In honor of Earth Day, this past Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Remengesau² Foundation in partnership with Ngaraard State Government, Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), Friends of PNMS, Rubekul Belau, and Rubekul a Choll hosted a coastal cleanup in Ngaraard State with Palau High School students and Ngaraard State youth.
High Chief Reklai Bao Ngirmang served as guest speaker reminding the youth of their instilled responsibility to care for our environment as Palauans. Also in attendance was PICRC CEO Roxanne Siual Blesam with PNMS Program Manager King Sam, Researchers Maikani Andres, and Melissa Serna who presented on reducing plastic waste, keeping our ocean clean, and the importance of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.
After two hours of picking up trash and debris, close to a hundred trash bags were filled with plastic waste not locally found in Palau. This is an issue many community members face and would like to see more actions taken to address it.
After the coastal cleanup, the youth enjoyed learning how to weave (mengaus) and had a friendly and exciting competition of spear throwing (omurech) and coconut husking (omengeched el lius). They were also gifted “color your own” tote bags from PICRC!
This initiative was made possible through the generous support of Legislator Neil Fisher and Family, Legislator Saburo Remoket, Beouch Demei Obakrairur, Olkeriil Yaoch, Carla Ngirailemesang, Losii Singeo, Isikl Mengloi, Noro Naruo, Palau High School counselors and bus drivers, and all the passionate volunteers.
The Remengesau² Foundation is committed to protecting and preserving Palau’s cultural and environmental heritage. Through initiatives like this, the foundation empowers youth to be stewards of their culture and environment and foster pride in their unique Palauan identity.