Koror, Palau — “SPOGOMI is more than just a cleanup. It’s a fun, competitive event where anyone can join, learn about sorting ‘gomi,’ and help change attitudes about waste,” said Yusuke Tsuchikawa, JICA volunteer and organizer of the Palau qualifiers.
Palau is stepping up its fight against a growing waste management crisis with the upcoming SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 Palau Qualifier, a competitive litter-picking event aiming to raise awareness and promote waste segregation across the Pacific island nation.
The qualifier is part of the global SPOGOMI movement, a game-changing cleanup competition fueled by the Nippon Foundation and inspired by Japan’s grassroots efforts to tackle litter. The event challenges 30 teams of three to collect and sort as much trash as possible from designated areas within a set time, awarding points based on the volume and types of waste gathered.
“Tackling ‘gomi’—trash—is one of Palau’s most serious challenges. Despite a new national landfill, more waste is being dumped than expected,” Tsuchikawa added. Palau faces mounting waste problems, with ineffective segregation and escalating marine litter, much of which originates from land. The government has been pushing the 3Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle—to combat the issue, but public participation remains critical.
“This event empowers participants, especially children, to recognize the problem, sort trash properly, and take leadership in their communities,” Tsuchikawa said. Winners of the Palau qualifier will earn the opportunity to compete in the global SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 in Japan, offering a chance to connect with environmental advocates worldwide and experience cross-cultural exchange.
The event is supported by Palau’s Bureau of Public Works, Ministry of Education, Koror State, Palau Visitors Authority, the Japanese Embassy, JICA Palau, and local organizations like Clean Piece Palau.
Palau to host SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 qualifier, promoting Grassroots Waste Management
