Whether it was via Facebook or in person, nearly 200 showed their love for Palau Conservation Society (PCS) this week to commemorate PCS’ anniversary. June marks 23 years of existence for PCS, Palau’s first environmental NGO. Since the organization’s founding in 1994, the community-driven organization has been a part of conservation projects large and small. Some of the most well-known are the A uel a sechelid campaign (turtles are our friends), PCS’ involvement in the formation of the Protected Areas Network (PAN), policy work at the national and state levels, and more recently, the USAID funded project focused on climate change resilience and food security in which women farmers work to revive abandoned taro patches in various communities.

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To commemorate the milestone, PCS held their Annual General Membership meeting on June 13th. Over 50 members and supporters attended the lunch meeting at Bai ra Maiberel to eat local food, to reflect on the past year, and to provide feedback for the years ahead. Board member Francis Toribiong kicked off the event by sharing some versus in The Bible that, in his view, showcased our responsibility as people to care and protect the earth. Dr. Minoru Ueki, Chairman and PCS Founder, was inspired by the attendance, especially among conservation partners. He encouraged everyone to work together to make Palau pristine once again. A short presentation and video highlighted the work of 2016 and early 2017; staff also shared PCS’ commitment to continue working with communities, to increase collaboration with partners, and to empower the next generation of conservation leaders.

The next day, on June 14, Facebook was abuzz with the PCS “I heart PCS” social media campaign. Nearly 100 people from on-island and abroad posted selfies and group shots holding “I heart PCS” signs and using the hashtag #heartPCS. Notable participants included President Tommy Remengesau, Jr., the Palau National Olympic Committee staff, and supporters from Bank of Hawaii, among many others. All photos can be seen on the PCS Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pcspalau

For the remainder of the month, PCS will be reaching out to businesses and individuals and asking for support in order to continue the work of preserving Palau for present and future generations. In addition, PCS is encouraging all Palauan residents and Palauans living abroad to become members. For more info, contact 488-3993/4716 or at www.palauconservation.org. [/restrict]