Conserving Palau: Our ecological responsibility.

The Republic of Palau is made up of 576 islands, 11 of which are inhabited. Declared as one of the most pristine travel destinations in the world - with renowned sites such as the Rock Islands and Jellyfish lake - Palau has worked effortlessly to protect their unique environments. It is famous for having the worlds best diving sites, along with biologically rich ecosystems both above and below the water. This archipelago attracts tourists who enjoy scuba diving, bird watching, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking.  It also boasts an extensive wartime history, with occupation of Palau being held by the Spanish, Germany, Japanese and USA – influences that remain evident across the islands today.

Additionally, Palau is one of the most ecologically-minded countries, with strict conservation policies protecting this tropical paradise. This blog details the importance of being an ecological traveler - reducing your impact on Palau, as well as providing an overview of the conservation milestones this magnificent country has attained. 

Alli Palau! 

Taking the pledge.

As a traveler, our visit can impact our destinations in both positive and negative ways. Our intentions may remain positive, however its important to acknowledge where negative impacts lie and how to reduce them. The Palau Pledge is the first campaign that has changed immigration laws in order to protect the environment.

As you arrive and pass through immigration, you’ll notice this campaign adorning the walls. Your passport will be stamped outlining the steps you need to take to reduce your impact and you’ll be asked to sign the pledge. As a visitor to Palau, you are ecologically responsible for your actions towards the natural environment. 

A sustainable checklist created by Palauan politicians, children and residents outlines the responsibility you pledge to follow:

Do not take marine wildlife as souvenirs 

Support local communities and businesses

Do not feed fish or sharks

Do not tread on or damage coral

Do not touch or chase marine life

Respect local customs, do not take local fruits or flowers

Don’t litter

Do no smoke in protected areas

Palau has an extensive history of creating policies that heavily protect their natural environment. The following timeline details these historical events and achievements:

1956 - 70 islands declared as protected reserves to conserve marine biodiversity.

1994 - Marine Protection Act implemented to support both marine species and sustainability, establishing a balance between the livelihood of fishermen and the species within these marine habitats.

1998 - Sea Turtle Federal Regulations - designed to safeguard endangered species of turtle, including the Hawksbill and Green sea turtle. Islands in which nesting occurs are off-limits.

1998 - Palau International Coral Reef Center Act - to support research and education of Palau’s coral reefs.

2006 - Bottom Trawling Ban - to secure the diversity of reef fish and protect coral reef ecosystems.

2006 - Micronesia Challenge - Palau joins its fellow Micronesian nations and territories in a challenge to conserve 30% of its marine habitat and 20% of its terrestrial habitat by 2020.

2009 - Shark Sanctuary - Palau establishes the worlds first national shark sanctuary spanning over 237,000 square miles and terminates all commercial shark fishing.

2010 - Marine Mammal Sanctuary - established to care for Palau’s whales, dugongs and dolphins.

2012 - Southern Rock Island Lagoon - becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2013 - Dugong Protection Act - established to reduce the number of dugong deaths or injuries, including the sale of dugong products. Heavy penalties are put in action.

During your visit to Palau, you will quickly understand why their conservative efforts are strongly implemented and supported. 

The biodiversity of species is rich - whether your in a marine or terrestrial environment, your in for a real treat! Lush tropical rainforests support several species of birds, lizards and plants. Enter the ocean and you’ll witness an extensive array of fish and coral species, rays, turtles and famously, sharks.

Your choices make a difference - our top 5 tips to reducing your impact in Palau.

1. Pack reusable items.

Essential reusable items include; cutlery set, metal straw (palauan coconuts are divine!), tote bag (shopping is inevitable), a water bottle (hydration is important) and a keep cup (coffee is equally important, and doubles as a takeaway bowl). These items can not only be utilised during your time in Palau, but also pre-travel, during your flight or in-transit. Unfortunately the effects of plastic pollution are still evident in Palau - small changes can still have huge impact!

2. Reef-safe sunscreen.

The effects of sunscreen on the marine environment is a hot topic - the main ingredients to avoid is oxybenzone, which is sometimes on the label as BP-3 or Benzophenone-3. If your having trouble finding an alternative at home, you can purchase plastic-free reef safe sunscreen in several shops around Koror and at most dive centers. A ban on non-reef-safe sunscreens is currently underway and will be implemented in 2020.

3. Support ecologically-minded businesses.

As you explore Palau, your choices in accommodation, dining and tour activities are important. Be sure to choose businesses that are supportive of the environment, that avoid plastic and advertise their efforts to reduce waste. A little research goes a long way!

4. Explore on foot or hire a kayak.

International travel has some unavoidable impacts - including carbon emission. You can choose to offset your flight, however when your reach Palau there are alternatives to further reducing carbon emissions. Why not slow down and take a hike? Or better yet - hire a kayak! Palau offers some incredible hikes with rewards such as reaching a stunning waterfall. Kayaking around the lagoons of the Rock Islands is especially rewarding - sit back, listen to the birds and give yourself a mental massage.

5. Can’t avoid plastic? Pack it out.

We understand that reducing your use of plastic is tough - if you bring or purchase any plastic items in Palau, pack them out with you and recycle them once your home.

A valuable concept to practice and take home with you is to Leave No Trace. Create memories and take only these memories with you. Palau is an excellent example of how ecological travel can be achieved and benefit both those who visit and those who reside in Palau. Post-travel is a great time for reflecting and revisiting memories of our adventures. Palau inevitably teaches us that ecological travel is not exclusive to our time spent aboard - are there ways you can take inspiration from Palau and apply them at home? Palau is an inspiring place - we hope you can take home with you what you will learn in Palau, from taking the pledge, exploring untouched paradise and experiencing a unique holiday in ecological paradise!