Amazing photos of Palau, Pacific Marine Sanctuary

The Palau Islands (Palau) in the Pacific extends the area of its marine reserve to 500,000 km2

Palau , with his 340 islands and more than 1300 fish species, is a paradise for marine life. Located in Micronesia, in the Pacific, it is a popular destination for its beaches, diving and surfing.

In order to preserve its still virgin environment, 80% of the country's waters have become a marine sanctuary this week where no commercial fishing or mining can take place. Almost as large as Spain, the sanctuary now stretches over 500,000 square kilometres. It is now the sixth fully protected marine area in the world.

“The island communities are among the most severely affected by threats to the ocean. The creation of this sanctuary is a bold gesture that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival." , said the president of Palau Tommy Remengesau in a statement. “We want to show the way in restaurants the health of the ocean for future generations. »

This measure also aims to prevent illegal fishing by strengthening the rules for vessels crossing the waters of Palau. Approximately 20% of Palau's waters will be reserved as a national fishing area for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition on which the number of commercial licences issued to foreign fishing vessels will be reduced and removed. In the long run, tourism would be the main source of income for this archipelago with only 18,000 inhabitants.

Judging by the photos below, the citizens of Palau and their president take care of a beautiful and unique environment.