The children of Palau have designed a pledge to promote ecological responsibility among locals and visitors. The pledge is the first-of-its kind in terms of immigration laws.

The vibrant lagoons and forests of Palau nourish and shelter a diversity of native wildlife and provide crucial resources to the people of the region. Although Palauan culture has natural resource protections built into it, including sacred laws, stories, and practices, the region’s ecosystem is not immune to human impacts.

Palau is an eco-tourism destination. Visitors come to see the breathtaking spectra of ocean blues and forest greens as well as the rare and diverse native wildlife. Tourists unfamiliar with Palau’s sensitive ecosystem may not recognize the significance of their impacts. To share and enhance Palauan values among locals and tourists, the children of Palau have designed a pledge to support ecological integrity. Visitors are required to read and sign the pledge when entering into Palau; this is the first pledge of its kind—it is an immigration law intended to support the natural environment.

Palau president Tommy Remengesau said:

It is our responsibility to show our guests how to respect our island home, just as it is their duty to uphold the signed pledge when visiting.

Island Conservation is working with local Palauans on a project to restore some of the nations’ islands. CEO Karen Poiani has enthusiastically signed the pledge. She expressed Island Conservation’s support for the initiative:

We at Island Conservation are inspired and heartened by the children of Palau’s appreciation and respect for their home. We are proud to uphold the values they have articulated in this pledge as we work to prevent extinctions in the region.

Featured photo: Island Conservation CEO Karen Poiani signed the Palau Pledge and you can too. Sign the Pledge