Koror, Palau – February 21, 2024 – In an annual retreat held on February 19th, the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) took a bold step towards its future, marking the launch of a year-long celebration culminating in its 30th anniversary in June. The retreat served as a platform for self-reflection, strategic review, and the development of a roadmap for the organization’s next chapter.
“This retreat was needed as we reach our 30th Year of Establishment,” said Elbuchel Sadang PCS Executive Director. “This is a critical time for PCS to be thinking about where we want to see the organization in the next 30 years,” said TJ Remengesau, Chairman of PCS Board of Directors.
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Mid-Term Review and New Vision – The retreat began with a mid-term evaluation of the organization’s current strategy, highlighting key strengths like its community-centred approach, diverse programs, commitment to cultural values, and calling to attention the importance of fostering partnerships especially with resource owners – the states. Areas for improvement, such as institutional capacity, sustainable finance, communication effectiveness, and local technical expertise, were also identified.
Drawing on these insights, a vision for the next 30 years has begun to take shape. This vision emphasizes continued community engagement, fostering stronger partnerships, achieving financial sustainability, enhancing communication and education, becoming a recognized centre for local conservation expertise, fostering capacity building, and upholding foundational values of innovation, technology, culture, and stewardship.
June 2024 promises to be a month of celebration, honouring the past and looking towards the future. A series of exciting events are planned, culminating in the Annual General Membership Meeting and an Environment Symposium. These events will provide opportunities for public engagement, recognition of past Board members and staff for their contributions, highlight achievements made possible through donations of our corporate partners and to solidify its position as a leading environmental force in Palau that contributes significantly to conservation efforts for the next 30 years and beyond.l through its unwavering partnership with local state governments.
PCS would like to thank The Nature Conservancy in its capacity for facilitating this retreat and for providing necessary tools that eased the process in its self-evaluation as well as PICRC for providing the space. PCS would also like to thank the 10 visionaries that challenged the status quo 30 years ago and formed PCS that now stands as one of pillar in Palau’s environmental history and continues to grow today.
Stay tuned for updates on the planned events and activities celebrating the Palau Conservation Society’s 30th anniversary!