Environment News 8.11.14 Part III: Introducing Tommy Remengesau - Champion of the Earth 2014 The UN’s Environment Programme has just named the President of Palau, Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. as the 2014 Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership. This well-deserved honour reflects the lasting impact that President Remengesau has had on conservation, both in Micronesia and globally. President Remengesau’s bold commitment in 2005 to preserve an astounding 30% of Palau’s near-shore marine resources and 20% of its terrestrial resources by 2020 launched the Micronesia Challenge and stimulated other wonderfully important regional protection initiatives like the Coral Triangle Initiative and the Caribbean Challenge. As an outspoken advocate for ocean conservation and sustainability, President Remengesau has positioned Palau on the leading edge of marine protected areas and fisheries reform. Palau is home to a spectacular array of biodiversity and ecosystems and hosts a World Heritage Site, the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, recognized for its exceptional ecological diversity, coral reefs, lagoon and limestone islands and marine lakes. In reflection of this incredible diversity Remengesau also signed a law in 2006 banning bottom trawling in Palau waters. At the time he said, “…we are legislating out of a responsible concern for our seas and seabed and their vulnerable coral habitats and deep water fish stocks and, if these measures are good enough for our own waters, what is the excuse for so disrespecting the waters beyond? It is time now to bridge the gap for the deep seas.” nature.org/newsfeatures/pressreleases/the-nature-conservancy-congratulates-the-president-of-palau.xml?utm_campaign=social.nature&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_content=1415386339
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 22:28:07 +0000
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