Palau, an archipelago located in the Pacific, banned sunscreens on its islands on Wednesday. These sometimes toxic products threaten corals and one of the most important marine sanctuaries in the world. "We have to live and respect the environment because it is the cradle of life," said Palau president Tommy Remengesau. “Without him, no one in Palau can survive. "
The archipelago, located roughly between Australia and Japan, is renowned for its marine life and its diving areas. But the government is concerned about the impact that tourism can have on the environment. According to scientific studies, the chemical components of most sunscreens are toxic to corals, even in small doses. The high concentration of tourists, and therefore of sunscreen, could damage these corals for good.
Limit commercial fishing
Any sunscreen containing certain toxic products is therefore now prohibited for import and sale, under penalty of confiscation and a fine of $ 1,000. "We don't mind being the first country to ban these chemicals," said the president. “With better education and awareness, other governments will have enough confidence to take the necessary action. "
The archipelago has also enlarged the protection zone of its marine sanctuary, closing 80% of its economic zone exclusive to all maritime or fishing activity. This is equivalent to prohibiting commercial fishing on approximately 500,000 km² of ocean, according to the president. Foreign fishing fleets will also have to pay an export tax to protect local fishermen. We must let the ocean "heal its wounds", justified Tommy Remengesau.
Planet
Oceans also lack oxygen, a "growing threat to fisheries and certain groups of species"
Planet
YouTube: Videographers Raise $ 20 Million To Plant Trees
- Planet
- Environment
- Peaceful
- Chemical products
- Isle
- Coral