Dirangerkiu Carol Emaurois awarded 2018 Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. Environmental Award
By: L.N. Reklai
January 18, 2018 (Koror, Palau) Palau International Coral Reef Center’s annual fundraiser event was completely sold out as evidenced by packed Ngarachamayong Cultural Center last night. The event had raised $164,000 dollars by the end of the evening.
The event was hosted by House of Delegates and Ngarachamayong and was themed, People First Through Conservation.
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During the event, Palau International Coral Reef Center awarded the first Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. Environmental Award to Dirangerkiu Carol Emaurois.
Before the presentation of the award, PICRC CEO Dr. Yimnang Golbuu explained that out of the 13 deserving nominees, Direngerkiu Carol Emaurois was selected as the recipient of the award. “If I could describe her in one word, it would be Trailblazer” stated Dr. Golbuu.
Direngerkiu Carol Emaurois has been a trailblazer in conservation efforts in Palau, according to Golbuu.
In 1990’s she led the effort to strengthen science education and established the first Science Center in Palau. She also led the effort in developing curriculum for the first Environmental Science Program at Palau Community College.
She was one of the founding Board members of PICRC as well as the first NODE coordinator for Micronesia and led the development of monitoring programs here in Palau as well as the region.
She was also part of the team of Palauan researchers, who for the first time ever, provided a quantitative comprehensive scientific report on the status of Palau’s reef into the scientific literature with publication in the journal, Coral Reefs.
Years later, many young women joined the research team at Palau International Coral Reef Center, following the footsteps of Ms. Emaurois.
Direngerkiu Carol Emaurois accepted the award from President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. himself and members of the PICRC Board of Directors. Ms. Emaurois attributed her life story to the people that influenced her childhood and instilled in her values and ethos of conservation.
Speaker Sabino Anastacio, keynote speaker at the event, emphasized the theme of the gala which was People First through Conservation, expressing that PICRC serves this purpose by providing the required information needed to make good policies to benefit the people of Palau.
Furthermore, in order to address the challenges presented by climate change, a marine resource management policy based on scientific research and traditional knowledge will be developed with support of PICRC, added Speaker Anastacio.
President Remengesau Jr. in his special remarks noted that the Center has come a long way in its 16 year history. It is now managed by Palauan scientists with Palauans researchers and that in collaboration with different international institutions have make breakthroughs in scientific research.
“We truly now have a sense of ownership of this institution and what we can really be proud of is that this Center not only contributes to Palau but to Micronesia and the world,” stated President Remengesau Jr. [/restrict]