By: Eustoria Marie Borja
The Palau Earth Day Committee, in collaboration with the Airai community, participated in this year’s World Clean-up Day with a focus on restoring and maintaining the health of Ngerkedam’s mangrove channels. This coastal clean-up also served as an opportunity for fostering community engagement and raising environmental awareness
Participants targeted three key taoch (mangrove channels) in Ngerkedam—Ngerusar, Ngetkib, and Ngeruuluobel—where debris had accumulated. Volunteers then conducted a final walk-and-pick clean-up under the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, ensuring that the surrounding areas were also cleared of litter and debris.
To promote responsible waste management, the Koror State Solid Waste Management (KSWM) team held a demonstration on proper waste segregation. The team emphasized the importance of sorting waste at the source, explaining how separating recyclables from organic and non-recyclable waste can reduce landfill use, improve recycling efforts, and minimize environmental damage. Participants learned about the different waste categories, such as plastics, paper, glass, and organic matter, and the importance of keeping these materials separated to enhance Palau’s recycling initiatives
Highlighting the cultural connection between Palauan traditions and environmental care, the event concluded with a special Cheldecheduch el chelid ceremony led by Recheiungel Ben Yobech. This reflected Palau’s dedication to both its natural environment and cultural heritage.
World Clean-up Day, observed globally each September, addresses the rising issue of solid waste from the city streets to coastlines.
This year’s coastal clean-up exemplified how united community efforts can directly impact environmental health and promote sustainable practices, fostering long-term benefits for both the environment and the people of Palau.