Defend paradise-level beauty！ Tourists entering Palau must sign an “oath” — violators face fines of up to one million USD

▲ Palau is hailed as a paradise on Earth and was the first island nation to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Photo / Provided by Jinglian PR, same for all below.)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Comprising numerous stunning islands, Palau boasts an enchanting landscape, warm and pleasant climate, and beautiful natural surroundings. Its dreamlike sea colors make it a diver’s paradise. To promote tourism while balancing local environmental conservation and ecological protection, the Palauan government is implementing green tourism initiatives. Starting now, all visitors entering Palau will be required to sign a“Palau Pledge”.

The year 2017 was designated by the United Nations as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development,” with the aim of promoting tourism that harmoniously coexists with and sustainably develops natural, social, and cultural environments. Known as a paradise on Earth, Palau has faced significant environmental degradation due to tourism. To address the sustainable development of its natural environment, the Palauan government pioneered the "Palau Pledge," an environmental conservation-oriented oath, and incorporated its signing into the entry process.

▲ In the future, visitors entering will need to sign the “Palau Pledge.”

Starting from the first flight to Palau on December 7, all arriving tourists must sign the "Palau Pledge" in their passports upon arrival at the airport to be granted entry. This pledge was co-drafted by the Palauan government together with local children. The government views the pledge as a necessary measure to protect both the environment and culture. Violators will face legal consequences and may be fined up to one million USD.

▲ The pledge is available in multiple languages, and violators may be fined up to one million USD.

In support of the "Palau Pledge," all related materials have been translated into Chinese, Japanese, English, and Korean. Additionally, promotional signage and informational brochures are widely displayed at the airport terminal and across various locations in Palau to help visitors understand and respect the importance of environmental conservation from the moment they arrive.