Overview:
Koror came alive with purpose and energy as the Palau Visitors Authority hosted its annual Earth Day Green Fair, drawing students, families, and partners into a powerful celebration of sustainability. Centered on the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” the event highlighted youth leadership, traditional knowledge, and practical solutions—from plant conservation to home gardening—underscoring a shared commitment to protecting Palau’s future.
KOROR, PALAU — On Friday, April 24, 2026, at the heart of Koror, the local community united for a vibrant celebration of environmental stewardship at the annual Earth Day Green Fair hosted by the Palau Visitors Authority. Guided by the powerful theme, “Our Power, Our Planet: Ng Ultuil Ra Klisiched, Leng Beluad El Rokir,” the event transformed the fairgrounds into a hub of education, tradition, and sustainability.
The fair saw an impressive turnout, with a strong presence from both elementary and high school students, along with the locals and visitors. Their participation highlighted a growing commitment among Palau’s youth to take ownership of the island’s ecological future.
The Plant Contest
The centerpiece of the fair was the Plant Contest, which celebrated the intersection of biodiversity and culture. Participants competed in two primary categories:
- Medicinal (Btaches): Highlighting the vital role of traditional healing plants in Palauan heritage.
- Ornamental (Kilkuld): Showcasing the aesthetic beauty and diverse flora of the islands.
Official Plant Contest Winners
Below are the recognized leaders in horticulture for our two premier categories, showcasing excellence in both aesthetic beauty and traditional medicinal knowledge.
Ornamental Plant Category (Kilkuld)
- First Place: Filly Carabit
- Second Place: Ayles Sukrad
- Third Place: Julie Jiro
Medicinal Plant Category (Btaches)
- First Place: Ayles Sukrad
- Second Place: Julie Jiro
- Third Place: Medalina Skang
Interactive Learning and Cultural Exchange
The day was packed with activities designed to engage the next generation. Students participated in a fun Q&A session to test their environmental knowledge, while the Embassy of Japan captivated the audience with a graceful Ikebana (flower arrangement) presentation, blending international artistry with natural beauty. Everyone who attended had a chance to participate in the raffle drawings for a chance to win the giveaway items.
To ensure the crowd stayed hydrated in the island heat, the Palau Red Cross Society provided essential support by managing water stations throughout the venue.
Empowering the Community
Thanks to the generosity of local partners and government agencies, attendees left the fair equipped to start their own green initiatives:
- Gardening & Nutrition: WCTC Ace Hardware, Mason’s Hardware, and True Value donated high-quality gardening tools. The Taiwan Technical Mission further supported local food security with donations of fresh fruit baskets and dozens of eggs.
- Sustainability Resources: The Bureau of Agriculture distributed plant seedlings to eager growers, while Koror State Solid Waste Management provided bags of soil compost, encouraging residents to practice organic gardening at home.
Unified Support
The Earth Day Committee was present in full force, offering their guidance and support to ensure the event’s success. Their presence emphasized the collective “Power” mentioned in this year’s theme—reminding all attendees that the health of the planet is a shared responsibility.