Overview:
More than 50 people have signed up for PCS's "Grow Local for a Healthy Palau" workshop series so far, with the second session on July 30 covering compost, soil, and portion-size nutrition guidance from local experts as the community push for healthier, more food-secure households continues.
Koror, Palau — July 30, 2026 — The Palau Conservation Society (PCS) successfully concluded the second workshop of its Grow Local for a Healthy Palau – Healthy Nurture, Healthy You project on July 30 at Longshoremen’s Inn in Koror. The interactive workshop brought together community members committed to improving their health through sustainable home gardening, better nutrition, and healthier lifestyle choices.
Funded by the National Coordinating Mechanism (NCM) for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), the six-month initiative promotes healthier households by encouraging families to grow their own food, strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and adopt sustainable food production practices. The project is being implemented in continued partnership with the Koror State Solid Waste Management Office’s Urban Growers Program and the Civic Action Team (CAT), led by Dr. Chris Henderson, combining expertise in urban gardening, nutrition, and community health to empower residents with practical skills for healthier living. The project aligns with the Palau Conservation Society’s mission of working alongside communities to conserve Palau’s unique environment while fostering healthier and more resilient communities.
Although the workshop accommodated approximately 14 participants, community interest in the project has exceeded expectations. More than 50 individuals registered across the project’s first two workshops. The inaugural workshop, held on July 7, welcomed approximately 37 participants, while approximately 20 individuals registered for the second workshop, with 14 attending. The strong response demonstrates growing public interest in home gardening and healthy living initiatives.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the project’s objectives and explored how producing food at home can reduce dependence on imported foods while increasing access to fresh, nutritious produce. Discussions highlighted the important connection between sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and disease prevention.
A key feature of the workshop was a presentation by Dr. Chris Henderson of the Civic Action Team (CAT), who provided practical guidance on nutrition, healthy eating, and lifestyle habits that support long-term wellness. Dr. Henderson explained the importance of consuming balanced meals, understanding appropriate portion sizes across food groups, and making simple dietary changes that can significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Participants also learned how incorporating more homegrown vegetables and locally available crops into everyday meals can improve nutrition while supporting local food systems. Dr. Henderson emphasized that healthy eating begins with informed choices at home and that small, consistent changes can have lasting positive impacts on individuals and families.
The workshop also featured an engaging hands-on demonstration led by Ms. Flaviana Lemei, a longtime employee of Koror State and an experienced urban gardening instructor for the Urban Growers Program who has been teaching urban gardening techniques for more than nine years. Ms. Lemei guided participants through essential tabletop gardening practices, including compost preparation, soil selection, planting techniques, and ongoing garden maintenance. Her practical demonstration equipped participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to establish and maintain productive tabletop gardens in their own homes.
As part of the live demonstration, Ms. Ebil Orrukem, a respected retiree and active member of several Mechas organizations in Airai, was selected as the recipient of the completed tabletop garden assembled during the workshop. The demonstration highlighted the accessibility of tabletop gardening and encouraged participants to begin growing fresh vegetables regardless of available space.
“Our goal is to empower families with practical knowledge and skills that improve health while strengthening food security,” said a representative of the Palau Conservation Society. “By encouraging households to grow their own food, we are investing not only in healthier communities but also in a more sustainable future for Palau.”
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to receive practical training from experienced local experts and to connect with others who share an interest in healthy living and sustainable food production. The workshop fostered meaningful discussion and provided participants with valuable resources to begin or expand their own home gardens.
The Palau Conservation Society extends its sincere appreciation to the National Coordinating Mechanism (NCM) for Non-Communicable Diseases for providing funding that made the project possible. PCS also acknowledges the valuable partnership and support of Ms. Flaviana Lemei from the Koror State Solid Waste Management Office and its Urban Growers Program, Dr. Chris Henderson and the Civic Action Team (CAT), and all participants whose enthusiasm and commitment continue to drive the success of the initiative.
As the six-month project continues, additional activities and training opportunities will provide participants with ongoing support to strengthen their gardening skills, encourage healthier eating habits, and promote sustainable food production practices throughout Palau.