its activities.

This fundraising event aims to bring partners and supporters together for an enjoyable night celebrating the anniversary of Palau’s very own research center. It will be held on PICRC’s grounds. The formal event will include showcasing the work of the Center with entertainment and fine dining.

We look forward to celebrating the 23rd Anniversary of the Palau International Coral Reef Center with you!