Koror, Palau – January 31, 2025 – Hundreds of students from across Koror and Babeldaob took part in the Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) 24th Anniversary Education Carnival, a three-day event designed to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts among Palau’s youth. Held from January 28 to 30, the event featured hands-on activities and learning stations led by local conservation groups, educators, and scientists.
Students from 13 schools participated in interactive sessions on marine science, sustainable practices, and environmental responsibility. At PICRC’s booth, students explored topics such as coral bleaching, reef health monitoring, and the significance of Palau’s diverse ecosystems, from mangroves to deep-sea habitats. Meanwhile, Palau Conservation Society (PCS) and Palau Community College-Cooperative Research & Extension (PCC-CRE) introduced students to tools for tracking biodiversity using the iNaturalist app and sustainable agriculture methods that promote eco-friendly food production.
A key moment in the event came from Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (FRIENDS of PNMS), which introduced two major initiatives aimed at involving young Palauans in environmental action. The Palau Pledge Dive Camp, set for March 24-29, will give children aged 12 to 14 an opportunity to obtain a PADI Open Water scuba certification, exposing them to potential careers in marine conservation. Interested students must apply by February 25.
In addition, the group launched the Palau Pledge Challenge: “Kick the Butts and Cap the Waste”, a school-wide competition encouraging students to collect cigarette butts and plastic butane caps to raise awareness about pollution. The challenge runs until April 17, with prizes such as field trips, celebratory meals, and fuel vouchers awarded to the top-performing elementary and high school teams.
To reinforce the importance of conservation, FRIENDS of PNMS also screened The Giant, an award-winning film that showcases how young Palauan’s can be advocates for environmental protection.
The event wrapped up with students expressing enthusiasm for the lessons learned, leaving with a stronger commitment to safeguarding Palau’s natural resources. Organizers thanked the participating schools, organizations, and volunteers for their contributions in inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.
For details on the Palau Pledge Dive Camp or the Palau Pledge Challenge, visit Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary on Facebook or Instagram, or call (680) 488-6887.