Earth Day, recognized globally on April 22nd, a day where people celebrate environmental activism, stewardship commitments, sustainability efforts, and to spread awareness of environmental issues, will be observed in Palau this week through digital platform.
In response to Earth Day 2020, Palau has dedicated a whole week to commemorate this occasion with the theme being “Climate Action: Community Solutions to Protect Our Nest of Life”.
To celebrate the spirit of Earth Day, agencies such as Environmental Quality Protection Board, Palau Pledge, Angel Center, Palau Conservation Society, Bureau of Public Works Solid Waste Management Office are conducting various activities to encourage the participation of the community with most of the activities through social media or other digital forms.
These activities include creating a short message, video or photographs showing actions taken that fight climate change or show love for “nest of life.” The social media challenges aim to inform the public about the importance of environmental conservation and to appreciate the beauty of Palau’s environment. For earth activity tips, check the posted tips on the two local newspapers.
According to Presidential Proclamation No. 20-280, Earth Day 2020 aims to “provide the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human behavior and attitudes towards the protection of the environment.”
It further stated in the proclamation that “it is more important than ever before that all citizens, institutions, and communities demonstrate out shared demand for bold, transformative change, and actions for a cleaner, safer, healthier, and sustainable Palau that protects and support all of us.”
Palau’s efforts during Earth Week are fulfilling commitments of the United Sustainable Development Goals No.13 (Climate Action), No.14 (Develop Life below Water, Oceans, Seas, and Marine Resources) and No.15 (Protect, Restore, and Promote Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems)