Welcome to Palau; sign before you enter

ON Dec 7, the Pacific island destination unveiled a new pledge for all incoming visitors and became the first country to incorporate environmental practices into its immigration laws. Before guests receive the stamp in their passport, which they must sign before an officer, they will watch an in-flight video inspired by a Palauan legend.

In the film, a giant lands on the archipelago and inadvertently stomps on its natural resources. Realising the damage that he has wrought, he pursues a more sustainable, gentle-giant approach, thereby helping preserve the islands' natural beauty for future generations. The takeaway lesson for tourists: Tiptoe on those big feet of yours.

"Tourists do not realise the negative impact they are having," said Laura Clarke, one of the four co-founders of the Palau Legacy Project. "If something isn't done, it is clear that tourists collectively could cause serious damage and devastation to Palau's fragile ecosystems."