The Palau pledge: Pacific island forces visitors to sign eco-promise

Visitors to the tiny Pacific nation of Palau are being made to sign a promise to respect the environment, in an innovative move that authorities hope will curb ecological damage caused by the booming number of tourists.

Said to be a world first, the “Palau Pledge” is stamped onto visitors’ passports and must be signed upon arrival in the country, which lies in the western Pacific about halfway between Australia and Japan.

“I take this pledge as your guest, to protect and preserve your beautiful island home,” it says. “I vow to tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully.”

With crystal clear waters, pristine reefs and abundant sea life, Palau is regarded as one of the world’s best diving spots and was once a niche tourist destination.

But visitor numbers have exploded in recent years, particularly from China, straining the infrastructure and the environment.

The pledge was written with the help of Palau’s children and President Tommy Remengesau said it was about preserving the environment for future generations.