The Republic of Palau is a country consisting of tiny islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and its economy is mainly based on tourism and fishing. When you go to the market, almost everything is imported from abroad except seafood and tropical fruits. As such, tourism revenues take a very serious place in the economy. At this point, the Palau government seems to have succeeded in establishing a sustainable ecotourism system with the steps and measures it has taken.
First of all, if you want to travel to Palau, you are asked for a tax called GreenFee during passport control.When I gave this money, I had a lot of scenarios in my head about where the money would go, where it would be used, corruption, etc., but I didn’t question it much of course. But over time I learned and observed that we contributed to sustainable tourism with this money.In addition, all visitors are given an information form about the protection rules and asked to sign it.
First of all, let’s go to Palau International Coral Reef Center, an institution with open doors for everyone. We went in without any appointment and introduced ourselves. We told them that we were from Turkey but we were working in Palau and we wanted to see their work and they were very happy. I felt that they really wanted to share what they were doing, how proud they were of their achievements.This organization has a threefold mission in general.
-The most basic is to do research.They are constantly observing the reefs and recording all the changes.Not only the reefs but also the fish populations are under observation.Through constant observation, they can see the changes immediately and take quick decisions to prevent if there is a bad picture.
The second important issue is public information and legal steps. In 1998, up to 90% bleaching of reefs and 30% coral deaths were observed in some areas.The same rates of fish population decline and a decrease in the ocean’s capacity to clean itself. Currently, 80% of Palau’s coasts are closed to fishing. This rate is kept constant and new places are opened to fishing from time to time and the open places are closed, giving nature time to find its balance. At some points, not only fishing but all activities, i.e. diving, snorkeling, boat tours or even just passing by boat is forbidden. During diving, it is forbidden to take seashells etc. for souvenirs to the neighbors in any way. At the exit of the airport, the bags are checked and if something is found, penalties are imposed. And all of these are notified to you with a document at the entrance to the country and you sign and accept.
It is also strictly forbidden to drop anchor at dive sites. All local and foreign instructors undergo a local guidance training organized by the state upon the issuance of their work permits. During this training, detailed information about sustainable tourism practices is given.
Lastly, and I think the most important thing for the steps to be sustainable is to raise public awareness. When young people grow up with this awareness and start to look at nature as a treasure that needs to be protected, everything is actually much easier.
As a diving instructor, I try to explain to my students not only the diving but also the responsibilities of being a diver. In this way, I try to create a chain and create some awareness.
Maybe one day we can put our seas among our priorities.
I hope it was a useful article.
Sincerely regards
