Paradise in Palau

February 1996
Green mounds only a few metres apart rise out of the glassy, blue sea. Under the water, fluorescent fish dart through strands of orange corral. The island of Palau is a paradise on earth. It has been voted number one wonder of the underwater world. But all this beauty faces the threat of rampant tourism. Since independence in 1994, the people of Palau are seeking to rePlace US funding with revenue from an ever expanding tourist trade. Although, such economic growth will generate jobs, there is great concern for the environment. Palau's second industry, fishing, is also making an impact. As giant tunas are lifted by cranes from the fishing boats, conservationist Noah Idechong is acting to safeguard fishing stock. He has persuaded local chiefs to reinstate the "bul", an ancient law which bans fishing in major breeding grounds. In revitalising traditional customs, he has the support of Palau's vice president, Tommy Remengesau. There is hope that this young nation will mature with its environment and its cultural identity in tact.

Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures

Category:

News & Politics

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• beauty
• fishing
• over-fished
• tradition
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[angeline75]

MrBlackBrit: You are quite obviously a bigot. I do not want your hate and prejudiced to spread to my beautiful Island. My people are beautiful and kind, not bigoted and full of hate like you sir. Please stay in Britain, or wherever you are at. Thanks Much :)

[angeline75]

I am palaun as well. What beaujam is speaking about it true. Our island has voted with Israel more times than any other place on earth, even when it came to blocking humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians civilians. This is not the right thing to do. I would hope that my fellow Palaun people will push for and support a shift in paradigm; backing a move that violates other human beings rights is a horrible thing to do. I would hope that everyone here look at the UN drafts that palau voted for.

[pinangjawa]

@heroiclegendxxx Geographically Asia, geopolitically Oceania/Australia.

[meyunskid001]

@chokamano no worries, its just a myth

[iampeeay01]

Looking forward to have a vacation on this place. A perfect spot for diving. I enjoyed watching the video especially the part were the narrator spoke about the legend of palau. :)

[artur81297]

my right ear is lonely

[1Urganda1]

a "paradise" haunted by a billion Asians depleting its waters?

[MissLoveTantei91]

I was looking up homocide rates in different counrties of the world... Palau, according to Wikipedia, has had a zero percent homocide rate in the 2000's. ZERO!!! o_o Perhaps I'll move there.

[SkulldozeR]

This is where I want to live ( I live in Greece now :/)

[chokamano]

no offense palauans, but i really never believed the "uab" story or some sort.. the story about the gigantic boy...blah, blah, blah and yea..i didn't get it though. sorry for disbelieving your beliefs.......................­...........peace