On January 8 and 9, 2020, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) held its annual Education Carnival as part of the Center’s anniversary celebrations. Over 500 students from six different schools across Palau attended the two-day event, where various interactive activities were set up to learn more about our oceans.
During their visit to PICRC, students learned about plastic pollution and how it’s entering our food webs; ocean acidification and the way in which it’s affecting corals; and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), which came into effect on January 01, 2020. At the same time, students were encouraged to participate in PICRC’s 2021 Arts and Tides Calendar, which serves as means to raise awareness about plastic pollution in our ocean. At the end of their visit, students were encouraged to visit the Palau Aquarium.
“The Education Carnival is one of the many ways that we use to reach out to our students,” stated PICRC CEO, Yimnang Golbuu, “It is estimated that in 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. We need to educate the younger generations and encourage them to take action so this prediction does not become a reality.” (PR)