Overview:
In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), communities across Palau united for a nationwide Coastal and Community Clean-Up — reaffirming Palau’s enduring commitment to conservation and cultural stewardship. From island states to high school teams, more than 2,000 kilograms of waste were collected in one day, showcasing the collective spirit that continues to define Palau’s leadership in ocean protection.
MELEKEOK, Palau — “Palau is strong when her people are united — when each person takes responsibility for the health of the land and the ocean,” said High Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, as hundreds of volunteers gathered across the nation to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) with a massive community clean-up.
High Chief Reklai celebrates his 93rd birthday and the 10th Anniversary of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.
The islandwide Coastal and Community Clean-Up on Friday brought together states, schools, and organizations from across Palau in a nationwide show of unity and environmental stewardship — a living expression of the principles embodied in the PNMS and the Palau Pledge.
The PNMS, which protects 80 percent of Palau’s ocean from industrial fishing and extractive activities, remains one of the world’s strongest marine conservation initiatives. It reflects the Palauan ethos that environmental protection is inseparable from cultural identity and community wellbeing.
“By cleaning our shores and villages, Palauans are safeguarding food sources, protecting tourism value, and ensuring cleaner, safer spaces for communities,” organizers said. “Marine debris is more than an eyesore — it threatens coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and marine life, ultimately impacting the health and livelihoods of our people.”
Nine states — Kayangel, Ngarchelong, Ngaraard, Ngiwal, Melekeok, Airai, Koror, Peleliu, and Angaur — led coordinated clean-up efforts across beaches, mangroves, and village areas, while Sonsorol and Hatohobei communities joined efforts at Echang. The Dmakeukel States collectively focused on eastern coastal mangrove and shoreline areas.
High schools also joined the movement. Student teams from Palau High School, Mindszenty High School, Palau Mission Academy, and Belau Modekngei High School cleaned areas in Ngaraard and Ngiwal, while more than 250 students gathered in Melekeok to tally results, celebrate teamwork, and take part in a surprise skills event featuring coconut husking, spear target practice, and fire building.
In total, volunteers collected over 2,040 kilograms (about 4,500 pounds) of waste. Many teams reported running out of trash bags before running out of trash — a testament to both the scale of the problem and the determination of participants to make a difference.
The nationwide effort was made possible through the collaboration of Rubekul Belau, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (FPNMS), and the Remengesau Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Education, the Governors Association, the Speakers Association, the Palau Earth Day Committee, Palau Community College-CRE, high school principals, and the Airai and Koror Solid Waste Management Teams.
High Chief Reklai Ngirmang, whose birthday coincided with the clean-up, urged participants to see conservation not just as policy but as personal practice. “Our duty is not just to speak about conservation, but to live it like what you are doing today with the clean up,” he said. “Even small acts of care, to your friends who aren’t here because of drugs, talk to them.”
The clean-up was part of a series of activities leading up to the PNMS 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, honoring a decade of national dedication to ocean protection and community-driven conservation.
As the day ended, communities across Palau reaffirmed their shared commitment to preserving their lands and waters — continuing a legacy of stewardship that remains central to Palau’s identity and future.