(First Place Winners of the PNMS 10th Anniversary Essay Contest, from high school level and elementary level. This year, 2025, marked the 10th year since the Palau National Marine Sanctuary was enacted into law.)
The Palau National Marine Sanctuary is more than just a law or a boundary in the ocean: It is a Promise to Protect our waters, our culture, and our future. By working together as youth, communities, scientists, and traditional leaders, we can make sure the sanctuary stays strong for many more years.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary is not just looking back at what has been done, but also looking forward to what we can still achieve. I believe the next 10 years of PNMS will continue to inspire Palauans to care for the ocean, and I am proud to be part of a generations that will help make this happen.
The PNMS also reminds us that the ocean is not only the job of leaders, but also the responsibilities of the whole communities can support PNMS by the following the rules, joining awareness activities, and teaching young people why the sanctuary matters. Youth like me can also make a difference. We can join beach clean-up, learn about traditional practices from our elders, and share what we know in school and on social media. Even small actions, like reminding friends not to litter, can help. One way I believe can support PNMS is by learning more about our environment in school and bringing those lessons home to our families. When young people are involved, we show that the future of PNMS is in safe hands.
Another important idea of PNMS is how science and traditional knowledge can work together to take care of the ocean. Palauans have always had traditional ways of managing the sea, such as bul, where certain areas on species are left alone to recover. This shows the wisdom of our elders, who understood that nature, needs time to rest. But at the same time, modern science gives us tools to study the ocean in new ways, like tracking fish populations, measuring water quality, or using technology to watch over large areas of the sea. Both science and traditions have strengths but when they are combined, they are even more powerful. Tradition keeps us connected to our culture, while science helps us face new challenges like climate change. Together they can guide us to make for the future of the ocean.
One of the main reasons, PNMS was created is to make sure Palau waters are protected for the generations that will come after. Our waters are home to many kinds fish, reefs, and other marine life. These resources are not only important food, but also for traditions, culture and the economy of our islands. It we do not take care of our ocean now, there will be fewer fish, damaged reefs, and lost tradition overfishing and pollution can harm the ocean so much that it may never recover. When I think about the future, I want the next generation of Palauans, including my younger siblings or cousins and future children, to enjoy the same ocean that I do. Protecting the ocean today means they will be able to fish, swim, and carry on the traditions of our People.
The Ocean is more than just water around Palau/ It is our food, our culture, and our future. For generations, the people of Palau have relied on the ocean to live, and it continues to be part of our identity. That is why the Palau National Marine Sanctuary or PNMS, is so important. The PNMS was created to protect Palau’s offshore waters, and this year we celebrated its 10th anniversary. This celebration is not only about the sanctuary itself, but also the community, and the importance of protecting our ocean. And protecting our waters for the future, combining science and tradition, and encouraging youth and community action are all important to keep the PNMS strong.
Grade level: 8th Grade
School-Meyuns Elementary School
Name: Joy Dolmers
Parents: Davy Ann and Jonathan Keorung
PNMS Anniversary:
_Protecting our ocean for the future