Ebiil Society Executive Director Receives 2020 Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. Environmental Award
Koror, Palau: January 16, 2020 – Ann Singeo, Executive Director of Ebiil Society, was presented the 2020 Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. Environmental Award by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) during the Center’s 19th Anniversary Dinner Gala. Presented every other year of the Center’s annual fundraising event, this Environmental Award recognizes an individual who has been able to make significant contributions towards conservation and management efforts in Palau.
Ann Singeo, Executive Director of Ebiil Society receives 2020 Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. Environmental Award
Viewing over 130 public nominations, a committee consisting of two government officials, two members of NGOs and two PICRC staff, reviewed more than 35 nominees proposed for the award. After careful review of the submitted nominations, Ann Singeo, Executive Director of Ebiil Society, was chosen for the award.
Beginning with the creation of Ebiil Society in 2005, Mrs. Singeo envisioned an organization which could empower communities through education. As environmental challenges and unsustainable practices began to emerge, Ebiil Society implemented indigenous knowledge to inspire conservation and environmental stewardship first through the Ebiil Summer Camp programs, which led to student “outdoor classrooms” and adult workshops, radio talk shows and other programs.
Some of the challenges Ebiil Society has been addressing are deforestation, sedimentation, sand mining, marine debris, turtle egg poaching, unsustainable fisheries, low sea cucumber regeneration, and more. Education about traditional methods includes traditional fishing, turtle monitoring, marine debris monitoring, taro farming, traditional navigation, birdwatching, tree planting and sustainable tourism.
“I am humbled to be honored with this award, knowing that the work I have been able to be part of is the result of many hands, the communities we work in, and all of our partner agencies and organizations,” stated Singeo upon receiving the award.
Such achievement that Mrs. Singeo demonstrates is a direct result of the power of individuals and communities together making a difference with positive impacts. The Ebiil Society continues to inspire persons of all ages and nationalities to care for our Palau and the Earth. The Camp Ebiil theme can say it well: “My land, my water, my home; May I always be as beautiful and kind to you, as you have been to me.” For more information about Ebiil Society, please call 680 855-2676.
As Palau’s leading research and aquarium institution, the Palau International Coral Reef Center conducts its Anniversary Dinner Gala each January. For more information, please visit www.picrc.org.
