Koror, cheap Palau – The Republic of Palau and its people should be proud of implementing policies that protect its people, medical species and the environment as two outstanding marine policies has won the Future Policy Award 2012.
On September 26, seek the World Future Council announced Palau as the winner of the Future Policy Award 2012 in recognition of two marine policies, the Protected Areas Network Act of 2003 and the Shark Haven Act of 2009.
“With the Future Policy Award, we want to cast a spotlight on policies that lead by example. The aim of the World Future Council is to raise awareness for exemplary policies and speed up policy action towards just, sustainable, and peaceful societies,” said Alexandra Wandel, Director of the World Future Council. “The 2012 Future Policy Award highlights the challenges faced by the world’s oceans as well as exemplary solutions to protect them,” added Wandel.
The Shark Haven Act is a celebrated milestone, and has influenced other nations to step up and protect shark species in their respective waters. Palau was the first country to ever create a legislation banning commercial fishing of shark species in its territorial waters.
The Protected Areas Network Act on the other hand ensures long-term sustainable use of resources and has the institutional flexibility to adapt to future changes. Thirty-five protected areas have been designated thus far, with the overall goal of protecting 30 percent of the near-shore marine environment and 20 percent of the terrestrial environment by 2020.
Not leaving behind other outstanding policies, the World Future Council recognized two other countries, the first going to Namibia for its Marine Resources Act of 2000 for establishing an ecologically and economically viable fishing industry.
The second silver award went to the Philippines for its Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act, which ensures and strengthens the management of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its coral reef biodiversity.
According to the international jury, the winning policies contribute most effectively to the sustainable management of the world’s oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.
An awarding ceremony will conducted at the upcoming 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in India on October 16, 2012.
By R. Jonathan, OTV
