Page 27 - Micronesia

— Micronesia —
— Micronesia —

PALAU

This pristine paradise is a dream island destinations. Palau’s rare dugong, homes for at least 1450 species of reef
destination. known locally as the mesekiu, as well as fish and 400 species of reef-building
endangered species such as the hawksbill hard corals, as well as 150 species of
Like giant green mushrooms scattered turtle, or the chambered nautilus, a deep soft corals, gorgonians, and sea pens.
across a tranquil turquoise lagoon, water shell species that inhabits only a Some of the famous residents and
the limestone Rock Islands of Palau few Pacific islands, can be found here. visitors include manta rays, black or red
seen from the air are one of the most Not only does Palau protect its marine snappers, napoleon wrasse, bumphead
exquisite creations of nature found in life, it puts new species on the lists. parrot fish and pelagic species including
the world. The spectacular Rock Islands Trapped in an enclosed body of water, the colossal whaleshark, marlins, and
Southern Lagoon was inscribed onto the the mastigias of Jellyfish Lake have tornados of schooling barracudas.
UNESCO World Heritage list in 2012. completely lost their sting because they Outside of the reef are sports fishing
But that’s just the beginning. From have not had to repel predators. Instead, opportunities beyond your wildest
sunburnt volcanic savannahs to forests they spend their days in privileged dreams and fully equipped charters to
concealing endemic plant and bird life, leisure, pulsating gently from one side bring back the proverbial “big one”.
to coral atolls and reefs teeming with of the marine lake to the other while A democratic country that still abides
marine life, the Republic of Palau is truly catching the sun’s rays and farming their by its culture and traditional leadership,
Nature at her most majestic.
own food supply of algae. Snorkelling Palauan villages were, and still are,
Within this archipelago is a marine surrounded by them is fascinating and traditionally organised around matrilineal
diversity higher than most of surreal. Discovered in one of Palau’s clans. Men and women had defined roles.
Micronesia. Sharks thrive in waters deep underwater caves, a prehistoric A council of chiefs governs the villages,
that in 2009 became the world’s first eel was named Protoanguilla Palau as while a parallel council of women holds
shark sanctuary, setting an example recently as 2011. Rainbow-filled walls an advisory role in the control of land,
that has been followed by many other and channels on the fringe reef provide money and the selection of chiefs.

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