Overview:
Palau has declared April as Earth Month, with nationwide cleanups, reef restoration and a major push led by traditional chiefs to remove marine debris and invasive species across all 16 states.
Council of Chiefs joins national push with traditional stewardship efforts across 16 states
KOROR, Palau (April 2026) — Palau has officially designated April as Earth Month, launching a nationwide campaign of environmental activities ahead of Earth Day on April 22.
His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr. issued Presidential Proclamation No. 26-424, recognizing the observance and calling for collective action to protect the country’s natural resources.
This year’s theme, “Investing in Our Community: Safeguarding Our Investments for a Cleaner Future, Kaukledem el Kirel a Ungil Omengereomel el mo Klungiolel a Ungil Klukuk er Kid,” emphasizes sustainability and shared responsibility for environmental stewardship.
The Palau Earth Day Committee — composed of 16 organizations spanning national and state governments, semi-government agencies, non-governmental organizations and partner countries — is leading the initiative. The committee is chaired this year by the Palau International Coral Reef Center.
Organizers are encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to adopt environmentally friendly practices throughout the month, including reducing plastic use, reusing materials, properly segregating waste and joining community cleanups and tree planting efforts.
In parallel, the Palau Council of Chiefs is mobilizing hamlet and village chiefs, along with schools, civil society groups and partners, in a nationwide effort rooted in traditional stewardship. In observance of Earth Day and longstanding Palauan practices of caring for village environments, the council is coordinating activities across all 16 states on April 18 and April 25 to collect marine debris and remove the invasive “kebeas.”
Earth Month activities began April 10 with the Dive 4 Earth Day cleanup at T-Dock in Meketii, organized under the Palau Pledge in partnership with Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Participants collected 159 kilograms (350 pounds) of marine debris, with assistance from the Koror State Government’s Solid Waste Management team.
A series of events will continue throughout the month:
- A Night Market at Ernguul Park on April 17, co-hosted by Koror State Government, will promote sustainable living through local vendors and community engagement.
- Tree planting initiatives led by the Bureau of Environment, the Ngerbeched community and Ngchesar State will take place April 17–18.
- A Reef Restoration Day on April 18 in Ngerkebesang, hosted by PICRC and Palau Pacific Resort, will support coral recovery efforts.
- Sons of Sureor will lead a coastal cleanup at KB Bridge on April 19 to remove marine debris and protect ocean ecosystems.
Earth Day on April 22 will focus heavily on youth engagement. Activities include tree planting at Palau High School through the Koror State Urban Growers Program, as well as coral planting projects led by PICRC with students from Meyuns Elementary and Ngaraard Elementary schools, in partnership with the Ngaraard State Government and The Nature Conservancy.
Public schools nationwide will also participate in an Ocean Stewardship Program from April 20–24, while select schools — including Airai, Angaur and Koror elementary schools — will host activities such as clam planting, microplastic surveys and roadside awareness campaigns.
Additional Earth Day events include a Community Closet Clothes Swap at the Civic Center Hall, organized by Rengelekel Belau, promoting reuse and sustainable consumption. The U.S. Embassy and the Bureau of Environment’s Division of Forest, Land and Water Management will also plant vetiver grass hedges to reduce soil erosion.
The month’s activities will conclude with a Green Fair at Ernguul Park on April 24, hosted by the Palau Visitors Authority. The fair will highlight sustainability initiatives and feature a plant contest showcasing medicinal and ornamental species.
Organizers say the goal of Earth Month is not only to protect Palau’s environment, but to inspire long-term commitment — especially among young people — to preserving the nation’s natural heritage.
