KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

5.3 Best Practice Guidelines for Sites of Cultural & Historical
Significance
Given the importance of these sites to Palauans in terms of their history and culture and
concerns that exist in regard to its future, those visiting cultural sites should not engage
in any type of behavior or activity that disturbs the integrity of this site or diminishes the
respect that should be accorded to it.
Remember to take everything you bring to the site with you when you leave.
Do not remove anything from the site. Although you may not think something is
significant to the site, all pieces make up the whole; if most tourists remove
pottery sherds from a site, there will soon be none left.
Remember that many sites include culturally sensitive areas and therefore
behavior should always be respectful.
Do not allow divers to touch any objects found in or around shipwrecks. In the
past, divers have removed artifacts from wrecks, reducing their value as dive
sites and diminishing their historical integrity. It is also dangerous to touch
anything found in wrecks as there is often live ordinance present which could
endanger people’s lives.
When visiting WWII sites, please ask tourists not to touch or climb on airplane
remains. Remind them that in most cases a person or several people died at the
site and it should be accorded the necessary respect.
When visiting bai and other cultural sites, be sure to inquire about fees prior to
arrival. Many States charge entrance fees or charge for photographs to be taken
of their cultural and/or historical sites as in some cases, they cover the costs of
maintaining the sites. Explain this to your tour group and ensure that they pay the
necessary charge.
Sources and Additional Reading:
Ballendorf, D. A and King, P. (eds.) 1980. Towards New Directions and Political Self-
Actualization. Micronesian Area research Center.
Hezel, F.X, 1983. The First Taint of Civilization : a history of the Caroline and Marshall
Islands in the pre-colonial days, 1521-1885. University of Hawai’i Press.
An Account of the Pelew Islands (1877?) George Keate.
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