(Koror, Palau) – What began in Estonia in 2008 with 50,000 volunteers has since grown into one of the world’s largest civic movements—World Cleanup Day. Over the past five years alone, more than 70 million people across the globe have taken part, mobilizing their communities and uniting efforts for the Sustainable Development Goals.
This year marks the 4th year of celebrating World Clean Up Day in Palau. The Palau Sport Fishing Association (PSFA), together with FRIENDS of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (FRIENDS), the Palau Conservation Society (PCS), Rotary Club of Palau, National Youth & Cheldebechel Council (NYCC), Palau High School Sports Club, and the Ngiwal Elidwid Youth Organization, proudly joined this worldwide effort on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
The celebration was twofold: a coastal cleanup and a creative art activity, both designed to inspire environmental stewardship among Palau’s youth. From Imekang Dock to the Ngemai Conservation Area, students and volunteers collected over 903 pounds of trash, underscoring the ongoing challenge of marine debris along our shores and in our mangrove habitats.
Following the cleanup, participants teamed up with the AD HOC Art Center for a creative workshop. Using collected debris as patterns and textures, students designed unique artwork and custom shirts—turning waste into a message of resilience, creativity, and conservation.
Adding to the celebration, the Koror State Recycling Center’s Eco Glass initiative showcased beautiful works of art and jewelry created from recycled glass. These pieces highlighted how waste can be transformed into something of cultural and economic value, reinforcing the message that sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.
“By turning discarded glass into jewelry and art, we show the community that waste can be more than just trash—it can become beauty, livelihood, and pride,” said Nyssa Roberst of Eco Glass at the Koror State Recycling Center. “On World Cleanup Day, alongside the Derby, we are reminded that protecting our environment also creates opportunities for innovation and new ways to celebrate our culture.”
Community support has long been at the heart of PSFA’s work. Just as fishing enthusiasts come together during the annual Derby to support sustainable fishing and celebrate Palau’s world class fisheries resources, World Cleanup Day brings together partners, youth, and organizations to protect the same environment that sustains both our traditions and our economy.
“The same community spirit that drives our Derby is what makes World Cleanup Day so powerful in Palau,” said Vivienne Ngirarsaol of AD HOC Art. “Every bottle, every net, every piece of trash removed is a step toward cleaner oceans and healthier fisheries, ensuring that our children can continue to enjoy—and protect—the sea that defines our way of life.”
The Palau Sport Fishing Association extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their energy and commitment, and to partners including the AD HOC Art Center, the Koror State Recycling Center, and the Palau Conservation Society, whose continued collaboration has made this initiative successful year after year.