Overview:
Ngardmau State marked its 4th Ongedechuul System of Conservation Areas (OSCA) Day with community-led celebrations highlighting its enduring commitment to environmental protection. The event showcased Ngardmau’s unique, homegrown conservation system—rooted in traditional stewardship and community participation—to ensure the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
By: Summer Kennard
Ngardmau State recently celebrated its 4th Ongedechuul System of Conservation Areas (OSCA) Day, marking another milestone in the state’s ongoing commitment to protect its natural environment for future generations.
According to Ngardmau State PAN Coordinator Sharon Truce, OSCA is a program dedicated to environmental conservation within Ngardmau. “It’s designed to protect and sustain the environment for future generations,” Truce explained. “It’s also a community-based management system that involves local residents in the design and management of conservation areas.”
Unlike other conservation initiatives, OSCA operates solely in Ngardmau State. Truce clarified that while similar efforts may exist elsewhere, the OSCA program is unique to Ngardmau.
The annual OSCA Day serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the community’s shared responsibility toward environmental stewardship. This year’s event featured a range of community-centered activities, including coastal cleanups, traditional games, and raffle drawings, all aimed at strengthening the bond between people and nature.
Educational outreach also plays a key role. OSCA has sponsored field trips for Ngardmau Elementary School students to visit conservation sites, helping inspire the next generation to value and care for their environment.
“Through OSCA, we want to ensure that our people understand the importance of conservation,” Truce said. “By working together as a community, we can protect what we have and pass it on to those who come after us.”