KOROR, 17 AUGUST 2018 (RNZ PACIFIC) – Palau’s President Tommy Remengesau has signed an executive order banning disposable plastics from all government offices and agencies.
The order prohibits the provision of disposable plastic and polystyrene beverage containers to employees and guests, such as water bottles, eating utensils, and Styrofoam plates and cups.
Remengesau also signed a bill into law that requires businesses to provide environmentally responsible options for customers and to educate visitors about preserving Palau’s environment.
The president said with this bill, visitors were invited to be part of the solution and to support the Palau Responsible Tourism Policy.
“More and more people come from all around the world to see our pristine paradise with their own eyes, we cannot relinquish our responsibility for these islands,” he said.
“We must meet our duty, at every opportunity, to educate international visitors about how Palau has lasted in this uniquely untouched natural state for so long, and how we can keep it this way,” he said.
