Ngardok Nature Reserve (NNR), Palau’s only freshwater lake and surrounding jungle located in the state of Melekeok, celebrates 25 years since establishment by Melekeok State Public Law in December 1997. Lake Ngardok, in addition to Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary, make up the Melekeok Conservation Network (MCN). Activities in recognition of this silver anniversary will be ongoing throughout this year, and the first event opened this past Saturday, March 26, with a coastal clean-up spanning four different states on Palau’s east coast. Participants from Ngiwal, Melekeok, Ngchesar, and Airai states signed up to walk along their respective state coasts and roadsides to pick up trash. In total, about 120 participants of all ages signed up in all four states to take part, and a total of about 12 tons of trash was collected.
That evening of March 26, Ngardok partners also gathered to put on a booth at the Palau Visitors’ Authority (PVA) Night Market, where special commemorative t-shirts and stickers were sold, and visitors were able to learn more about Lake Ngardok and the species of animals and plants which can be found within the Nature Reserve.
The Ngardok 25th Anniversary Committee would like to thank the following partners, donors, and organizers for their help in making this event possible. Ngiwal State: Ngiwal State Government, Ngiwal PAN Office, Ngiwal Youth Representatives, and Melekeok Legislator Yuch Toribiong Mekreos; Melekeok State: Melekeok State Government, Melekeok Conservation Network, and Melekeok Youth Representatives; Ngchesar State: Ngchesar State Government, Ngchesar PAN Office, Ngchesar Youth Representatives, and Melekeok Legislator Risong Tarkong; Airai State: Legislator-elect Williander Ngotel, Spis Valentino Ngirkiklang, Airai State Government, Airai State Legislators Pun Ngirchoimei, Reagan Sidoi, and Torual Gibbons, Belias Youth Council, and Airai PAN Office.
For more information about Ngardok Nature Reserve, please contact MCN Coordinator Dearlynn Rebluud, at dearlynnrebluud@gmail.com; msgconservationnetwork@gmail.com; or visit Melekeok Conservation Network on Facebook and @ngardok_mcn on Instagram.