KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Guests have already started arriving for the upcoming 21st Annual Pacific Islands Environment Conference which will be held on June 24-28 at Palasia Hotel.
This year’s conference theme is “Merging Tradition with Modern Technology.” The conference is jointly sponsored by Palau and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Putting this conference together has been a truly community affair,” said Pearl Marumoto, co-chairwoman of the conference development committee.
Sponsors include the Office of the President, the national legislature, the Governor’s Association, Black Micro Corp., Socio Micronesia, Inc., and Daewoo.
Mobil is also supporting the conference. In addition, a variety of private individuals, local companies and government agencies have donated boats, buses and other vehicles.
“I think that guests will be impressed at the way the Palauans have pulled together to make this conference a success,” Marumoto said.
Many members of the Palauan community will speak at the conference to share their wisdom. Speakers include political leaders such as President Tommy Remengesau and a panel of senators and delegates. There will also be a panel with traditional leaders, including Ibedul Gibbons, Reklai Ngirmang, Bilung Salii, as well as off-island leaders.
Several prominent researchers and teachers will give presentations.
Agency and private employees will share a wealth of information during field trips to the wastewater treatment plant, the drinking water plant, and the Bureau of Lands and Survey.
There will also be a number of students attending the conference. These speakers are joined by notable guests, including Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris.
“This should be a very valuable conference in terms of information transfer,” said Marumoto, “but we expect it to be even more valuable in terms of getting things accomplished.” Some of the goals include the drafting of an eco-tourism policy and creating a used oil plant.
For more information, call (680) 488-1639.
