Palau In a grand celebration of World Mangrove Day, approximately 130 5th and 6th grade students from elementary schools across Palau participated in an immersive field trip to explore and learn about the vital mangrove ecosystems. This initiative was part of a national Mangrove Education Campaign guided by a coalition of local partners.
The students, divided into four groups, spent the morning kayaking, hiking, and guided tours at different locations: (1) Melekeok and Airai schools at Ngiwal, (2) Koror, Meyuns, and George B. Harris schools at Oikull, (3) Ngardmau, Ngeremlengui, Ibobang, and Aimeliik schools at Tebcheding, and (4) Ngerchelong students at Ollei.
At Ngetmeduch, the day concluded with the official launch of the national Mangrove Campaign. Special remarks were given by Uoruios Elliot Udui, representative of the Palau Council of Chiefs; Minister of MOE, Dr. Dale Jenkins; and Lewis Ngirkelau, OneReef’s Youth Champion. The campaign emphasizes the importance of mangroves for the health and wellbeing of Palauan people, the protection of the island ecosystem, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
State Governors from Airai, Ngardmau, Kayangel, and representatives from Ngarchelong State Government attended the event. Students showcased their experiences, sharing what they learned, loved, and disliked, highlighting the vital role of mangroves.
The campaign aims to foster future social, cultural, and environmental stewards by engaging youth in practical field-based science activities, strengthen the use of Palauan language by highlighting mangroves’ ecological and cultural importance, and raise awareness of mangroves’ role in combating climate change, enhancing food security, and ensuring social, environmental, and cultural resilience.
This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education’s vision to cultivate dedicated Palauan stewards and global citizens by reinforcing academic skills through practical, field-based activities and emphasizing the significance of mangroves in Palauan ecology and culture.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the students, teachers, parents, community leaders and advocates, and local partners for making this day educational, safe, and fun.
About the Mangrove Campaign Coalition: The Mangrove Campaign Coalition organized the event with local partners including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment (MAFE), Ministry of Finance (MOF), Palau Conservation Society (PCS), Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA), OneReef Micronesia (w/support from USAID OurFish OurFuture Project), Conservation International (CI), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Belau National Museum (BNM), Ebiil Society, KSG Dept. of State & Cultural Affairs, the US Forest Service, and guidance from Paddling Palau and Mangrove Ecologist, Dr. Richard MacKenzie.