By: Eustoria Marie Borja
Koror, Palau – Despite marking nine years since its establishment, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) passed its anniversary yesterday with no formal celebration. This is the third consecutive year without a major public event commemorating the sanctuary’s achievements, shifting away from the tradition of past gatherings. The last large-scale celebration took place in 2021, drawing over 200 attendees to Kokusai, Ngatpang.
When asked by Island Times about the lack of a celebration, PNMS Director King Sam responded that the sanctuary was “celebrating in different ways” this year, pointing to research initiatives and ongoing projects. “There is no one event, and Leebu’s Voyage is just one of the activities,” Sam said, referring to the current deep-sea exploration missions by the Exploration Vessel Nautilus. He emphasized that the sanctuary’s focus has moved toward scientific research and sustainable management, supported by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).
This shift is a marked departure from previous anniversary events, which highlighted PNMS’s role in conservation, community engagement, and food security. The 2021 celebration, for instance, featured educational booths, guest speakers, a pelagic fish cook-off, and student art displays. Attendees included Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau Senior, former President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., and other national leaders, all lauding the sanctuary’s success.
During that celebration, PNMS Director King Sam spoke passionately about the sanctuary’s purpose. “The PNMS was established to conserve our ocean resources and strengthen our food security,” he said. “Six years later, it stands as one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. It’s an amazing accomplishment to celebrate.”
With no anniversary events held this year, some in the community are left wondering if PNMS’s current direction has moved away from public celebrations altogether. Although Sam pointed to Leebu’s Voyage as part of the sanctuary’s “celebrations,” the absence of any formal gathering has sparked questions about the sanctuary’s evolving priorities.
As PNMS emphasizes research and data-driven conservation, this new approach may mark the end of grand annual celebrations. Instead, the sanctuary’s focus appears to be on fostering scientific understanding and sustainable practices. For now, PNMS’s legacy and its contributions to Palau’s marine environment remain celebrated in quieter, less public ways, setting a different tone for its future anniversaries.
However, the Friends of the National Marine Sanctuary stepped in to observe the occasion with an educational outreach event, “Conference on the Water,” aimed at inspiring the next generation. The Friends group organized an immersive experience for students from Palau High School (PHS) and Palau Community College (PCC), offering insights into PNMS’s impact on marine security and tourism. Students met with representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries (BOFI) and Marine Law, who highlighted PNMS’s contributions to maritime surveillance and Palau’s marine economy. Palauan Dive Master IB Misech also spoke with the students about his work in marine tourism and conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving Palau’s ocean resources.
This educational initiative by Friends of the PNMS reflects an effort to foster community engagement and raise awareness about the sanctuary’s role, even as the sanctuary itself has shifted focus toward scientific research and sustainable management under the guidance of the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).
The Friends of the National Marine Sanctuary’s approach underscores a commitment to community education, helping keep the sanctuary’s mission alive through outreach rather than celebration. By focusing on learning and awareness, Friends of the PNMS continue to uphold the sanctuary’s legacy in the absence of formal anniversary festivities.