Coordinated and held at the Ngetmeduch Learning Center and Ngeremdiu, the event featured intergenerational learning where students engaged with elders and community champions through storytelling (“Oidel a Chas”), hands-on activities, and cultural tours. Interactive stations focused on tangible, intangible, and natural heritage, while cultural site visits to Bai Melkeong and the Mesei Restoration Project at Ngeremdiu offered practical insights into traditional practices and the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Through these experiences, participants gained a deeper understanding of Palauan identity, traditions, and stewardship. The forum reinforced the message that engaging the younger generation in cultural practices strengthens pride, ownership, and responsibility for preserving Palau’s heritage and environment.
This event was made possible through the collaboration of the Belau National Museum, Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, Ministry of Education, One Reef, Palau Community College-CRE , Palau Conservation Society, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Uchul a Chei Fishers (UACF), Koror State House of Traditional Leaders, 12th Koror State Legislature, Ngara Maiberel, and Ipang Seineng er Oreor.
Funding for the forum was provided by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation through the Koror State Resilient Reefs Initiative Project, and it is aligned with the Cultural Preservation Sub-Project led by the Koror State Government’s Department of State and Cultural Affairs (KSG-SCA) under the Resilient Reefs Initiative (RISL-RRI).