Palau mangrove conservation campaign launched with Future Stewards

Palau In celebration of World Mangrove Day, approximately 130 fifth and sixth grade students from elementary schools across Palau participated in an immersive field trip to explore and learn about the vital mangrove ecosystem as part of a national mangrove education campaign guided by a coalition of local partners.

The students were divided into four groups and kayaked, hiked, and visited different locations during the morning: (1) Melekeok and Airai schools in Ngiwal, (2) Koror, Meyuns, and George B. Harris schools in Oikull, (3) Ngardmau, Ngeremlengui, Ibobang, and Aimeliik schools in Tebcheding, and (4) Ngerchelong students in Ollei.

At Ngetmeduch, the day concluded with the official launch of the National Mangrove Conservation Campaign, with special remarks from Uoruios Elliot Udui, Palau Council of Chiefs representative, Dr. Dale Jenkins, Minister of Education, and OneReef Youth Advocate Lewis Ngirkelau. The campaign highlights the importance of mangroves to the health and well-being of the Palauan people, protecting the island’s ecosystem and preserving cultural heritage.

The event was attended by the governors of Airai, Ngadmao and Kayangor states and representatives of the Ngacheron state government. The students presented their experiences, shared what they learned, what they liked and didn’t like, and highlighted the important role of mangroves.

The event aims to develop future social, cultural and environmental stewards by engaging young people in hands-on science activities on the ground, strengthen the use of the Palauan language by highlighting the ecological and cultural importance of mangroves, and raise awareness of the role of mangroves in addressing climate change, enhancing food security, and ensuring social, environmental and cultural resilience.

This initiative is in line with the Department of Education’s vision to develop dedicated Palauan stewards and global citizens by strengthening academic skills through hands-on and field-based activities and emphasizing the importance of mangroves in Palau’s ecology and culture.

We extend our sincere gratitude to students, teachers, parents, community leaders and advocates, and local partners for making this day educational, safe, and fun.

About the Mangrove Sports Alliance: The Mangrove Campaign Alliance organized the event with local partners including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment (MAFE), Ministry of Finance (MOF), Palau Conservation Society (PCS), Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), OneReef Micronesia (with support from USAID’s Our Fish Our Future program), Conservation International (CI), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Palau National Museum (BNM), Ebiil Association, KSG Department of State and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, and with guidance from mangrove ecologists Dr. Richard McKenzie and Paddling Palau.

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