KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

• Be sure to take away everything that was brought on board and dispose of garbage
safely and responsibly.
2.4.6 Shore Side
• Support coral parks and other conservation projects
o Pay user fees in recognized coral parks and reserves which are actively
supporting coral reef conservation.
o Encourage and support the use of boat moorings.
o Participate in local initiatives to monitor the marine environment (e.g.
sighting forms.)
o Participate in cleanups.
o Volunteer your skills to help coral parks with reef surveys, outreach and
awareness.
o Consider donating used equipment such as cameras, dive gear or Reef
ID books.
• Take your garbage home with you especially items such as batteries which are
toxic and difficult to dispose of safely in countries without special waste handling
systems.
• Refuse to buy souvenirs made from coral, turtle and other marine life – often this is
illegal as many endangered species are protected under CITES (Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and by
national laws.
• Speak up: make sure snorkeling buddies understand about these simple
conservation practices – we need to work together to protect and conserve coral
reefs for all time.
Being a coral friendly snorkeler not only helps to protect coral reefs directly, it also helps
to raise awareness for coral reef. Be sure to find out local laws and regulations as they
may differ from these general guidelines.
Information Source: These guidelines were developed by the Coral Parks Program of
the Coral Reef Alliance and co-endorsed by the Project AWARE
Foundation. © CORAL. Suggestions for improving these
guidelines should be sent to info@coral.org.
2.5 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR NATURAL SITES
Even if you are aware of the following guidelines, please read them and make sure your
visitors follow them in order to minimize their impacts on our natural treasures, so that
they will be kept in good condition for future generations of Palauans and tourists to
admire and enjoy. When taking tours to natural sites, guides need to do the following:
Always store your trash in plastic bags and take it back with you to Koror on the
boat. It looks ugly left on the beaches and can pollute the sea and suffocate
marine life.
Never stand on, kick or hold coral or other sessile (stationary) marine life. Coral
is a living organism and can be damaged easily. Explain this to tourists; and
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