The Republic of Palau, an archipelagic country located in the western Pacific Ocean, introduces a covenant system for any tourist entering the country.
As reported by the news.com.au page, a tropical country consisting of about 200 of the island was hoping, the pledge of agreement can make the tourists committed to protecting the environment conservation of the homeland of the people of Palau.
Palau is the first country in the world to change the law on immigration to protect its natural environment. The tourism sector is like a double-edged knife. On the one hand, the sector succeeded in providing social and economic benefits. On the other hand, there is the impact of damage to the wider environment.
In Palau, the tourism sector has a devastating impact on the environment such as beaches, coral reefs, heritage sites, and water supplies.
"The children of Palau, as my guests promise to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique homeland, I swear to act kindly and explore with great care I will not take what is not given I will not hurt what is not hurting, the only thing I will leave behind is the footprints that will be lost again by the waves, "the pledge must be read by tourists.
In addition to being read, the pledge must also be signed by tourists who want to enter the country. If caught violating, they will be imposed a fine that is not kidding.
One of the things prohibited there for example, take shells or coral shells are usually stranded on the beach as a souvenir.
Tourists are also prohibited from touching and stepping on coral reefs, disposing of garbage, and are required to respect local customs.
Not just tourists, ordinary citizens until the president of Palau has also taken an oath before.
Palau's Director of Maritime Affairs, Keobel Sakuma said he wanted the world to pay more attention to their commitment to the environment.
To date, there are 13,624 promises already made by the immigration authorities.